Posts Tagged ‘diabetes symptoms’

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.

The African American community is greatly affected by diabetes.  In fact, it is one of the leading causes of death in the African American community.  It is fifth on their list of leading causes and the death rate of those with diabetes are 27% higher than the white community.

There is a total of 2.8 million African Americans who have diabetes and this number is broken down as follows:

• One-third of those who have diabetes are unaware that they have the disease.
• Of the African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74, twenty five percent of them have diabetes.
• One in four African American women, over the age of 55, have been diagnosed with diabetes.

As of yet, we still do not know what causes diabetes.  However, researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors determine the probability of who will develop the disease.

Heredity

Through research, it has been hypothesized that the African Americans and African Immigrants more likely to develop diabetes because of the “thrifty gene” which they have inherited from their African ancestors.  While this gene may have previously helped the Africans to make use of their food energy more efficiently during cycles of feast and famine, the absence of these cycles now make weight control a challenge for the African Americans and African Immigrants.

In addition to this genetic predisposition, impaired glucose tolerance is often associated with the genetic tendency toward high blood pressure.  There lies a higher risk for people with impaired glucose tolerance to have higher than normal blood glucose levels and to develop diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure.  It occurs when the body is unable to properly produce or use insulin.  The body needs insulin to process sugar, starches and other foods into energy.

Diabetics often suffer from low glucose (sugar) levels in their blood.  A person who has low blood sugar may experience or feel:

• disoriented
• dizzy
• sweaty
• hungry
• headaches
• sudden mood swings
• difficulty paying attention
• tingling sensations around the mouth.

Types of Diabetes

1.  PRE-DIABETES

A person has pre-diabetes when his/her blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed a Type II diabetes.  Pre-diabetes can often be controlled by controlling blood glucose levels.  If you are successful in controlling pre-diabetes, there is a probability that you can prevent or at least delay the onset of Type II diabetes.  If left uncontrolled, pre-diabetes can cause damage to the heart and circulatory system.

2.  TYPE I OR JUVENILE-ONSET DIABETES

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body produces little or no insulin.  This type of diabetes must be treated with daily insulin injections.  Type I usually strikes people under the age of 20 but can strike at any age.  Five to ten percent of African Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes are diagnosed with Type I diabetes.

3.  TYPE II OR ADULT ONSET DIABETES

Type II results from a condition where the body fails to properly use insulin.  People who have the early stages of Type II may be able to control the disease by changing their lifestyles.  However, in the later stages diabetic pills or insulin injections are often needed.

According to the American Diabetes Association, Type II is usually found in people who:

• are over 45 years old
• have diabetes in their family
• are overweight
• do not exercise
• have cholesterol problems.

Ninety to ninety-five percent cases of African Americans with diagnosed diabetes have this type of diabetes.

4.  PREGNANCY RELATED DIABETES OR GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Gestational diabetes is often associated with high glucose blood levels or hyperglycemia.  Gestational diabetes affects about four percent of all pregnant women.  While the disease usually goes away after delivery, women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

• excessive urination including frequent trips to the bathroom
• increased thirst
• increased appetite
• blurred vision
• unusual weight loss
• increased fatigue
• irritability

Complications from Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease and should not be ignored.  It can lead to many disabling and life threatening complications.  Some of the common complications that effect African Americans who have diabetes are:

1.  KIDNEY DISEASE

Up to twenty-one percent of people who develop diabetes will develop kidney disease.  According to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, it is the second leading cause of end stage kidney disease in African Americans and accounts for about thirty percent of new cases each year.

2.  AMPUTATIONS

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the United States. More than sixty percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in America occur among people with diabetes.  In fact, according to Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 82,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed among people with diabetes in 2001.  African Americans are almost three times more likely to have a lower limb amputated due to diabetes than whites.

3.  BLINDNESS

Diabetics can develop a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy, a disease affecting the blood vessels of the eye, which can lead to impaired vision and blindness.  It is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people between 20 to 74 years of age.  Statistics show that up to 24,000 people lose their eyesight each year because of diabetes.  African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes related blindness.

4.  HEART DISEASE

People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease than  people who do not have diabetes. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is more common in diabetics and can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and poor circulation throughout the body.

