Posts Tagged ‘blood sugar’

Will I have to go to the hospital if I am diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes? If so, what will I do there? Will they just teach me how to control my diabetes? Will they just monitor me? Will they do anything that hurts to me besides insulin injections, and checking my blood sugar?

When you have type 1 diabetes, why does it matter if your blood sugar is high? What happens if you don’tt treat diabetes? What happens if you don’t take the shots or watch what you eat? Do you die?

Your body obtains glucose from the food you take in, the liver and muscles also supply your body with glucose. Blood transports the glucose to cells throughout the body. Insulin, a chemical hormone, helps the body’s cells to take in the glucose. Insulin is made by the beta cells of the pancreas and then released into the bloodstream.

If the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin does not work the way it should glucose is not able to enter the body’s cells. Instead the glucose must remain in the blood causing an increase in blood glucose level. This high blood glucose level causes pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Pre-diabetes means that blood glucose level is higher than average but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Having pre-diabetic glucose levels increases risk for developing type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease and stroke. Still, if you have pre-diabetes there are many ways to reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Moderate physical activity and a healthy diet accompanied by modest weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes and help a person with pre-diabetes to return to normal blood glucose levels.

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, being very hungry, feeling tired, weight loss without trying, the appearance of sores that slowly heal, having dry and itchy skin, loss of feeling or tingling in feet, and blurry eyesight. Still, some people with diabetes do not experience any of these symptoms.

Diabetes can be developed at any age. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this type of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas are no longer able to produce insulin because they have been destroyed by the body’s immune system.

Type 2 diabetes is also referred to as adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent diabetes. It may be developed at any age, including childhood. In this type of diabetes is the result of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells do not interact properly with insulin. At first, the pancreas is able to produce more insulin to keep up with the increased demand for insulin. However, it loses the ability to make up for the body’s cells inability to interact properly with insulin with time. The insulin is unable to help the cells take in glucose, this results in high blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. An unhealthy weight contributed by a high calorie diet and lack of physical activity increases the risk for developing this form of diabetes.

African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Asian and Pacific Islanders are at especially high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes refers to the development of diabetes in the late stages of pregnancy. It is caused by hormones associated with pregnancy and a shortage of insulin. This form of diabetes goes away after the baby is born, but puts both the mother and child at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes in later life.

Diabetes is a serious disease and when it is not well controlled, it damages the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, gums, and teeth. Having diabetes makes one more than twice as likely as someone without diabetes to have heart disease or stroke.

It is important to keep blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control to avoid the serious complications associated with diabetes. Taking steps to control diabetes can make a large impact in the one’s health.

Risk Factors

Diabetes is a serious disease with no cure. Controlling blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help prevent or delay complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease and stroke. Much research is being done to find ways to treat diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is the result of the body’s own immune system, which fights infections, turning against part of the body.

Currently, it is unclear what exactly causes the body’s immune system to turn on itself attacking and destroying the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. There are genetic and environmental factors, such as viruses, involved in the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers are working to identify these factors and prevent type 1 diabetes in those at risk.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with being overweight, high blood presure, and abnormal cholestorol levels. Being overweight can contribute to one’s body using insulin correctly.

Other risk factors include:

• Having a family history of diabetes, perhaps in a parent, brother, or sister.
• Being of African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino descent.
• Having a history of heart disease.
• Having a history of gestational diabetes.
• An inactive lifestyle

Prevention

Modest changes in lifestyle can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in those at risk. Here are some helpful tips.

• Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight has many negative effects on one’s health and can prevent the body from properly using insulin. It also can contribute to high blood pressure. Research shows that even a modest amount of weight loss can reduce one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Make healthy food choices. What we put into our bodies has big consequences in our health and how our body functions. Eating healthy helps control body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
• Be active. Find a physical activity you enjoy and that gets your heart pumping, perhaps walking briskly, dancing, or yard work. Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week – research shows that this helps to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Diabetes is sometimes referred to as a “silent” disease because people may not show any signs or symptoms. Symptoms of diabetes include: excessive thirst frequent urination, being very hungry, feeling tired, weight loss without trying, the appearance of sores that slowly heal, having dry and itchy skin, loss of feeling or tingling in feet, and blurry eyesight. Still, some people with diabetes do not experience any of these symptoms.