Diabetes Risk Factors

You have a greater risk for developing diabetes if you have any of the following:

• Obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• Pre-diabetes
• Low physical activity
• Age greater than 45 years
• High blood pressure
• High blood levels of triglycerides
• HDL cholesterol of less than 35
• Previous diabetes during pregnancy or baby weighing more than 9 pounds

It would be best for you to contact your physician if you have any of the risk factors mentioned above.  Have a blood glucose test and discuss with your physician the lifestyle changes you can take to lower your chances of developing diabetes.

About Diabetes

You are diagnosed with diabetes if your blood glucose (sugar) levels are above normal.  This occurs when the glucose cannot get into your cells and as a result, your cells are deprived of their glucose, which is their food.  As a result your cells are starving for their food (glucose).  This is similar to surrounding a starving person with lots of delicious foods and then sewing their mouths closed so they are unable to eat.

In the United Stated, about 17 million Americans are believed to have diabetes and unfortunately, one-third of those patients don’t even know they have it.  Diabetes is a serious health concern and is among the leading causes of death in the US.

It is very important for people with diabetes to have a physician who closely monitors their health as diabetes can cause serious health complications.  These include heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations.  It would be of significant to note that most diabetics develop heart disease.

In fact, a diabetic carries the same risk of having a heart attack as someone who already has had such an event.  This is the reason why it is very important for diabetics to have their cholesterol levels and blood pressure closely monitored and treated when necessary.  Additionally, any use of tobacco products multiplies the risks and should be stopped immediately.

Kinds of Diabetes

There are different kinds of diabetes though the basic features are the same.  A basic feature of diabetes is the inability of the body to utilize glucose (sugar) for energy which causes the glucose levels of the person to rise up above normal levels.

Below are the three important areas that you should understand:

1. The cells in your body which use the glucose are important as they must be able to remove sugar from the blood and put it inside the cell as a fuel.
2. The insulin which is made by your pancreas (an organ near your stomach) is important to allow the sugar to enter the cell (the key to unlock the door to enter).
3. Glucose is broken down from your food or from muscle and liver from a storage form of glucose called glycogen.

Think of diabetes as a locking gas cap on your car.  If you understand how a locking gas cap works, then you can understand how diabetes works.  All the cells in your body have a locking gas cap on them. Insulin is the key to the locking gas cap, and glucose would be the fuel for the car.

Below are some of the different scenarios that exists for different types of diabetes.  The result of all of these scenarios is excess glucose in your blood.

1. The body totally stops making insulin (keys) so you can’t get glucose (fuel) into your cells.
2. Your body makes some insulin (keys) but not much as your body needs.  Therefore, only a few of the cells can be unlocked and opened to put the glucose (fuel) inside.
3. Some of the locks on the cells become rusty and won’t work properly.  So even if you have insulin (keys), you can’t get the cells to open. This is called insulin resistance. If the cells won’t open, you can’t get glucose (fuel) inside the cell for energy.

Types Of Diabetes

1.  TYPE 1

This accounts for 5-10% of diabetics and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.  In this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not make any insulin (keys) at all.

2.  TYPE 2

This is the most common form of diabetes and accounts for 90-95% of all cases.  In this type of diabetes, either one of the two scenarios can occur.  These scenarios causes the body to be unable to utilize the glucose like they are meant to do so.  Insulin resistance is the term used when your cells ignore the insulin.

• either your body doesn’t make enough insulin (keys), or
• the cells in your body ignore the insulin (the lock is rusty and doesn’t work)

3. GESTATIONAL DIABETES

This type of diabetes only accounts for a small number of cases and can only be acquired by pregnant women.  If this is left untreated, it can cause problems for both the mother and the baby.  This type of diabetes usually disappears after the pregnancy.

4. OTHERS

Other types of diabetes results from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses may account for 1% to 2% of all cases of diabetes.

Risk Factors

Below are the risk factors that increase your chance of developing diabetes:

1.  TYPE 2

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes includes:

• older age
• obesity
• family history
• prior history of gestational diabetes
• impaired glucose tolerance
• physical inactivity
• race/ethnicity

2.  TYPE 1

Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes are less well defined than it is for Type 2 diabetes.  Here are some of the risk factors that are involved in developing this type of diabetes:

• autoimmune
• genetic
• environmental factors

Symptoms of Diabetes

Here are some of the symptoms of diabetes:

• frequent urination
• excessive thirst
• unexplained weight loss
• extreme hunger
• sudden vision changes
• tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• feeling very tired much of the time
• very dry skin
• sores that are slow to heal
• more infections than usual

In addition, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains may accompany some of these symptoms in the abrupt onset of type 1 diabetes.

If you think you or someone you know has diabetes, it is advisable that you visit a physician for a diagnosis right away.  It is important to remember not all the symptoms need to be present.  You may have some or even none of the above symptoms.

Avoiding Sugar

Since glucose is sugar, is it enough to just avoid sweets?  Unfortunately, it is not that simple.

The truth is, most food, and all of the carbohydrates you eat, are broken down into its simplest structure – glucose. As food arrives in your stomach, the acid starts to break the food down immediately. Proteins are broken down for their amino acids, and carbohydrates for their glucose.

Once your gastrointestinal system breaks your food down into something your body can utilize, the blood picks it up and carries it to your cells for energy.  In healthy people, the blood picks up the glucose absorbed from the GI tract, and sends a signal to your pancreas (an organ near your stomach) to make and release insulin.

As mentioned above, in Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin (keys) or your cells could be ignoring the insulin that is there (the locks are rusty and won’t work).   In both situations, your cells are starving as they do not get the glucose they need for energy.

Meanwhile, all the extra glucose is just floating around in your blood and can’t be used.  Unfortunately, when all that extra glucose is floating around in your blood, it causes damage to your blood vessels and organs.  That damage increases your risk of heart disease.  That is the reason why it is very important to keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. When the glucose levels get really high, the glucose starts to leak out into your urine.

Treating Diabetes

There are several things you need to do to help control your diabetes.

1.  TYPE 1

The basic therapy for type 1 diabetes include:

• healthy eating
• physical activity
• insulin injections

It is important that the amount of insulin taken must be balanced with food intake and daily activities.   For patients with type 1 diabetes, blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose testing.

2.  TYPE 2

The basic therapy for type 1 diabetes include:

• healthy eating
• physical activity
• blood glucose testing

In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels.

Some of the oral medications work by stimulating your pancreas to make more insulin (keys). Other oral medicines work to make the rusty locks start working again.   It fixes the lock on the cells so the insulin (keys) can open the cell to allow the glucose (fuel) inside. Once the glucose (fuel) is allowed inside the cells, your blood sugar levels will drop back down to normal.

Medicines for Diabetes

There are many different types of medications that your doctor may prescribe for diabetes.  However, do note that these prescriptions can cause certain nutritional deficiencies which can increase your risk for chronic degenerative diseases.

NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients supplement was designed to work with your diabetic medications by replacing lost nutrients, reducing the risk of dangerous side effects, and promote better health

The main classes of diabetic medications include:

1.  SULFONYLUREAS

Sulfonylureas include the following medications:

• Orinase
• Tolinase
• Diabinese
• Glipizide
• Glyburide
• Amaryl
• Prandin
• Strarlix

The main function of sulfonylureas is to increase insulin production in the beta cells of the pancreas. Sulfonylureas can interfere with the body’s normal metabolism of Coenzyme Q10.  And since CoQ10 is necessary to make energy in all tissues of the body, this effect may decrease your body’s natural ability to utilize or burn up sugars.  It may even reduce the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin over time.

2.  BIGUANIDES

Biguanides include the following medications:

• Glucophage (Metformin)
• Glucovance (metformin + glyburide)

The main functions of biguanides are to lower the production of glucose by the liver thereby reducing blood glucose levels. Your doctor may prescribe this type of medicine in combination with sulfonylureas insulin, or a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones.

Unfortunately, biguanides have been shown to deplete vitamin B-12, folic acid and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A few of the problems which may arise from deficiencies of folate and vitamin B-12 include the following:

• Heart disease
• stroke
• anemia
• arthritis
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• neuropathies (nerve damage)

Because diabetes increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and neuropathy, it is especially important to prevent nutritional deficiencies which may add to these risk factors.  To reduce potential side effects of nutrient deficiencies, it is recommended that you take NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients supplement as long as you are on your diabetic medication.