Symptoms for type 2 diabetes develop gradually, while type 1 diabetes develops more quickly.

Doctors use different tests to diagnose diabetes. Tests to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes include the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A random plasma glucose test allows doctors to diagnose only diabetes.

If any of these tests show that you might have diabetes, your doctor will need to repeat the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day to confirm the diagnosis.

Because type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, especially in people who are overweight, doctors recommend that anyone 45 years of age or older be tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight, getting tested is strongly recommended.

Older adults are at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, particularly if they are overweight. Doctors recommend that those over 45 years of age be tested for diabetes especially if they are overweight.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to pain, disability, and death. Sometimes people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They delay scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick.

Despite the risk of diabetes due to age and weight status, people often delay having a checkup because they do not feel any symptoms. Sometimes, people experience symptoms do not realize that it may be diabetes. Still, diabetes is a serious disease which, if left untreated, may lead to hazardous complications and even death.

Often times, people are not diagnosed with diabetes until they experience one of its complications, such as heart trouble or difficulty seeing. Early detection can prevent or delay such complications, making checkups all the more important.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but with careful control of blood glucose level, as well as cholesterol levels and blood pressure, it can be managed.

People with type 1 diabetes use insulin injections, by shots or an insulin pump, to control their blood glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes use oral medications, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels. In some cases of type 2 diabetes, a person can use diet and exercise alone to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels.

Managing your blood glucose includes several lifestyle changes. These include:

• Follow a meal plan that makes sense for you and how your body responds to the different foods that you eat.
• Incorporate physical activity into your daily life.
• Take the appropriate diabetes medicine and check your blood glucose levels in a manner that is consistent with your doctors recommendations is also key.

Treatment – Diet and Exercise

1.  HAVE A STRICT MEAL PLAN

It is very important to make healthy choices when it comes to choosing what food to eat.  This will keep your blood glucose level in the correct range.  When choosing a meal plan, pay attention to how your body responds to the types of food that you eat.

A meal plan will help you to achieve a healthy weight  as well as help control your blood glucose levels.  A dietitian can help clarify misconceptions about healthy eating as well as ease you and your family into a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.  It is also important to consider the following things when developing your meal plan:

• your weight
• daily physical activity
• blood glucose levels
• medications

It is not necessary for diabetes to only eat particular foods.  Generally, foods that are good for everyone are also good for diabetics.  The following foods are ideal:

• Those that are low in fat, salt, and sugar.
• Foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

It is best that you consult with your doctor regarding your meal plans.  They can often give you the contact information of a dietitian or a diabetes educator who can help you to construct an appropriate meal plan.  Making healthy choices in your diet will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, control your blood glucose levels, and prevent heart disease. 

2.  STAY ACTIVE

It is very important for people diagnosed with diabetes to have a regular exercise program.  Research has shown better blood glucose levels in older adults and senior citizens who take part in a regular fitness program.

A fitness program offers many health benefits which are especially important for people with diabetes:

• It helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight
• It promotes insulin functioning to lower blood glucose
• It strengthens the heart and lungs
• It increases energy

It is always best to talk to your doctor before you start your exercise program.  Know that some exercises may not be safe for people with eye problems or high blood pressure such as weightlifting.  Request for a complete check-up from your doctor to ensure that you do not have any special problems associated with diabetes.  Your doctor can help you find exercises that are safe for you.