Because both medication types listed above can deplete CoQ10, it is important to understand some of the symptoms of a deficiency.  CoQ10 deficiency has been linked to the following diseases and symptoms:

• congestive heart failure
• high blood pressure
• rhabdomyolysis (muscle break down)
• muscle and joint pain
• fatigue

To achieve maximum benefit from the diabetes medications as well as minimize potential side effects of nutrient deficiencies, compliment your prescription medication by taking NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients supplement.  Doing this will balance the risk/benefit ratio further in your favor.

3.  THIAZOLIDINEDIONES

In summary, diabetic medications prescribed by your doctor are necessary to treat your condition; however, you should also be aware that the long term potential nutritional side effects may be just as big a risk factor for your health as the disease you set out to treat in the first place. Put the odds in your favor and maintain your health with NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients supplement

Keeping Your Blood Sugar Under Control

Frequent blood tests monitor your blood sugar.  It is highly recommended that patients with diabetes should have a home blood monitoring kit.  Some doctors ask their patients to check their blood sugar as frequently as six times a day, though this is an extreme case.

The more information you have about your blood sugar levels, the easier it will be for you to control it. People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care, and keep blood glucose levels from going too low or too high.

1.  HYPERGLYCEMIA

Hyperglycemia is when your blood sugar is too high.  When your blood sugar is too high, you may not experience any symptoms but the high levels of glucose in your blood is causing damage to your blood vessels and organs.  That is why it is important to have your body utilize the sugar properly and get it out of your bloodstream.

2.  HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar is too low.  Having low blood sugar can be very dangerous and patients taking medication for diabetes should watch for symptoms of low blood sugar.

Monitoring your blood sugar regularly to avoid both low and high blood sugar is very important.  Always keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible at all times.

How the doctor knows if you are keeping your blood sugar under control

It is common for some patients to not follow the proper diet and exercise on a regular basis.  Some of them only follow these on the days leading to the blood test in the doctor’s office so their fasting blood glucose test results will be good for the doctor.  They want to look like they are doing a good job controlling their blood sugar.

However, there is a test that will show your doctor the real picture over the past 3 months or so.  This is called the hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test.  Hemoglobin is the part of your blood or red cells that carries oxygen to your cells. Glucose sticks to the hemoglobin in your red cells of the blood as they emerge from the bone marrow where they are made.

The amount of sugar on the red cell is proportionate to the blood sugar level the moment the red cell goes into circulation, and remains at that level for the life of the red cell. So if there has been a lot of extra glucose in your blood, there will be a lot of glucose stuck all over your hemoglobin. Since the average lifespan of the hemoglobin in your blood is 90-100 days, a HbA1C test shows a doctor how well you have been controlling your blood sugar over the last 3 months.

This test is a check on the overall sugar control, not just the fasting blood sugar. So it is important to control your blood sugar at all times, and not just before visiting the doctor. The most important reason to control your blood sugar is so that you can live a longer, healthier life without complications that can be caused by not controlling your diabetes.

Repercussions of not controlling your diabetes

The complications of diabetes can be devastating.  Both forms of diabetes ultimately lead to high blood sugar levels, a condition called hyperglycemia. The damage that hyperglycemia causes to your body is extensive and includes:

• Damage to the retina from diabetes (diabetic retinopathy) is a leading cause of blindness.

• Diabetes predisposes people to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These independently and together with hyperglycemia increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and other blood vessel complications.

• Damage to the nerves in the autonomic nervous system can lead to paralysis of the stomach (gastroparesis), chronic diarrhea, and an inability to control heart rate and blood pressure with posture changes.

• Damage to the kidneys from diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) is a leading cause of kidney failure.

• Damage to the nerves from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) is a leading cause of lack of normal sensation in the foot, which can lead to wounds and ulcers, and all too frequently to foot and leg amputations.

• Diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, and the formation of fatty plaques inside the arteries, which can lead to blockages or a clot (thrombus), which can then lead to heart attack, stroke, and decreased circulation in the arms and legs (peripheral vascular disease).

• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs from time to time in most people with diabetes. It results from taking too much diabetes medication or insulin, missing a meal, doing more exercise than usual, drinking too much alcohol, or taking certain medications for other conditions. It is very important to recognize hypoglycemia and be prepared to treat it at all times. Headache, feeling dizzy, poor concentration, tremors of hands, and sweating are common symptoms of hypoglycemia. You can faint or have a seizure if blood sugar level gets too low.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition in which uncontrolled hyperglycemia (usually due to complete lack of insulin or a relative deficiency of insulin) over time creates a buildup in the blood of acidic waste products called ketones. High levels of ketones can be very harmful. This typically happens to people with type 1 diabetes who do not have good blood glucose control. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be precipitated by infection, stress, trauma, missing medications like insulin, or medical emergencies like stroke and heart attack.

• Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome is a serious condition in which the blood sugar level gets very high. The body tries to get rid of the excess blood sugar by eliminating it in the urine. This increases the amount of urine significantly and often leads to dehydration so severe that it can cause seizures, coma, even death. This syndrome typically occurs in people with type 2 diabetes who are not controlling their blood sugar levels or have become dehydrated or have stress, injury, stroke, or medications like steroids.

Pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a common condition related to diabetes. In people with pre-diabetes, the blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes increases your risk of getting type 2 diabetes and of having a heart disease or a stroke. Pre-diabetes can be reversed without insulin or medication by losing a modest amount of weight and increasing your physical activity. This can prevent or at least delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. When associated with certain other abnormalities, it is also called the metabolic syndrome.

What are normal blood glucose levels?   The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood changes throughout the day and night.  Your levels will vary depending upon when, what and how much you have eaten, and whether or not you have exercised.  Below are the American Diabetes Association categories for normal blood sugar levels.  These are based on how your glucose levels are tested:

1.  A FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST

This test is performed after you have fasted (no food or liquids other than water) for eight hours. A normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dl.  A diagnosis of diabetes is made if your blood glucose reading is 126 mg/dl or higher. (In 1997, the American Diabetes Association lowered the level at which diabetes is diagnosed to 126 mg/dl from 140 mg/dl.)

2.  A “RANDOM” BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST

This test can be taken any time.  A normal blood glucose range is in the low to mid 100s. A diagnosis of diabetes is made if your blood glucose reading is 200 mg/dl or higher and you have symptoms of disease such as fatigue, excessive urination, excessive thirst or unplanned weight loss.

3.  ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST

Another test called the oral glucose tolerance test may be performed instead.For this test, you will be asked, after fasting overnight, to drink a sugar-water solution. Your blood glucose levels will then be tested over several hours. In a person without diabetes, glucose levels rise and then fall quickly after drinking the solution.

In a person with diabetes, blood glucose levels rise higher than normal and do not fall as quickly.A normal blood glucose reading two hours after drinking the solution is less than 140 mg/dl, and all readings between the start of the test until two hours after the start are less than 200 mg/dl.  Diabetes is diagnosed if your blood glucose levels are 200 mg/dl or higher.

What To Do When You Have Diabetes

People with diabetes should consult with a health care provider who will monitor and help them learn to manage their diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes may see the following health care professionals:

• endocrinologists, who may specialize in diabetes care
• ophthalmologists for eye examinations
• podiatrists for routine foot care
• dietitians and diabetes educators who teach the skills needed for daily diabetes management

Diabetes, and its precursor, the metabolic syndrome, can lead to a multitude of problems if not adequately controlled. These include:

• vascular diseases that result in heart attack and stroke
• kidney damage leading to kidney failure
• damage to nerves (neuropathy)
• retinal damage leading to blindness
• high blood pressure
• various metabolic defects such as high triglycerides or high cholesterol

It is therefore crucial to control the diabetes as well as all the other risk factors for artery diseases that cause heart attack and stroke.  To control this, your doctor will insist on a good diet and regular exercise. Medications are added to lower the blood sugar.  If these are inadequate, insulin or other injectable medication will be required.

The medications that treat diabetes may cause depletion of folic acid, which in turn can cause a high homocysteine, which is a risk factor for artery disease that underlies heart attack and stroke.  You can shift the risks in your favor by taking NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients along with your doctor prescribed medications.