Make physical activity a part of your daily life.  Try different activities and look for ways to increase physical activity in your everyday life.  Try to get some sort of exercise every day for at least 30 minutes.  If you are new to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your exercise.  Some of the activities you can try are:

• Walking
• Riding a bike
• Gardening
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Household chores

Medication for Diabetes

1.  INSULIN

Insulin is a liquid hormone that must be injected with shots or an insulin pump.  It is used to lower the blood glucose levels of people diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.  This is taken when the body does not have enough of it.

2.  DIABETES PILLS

Diabetes pills are used in many cases of Type 2 diabetes when the body makes enough insulin but is not properly used by the body.  Some are taken once daily while others must be taken more often.  Your doctor will advise you on how you should take your pills.  If you are experiencing side effects from the pills, it is best that you immediately advise your doctor regarding this.

Finally, it is best to remember that diabetes pills should be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise.  Other cases of type 2 diabetes do not require insulin or diabetes pills.  A healthy diet and regular physical activity is sometimes sufficient to treat their diabetes.

Monitoring Your Body

A blood glucose monitor can be used to keep track of your blood glucose levels.  It will help you detect the “highs” and “lows” of your glucose levels.  Logging these levels regularly in a diary will be helpful to get a better idea of how your treatment is going.  Some people must check their blood glucose levels several times a day while others check it once daily.   It is important that you seek the advise of your doctor as to how often you are required to test your blood.

1.   HYPOGLYCEMIA

A condition referred to as hypoglycemia results when glucose levels fall too low.  When this happens a person, may become shaky and confused.  Moreover, if a person’s blood glucose levels decreases too much, there is a high risk of fainting.

Following the treatment plan recommended by your doctor as well as monitoring your blood glucose levels can help you avoid “lows.”   Always check your glucose level.  If you find it is too low, you can increase it by taking in sugary foods or drinks such as fruit juice.

2.  HYPERGLYCEMIA

A condition referred to as hyperglycemia results when glucose levels are too high.  If blood glucose is too high, it can cause a person to go into a coma.  If you experience persistent “highs,” it is best that you discuss this with your doctor as you may need to adjust your treatment plan.

The ABCs of Monitoring Diabetes

It is important to note that people with diabetes are at especially high risk for developing heart disease and stroke. Always monitor your diabetes using your “ABCs.”

A. A1C OR AVERAGE BLOOD GLUCOSE

The A1C (A-one-C) test is a good measure of what your blood glucose level is most of the time. A test result lower than 7 is positive sign that your diabetes is under control. A test result that is greater than 7 means that blood glucose levels are too high.

If your A1C is too high, take action. Talk with your doctor about changing your treatment plan and lifestyle to reach your goal. Lowering your A1C to a healthy level, will help you avoid the complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease and kidney damage.

B. BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure can lead to stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. Generally people with diabetes want to keep their blood pressure less than 130/80. Have your blood pressure checked at every doctor visit. If it is too high, talk with your doctor about how you can lower it.

C. CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol, is a fat like substance that builds up in your arteries. If your cholesterol levels are too high it causes your arteries narrow. This can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. People with diabetes should try to keep their cholesterol less than 100. Have your doctor check your cholesterol, and if it is too high talk with him or her about how to reach your cholesterol goal.

Foot and Skin Care

High glucose levels and decreased blood supply to the limbs can cause severe nerve damage and loss of feeling. Unnoticed injuries can contribute to ulcers, which may lead to amputation.  Because of this, foot care is very important for people with diabetes.  Always check your feet every day for cuts, red spots, sores, infected toenails, and swelling and report any issues to your doctor.  Also be sure to have your feet checked at every time you visit the doctor’s office.

People with diabetes are likewise more likely to experience skin injuries and infections.  Always take good care of your skin.

My brother has been just detected having Diabetes Mellitus with blood-sugar 281 after fasting and a triglyceride level of 544.  I solicit expert recommendation regarding total recovery from this disease.

• What foods should be taken?
• What foods should be avoided?
• At what intervals should food be taken?
• What should be the way of life?
• Why does a person get this disease?
• How it can be avoided altogether?