Going through the web, I see a lot of questions regarding diabetes.  A serious health concern such as diabetes should not be taken lightly.  It would be best to go to a reputable source when searching for answers and information regarding this.  Below is a link to one of the more reliable websites:

http://about-diabetes.atspace.com

You can find all the answers to your all your questions on this site.  It is a very useful website which gives you a lot of information on diabetes; its symptoms, prevention, treatment, examination & more.

Can an obese young adult develop type 1 diabetes and not type 2? I’ve read unexpected weight loss is a symptom of type 1.  Can an obese young adult losing weight without effort and with other diabetes symptoms get type 1?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which patients present with absolute or relative insulin deficiency. It affects about 6% of western populations and is a major contributing factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus is also the leading cause of new blindness without a cure.

Types of Diabetes

There are four types of diabetes and they are as follows:

1.  TYPE 1 DIABETES

Around 10 to 15 percent of all people diagnosed with diabetes have Type I diabetes.  It is a serious and chronic disease and usually affects young people below 18 years of age.  This is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes.

People with Type 1 diabetes have high blood glucose levels because their pancreas is not producing insulin.  People with this form of diabetes require daily insulin therapy to survive. This form is further split into idiopathic diabetes and immune mediated diabetes.

2. TTYPE 2 DIABETES

Around 85 to 90 percent of all people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.  This type of diabetes is more common among people aged 40 years and over.

It is marked by reduced levels of insulin (insulin deficiency) and/or the inability of the body to use insulin properly (insulin resistance).  It is also worth mentioning that most people with Type 2 diabetes are obese.

3. GESTATIONAL DIABETES

About three to eight percent of women who have not been diagnosed with diabetes, develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.  It is a temporary form of diabetes and usually disappears after the baby is born.

When this occurs, it usually presents a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Screening tests for gestational diabetes are usually performed around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.

4. OTHER TYPES OF DIABETES

Other types of diabetes can develop among people who have diabetes as a result of a genetic defect, or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is caused largely by the resistance to or the deficient production of the hormone insulin.  Insulin helps the glucose move from the blood into the cells.

In type 1 immune mediated diabetes, pancreatic beta cell destruction results in failure to release insulin and ineffective transport of glucose. There is no known cause for idiopathic diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, the beta cells release insulin however, the receptors are resisting the insulin and the glucose transport is variable and inefficient. Some people may have conditions that can cause diabetes, such as Cushing’s syndrome, pancreatitis or liver disease.

Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

a. Obesity
b. History of Gestational diabetes
c. Lack of physical activity
d. Hypertension
e. Age 45+
f. Ethnic groupings other than anglo-saxon
g. Low HDL cholesterol levels
h. Impaired glucose tolerance
i. Family history

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Below is a list of symptoms to watch out for:

• dehydration
• unexplained weight loss
• excessive thirst
• frequent need to urinate
• fatigue
• lethargy
• severe irritation and itching
• excessive hunger
• blurred vision
• skin and urinary infections
• vaginitis

Testing for Diabetes

As the symptoms for diabetes are sometimes mild, some people go through life without finding out that they have diabetes.  Often, it only gets detected when a person suffers a problem that is caused by diabetes.  This includes heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia.

Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance may also be detected on routine blood tests as part of a general health check up or investigation for other symptoms or diseases. Diabetes tests check blood glucose levels. Someone with a random non fasting blood glucose level greater than 200mg/dl accompanied by other symptoms, or someone with a fasting blood glucose level greater than 126mg/dl can be diagnosed with diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

To normalize blood glucose and reduce complications, diabetics should adapt a healthy diet and an exercise program in addition to using insulin replacement.

Changes to their diet should focus on achieving weight loss and regulating your blood sugar.  It is best that they keep their blood sugar levels relatively stable throughout the day.

For Type 1 diabetes, the replacement of insulin combined with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors is highly recommended.

For Type 2 diabetes, oral anti-diabetic drugs may be required to stimulate the body’s insulin production and increase insulin sensitivity. Various forms of natural supplements for diabetes treatment have also been postulated as effective.

People with unstable diabetes, or those requiring many injections a day, may benefit from an insulin pump which is worn on the body and delivers a continuous infusion of insulin via a needle implanted into the body.

Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. Even though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or the mother.

As long as the diabetic has been properly trained, given appropriate care and has discipline in testing and dosing of insulin, the diabetic’s normal activities need not be impaired.

Complications

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure. If undetected or poorly controlled, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and impotence.

Statistics show that around 8% of the people in the United States have diabetes.  This number easily translates to approximately 16 million people.  Further, the American Diabetes Association estimates that every year, diabetes accounts for the following:

• 178,000 deaths
• 54,000 amputees
• 12,000-24,000 cases of blindness

If neglected, diabetes can cause serious health complications, ranging from blindness to kidney failure.  And because of all these complications, it is predicted that diabetes will exceed both heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes include:

• excessive urination
• excessive thirst and hunger
• sudden weight loss
• blurred vision
• delay in healing of wounds
• dry and itchy skin
• repeated infections
• fatigue and headache

Two Types of Diabetes

There are two different types of diabetes:

1.  TYPE I DIABETES

This is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is responsible for 5-10% of cases of diabetes.  It is more common in Caucasians and it runs within the family.

Type I diabetes is caused by a pancreatic inability to produce insulin.  The pancreatic cells which secrete the hormones, are destroyed by the body’s own immune system.  This is probably because the body mistakes it for a virus.  Viral infections are thought to be the trigger that sets off this auto-immune disease.

As a result, the body cells starve because they no longer receive the hormonal prompt to take in glucose. If left untreated, this will lead to death within a few months.

While most Type I diabetics are young, do note that this type of diabetes can develop at any age.  You can have yourself checked through a blood test which shows the presence of anti-insulin/anti-islet-cell antibodies.

2.  TYPE II DIABETES

This is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes.   It accounts for 90-95% of all cases.  While Type II is generally hereditary, it is unlikely to develop in normal-weight individuals eating a low- or moderate-carbohydrate diet.

The following groups are more likely to develop this type of diabetes:

• Obese, sedentary individuals who eat poor-quality diets based on refined starch.  As these constantly activates pancreatic insulin secretion, they become prone to develop insulin resistance.
• Native peoples such as North American Indians whose traditional diets did not include refined starch until its recent introduction by Europeans have extremely high rates of diabetes.
• Blacks and hispanics are also at higher risk.

This type of diabetes is a result of body tissues becoming resistant to insulin.  Often, while the pancreas is producing more than average amounts of insulin, the body cells have become unresponsive due to the chronically high level of the hormone. Eventually, the pancreas may exhaust its over-active secretion of the hormone and the insulin levels fall to below normal.

This type of diabetes can lead to health complications over several years and cause severe disability and premature death.

This type of diabetes is found primarily in one age group.  Usually in people over 40 years of age.  However, with the rise of childhood and teenage obesity, the Type II diabetes is appearing in children as well.

Complications of Diabetes

As had been mentioned several times, diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications if not properly managed.  Some complications include:

• kidney damage (nephropathy)
• heart disease
• nerve damage (neuropathy)
• retinal damage and blindness(retinopathy)
• hypoglycemia (drastic reduction in glucose levels).

Diabetes also damages blood vessels, especially smaller end-arteries, leading to severe and premature atherosclerosis.  People with diabetes are also prone to foot problems as their feet lose sensation.  This condition is called neuropathy and affects approximately 10% of patients.  Foot injuries become common to diabetic and often go unnoticed.  These injuries do not heal because of poor circulation through the small arteries in the foot. Gangrene and subsequent amputation of toes or feet is the consequence for many elderly patients with poorly-controlled diabetes.

Controlling Diabetes

Sadly, there is no permanent cure for diabetes.  However, strict dietary monitoring and insulin injections can help control Type I diabetes.  Implanted pumps which release insulin immediately in response to changes in blood glucose are in the testing stages.

Since Type II diabetes is largely caused by diet, in theory it should be easily preventable and managed.  In practice though, many diabetic and obese people without diabetes find it difficult to adhere to a healthy diet much more lose weight.  As a result, they are frequently treated with drugs which restore the body’s response to insulin and in some cases, they are injected with insulin.

If you suspect you have diabetes or are in a high risk group, please see your doctor and have yourself tested.