Our maternal grandfather had this and our mother aged 86 years also has it.

Since I was young, I’ve had sensitive blood sugar. About once a month I’ll suddenly become very hungry, with horrible headaches and dizziness.  I have to stop everything and eat and drink slowly until I can sit up again.  This is just my norm. I can’t skip a meal without getting very sick (throwing up, shakiness, fatigue).  Do you show symptoms of Type 1 diabetes suddenly or gradually? I’ve had some minor health problems for a few months and I feel like something is wrong.

A few decades back, diabetes was an uncommon disease.  Today, however, there are an estimated 143 million people who are affected by the disease and that number is fast increasing.  In fact, it is estimated that by 2020, over 220 million people are expected to be living with diabetes.

In the United States alone, the numbers for diabetes are as follows:

• 18.2 million people (6.3% of the population) are living with diabetes
• 13 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes
• 5.2milion (or nearly one third) are unaware that they have the disease

It is worthy to note that in developed countries, most patients of diabetes are over sixty years old while the patients affected in the developing countries are young and considered to be in the prime of their life.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus is derived from the Greek word “Diabeinein,” which means to pass through describing copious urination, and Mellitus, a Latin word meaning “sweetened with honey.”  Putting these two words together signify sweetened urine or sugar in urine.

Diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to produce or to utilize the insulin.  The insulin is a hormone which the body needs to be able to control the rate in which sugar, starch and other foods are converted into glucose.  This is what the body needs to provide us the energy we need.

After a meal, the liver stores the glucose from the meal as glycogen and releases it into the blood in between meals.  The role of insulin is to control the storage and release of glucose.  It ensures that the amount of glucose in the blood at every particular time does not go beyond or below the normal range.

Insulin is required by the body to help maintain the blood glucose level within the normal range (60-100mg/dl).  This value is called the Fasting Blood Glucose.  It would be worthy to note that despite the body’s several demands for glucose in different situations, the blood glucose levels rarely exceeds this value.

Types of Diabetes

There are five classes of diabetes according to the World Health Organization (WHO):

1.  Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Type I Diabetes

Type I diabetes is not common and accounts for only 10% of all diabetes cases.  It was initially called Juvenile onset diabetes because it only affects adolescents and young adults.   It is caused by a sudden failure of the pancreas to produce insulin.  It’s symptoms are:

thirst

polyuria (passing large amount of urine)

diuresis

weight loss

2.  Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II Diabetes

Type II is the most common type of diabetes and accounts for over 80% of all cases.  It is usually found in adults and the elderly.  This type of diabetes usually develops unnoticed over a long period of time.  It is characterized by insufficient insulin, deficient insulin in the blood or the inability of the body to utilize the insulin that is present.  This is called insulin resistance.  It often goes by undetected because of its slow and gradual occurrence and only gets noticed when one or more of its long-term complications appear.

Unlike in Type I Diabetes, the insulin in the blood of a Type II diabetic may be normal or even high.  However, due to insulin resistance, it lacks the desired effect.  This is prevalent among obese people.

3.  Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes only occurs during pregnancy and disappears after delivery, usually within three weeks. An estimated 3% of all pregnancies are accompanied by gestational diabetes.  Almost half of these patients are prone to developing permanent diabetes later in life.

4.  Diabetes Insipidus

5.  Bronze Diabetes

What Causes Diabetes

Currently, there are still no clear cause for diabetes.  However, there are certain risk factors which increases one’s chances of having diabetes.  For example, indolent and well-fed populations are 2 20times more likely to develop type II diabetes than active and lean population of the same race.

Below are the following risk factors:

1.  OBESITY

Of the patients diagnosed with Type II diabetes, it is estimated that three quarters of these patients are obese. The patient’s lifestyle has a strong influence on this.  Indolent and affluent lifestyles seems to greatly contribute to this.  Moreover, a 10kg weight loss can reduce fasting blood sugar level by almost 50md/dl while an active lifestyle with frequent exercise is known to increase Insulin sensitivity.

It is important that you monitor your Body Mass Index (BMI) as obesity is based on these values.  This is computed by dividing the body weight (in Kilograms) by the square of height (in metres).  For adults, a BMI less than 25kg/m2 is preferred.  25 29kg/m2 is considered overweight and above 30kg/m2 is considered obese.

2.  FAMILY HISTORY

The chances of having diabetes is greater for people who have a family history of diabetes.  If diabetes runs in your family, it is essential that you adapt a healthy lifestyle and constantly monitor your blood sugar level.

3.  AGE AND RACE

The onset of Type II diabetes usually occurs in patients who are over 40 years of age.  However, do note that the probability increases for those who have a family history of diabetes, are obese and probably leading sedentary lifestyles.Moreover, diabetes tends to be more prevalent among certain races such as Africans, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans. Belonging to any of the races is a risk factor in itself.

4.  HISTORY OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES

A woman who has had a history of gestational diabetes also increases her chances of developing permanent diabetes later in life.

Pre-Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that is managed through your lifetime once you have acquired the disease.   While there is no known cure for this, you can however, prevent it from happening to you.

Understand that diabetes is almost always preceeded by pre-diabetes.  This is when your blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes.  To prevent diabetes, it is important that you take time to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.  You can do this through a test called Fasting Blood Glucose.  This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in one’s blood before taking any meal for the day.   It is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

A value below 100mg/dl is generally accepted to be normal, while a value greater than 100mg/dl but less than 120mg/dl is considered as pre-diabetes.  If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you need to take urgent steps to reduce your blood glucose or risk acquiring a life long diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition.  Fortunately, it can still be reversed by making changes in diet pattern and increasing physical activity.

Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

It should also be emphasized that the racial and genetic factors which puts people at risk of having diabetes are still beyond human comprehension and control.  Therefore, it is best to reduce all human controllable factors to the barest minimum.  Most of these factors have to do with social occupational and diet habits.

The following tips can help reduce your diabetes risk:

1.  Maintain an average body weight

Reducing body fat and maintaining an average body weight is essential to avoid diabetes.  Keep in mind that obesity seems to be the single most significant factor in diabetes. The ideal body mass index (BMI) is as follows:

• Males – less than 25kg/m2
• Females – less than 24kg/m2

2.  Engage in an Active Lifestyle

A sedentary and affluent lifestyle puts you at a greater risk of acquiring diabetes.  It is recommended that you increase your physical activity by engaging in simple dynamic exercises such as brisk walking.  Do this on a regular basis.

Keep in mind that exercise has a lot of benefits.  It…

• reduces bodyweight and fat
• increases functionality of the heart
• reduces the chances of diabetes
• boosts emotions and healthy living

3.  Cut down on your alcohol intake

Alcoholic intake of more than 2 units per day has been shown to adversely affect the body. And since alcohol is very addictive, it is better to complete cut off alcohol from your lifestyle.

4.  Do not smoke

Cigarette smoking and alcohol have been related to several diseases.  When you stop smoking, you reduce the chances of several other ailments apart from diabetes.  Keep in mind that cigarette smoke has been shown to contain several poisonous substances.

5.  Develop good eating habits

• Cut down on fatty food and junks
• Consume more fish and poultry (without the skin is better).
• Garlic reduces blood pressure cholesterol; add it to your meal plan once in a while.
• Cut the number of eggs you consume to 3- 4 eggs weekly.  It is better to boil them than to fry them.
• Reduce salt intake to less than 5.8 grams daily.
• Eat more vegetables and fibre rich food, especially fruits.

6.  Constantly monitor your fasting blood glucose

I went on to insulin at the beginning of 2008, my blood sugar changes over the day between 5 to 14. I am in Australia.
At 61 years of age, I also have a lower back problem where my discs have worn down. And also suffer Bi-Polar.
This Question is for my mum she needs some evidence that she can’t drink coke.