Gestational Diabetes

Cathy Moulton, a Diabetes UK care adviser, explains how gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. Kimberly, who was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, talks about the symptoms she experienced and how she dealt with the condition. Find out about complications of gestational diabetes http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/gestational-diabetes/Pages/Complications.aspx

Source: NHSChoices on YouTube

Diabetes in America: Emotional Support Needed

Diabetes In America: Emotional Support Needed

By: Jeff Roaderick

According to the Center for Disease Control almost 11% of the adult population in the United States has been diagnosed with either type-1 or type-2 diabetes. An additional 57 million people have pre-diabetes which is a condition when average blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Both of these populations total 81.6 million people in the US that have diabetes or are at risk for a diabetes diagnosis if their lifestyles are not changed. The agency projects that as many as 1 in 3 adults will have diabetes by 2050 which equates to 39 million people. The majority, 90% to 95%, of these individuals have type-2 diabetes.

Taking Control

Although these statistics indicate a significant epidemic, the outlook for individuals does not have to be a hopeless one. Unlike other chronic illnesses, diabetes allows individuals to take control of their lifestyle and make significant impacts on their quality of life. By taking control and incorporating healthy habits into ones daily life, one can significantly minimize the risk of diabetes complications which can include eye complications, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, sexual dysfunction, and extremity amputation. For some individuals there is even a possibility of reversing diabetes.

The Diabetes Lifestyle

So what does a healthy diabetes lifestyle consist of? First, for many it involves the elimination of unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, overeating, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Second, it involves the incorporation of healthy lifestyle habits into one daily life that includes a low carbohydrate and low sugar diet, exercise, glucose monitoring, a medication regimen, consistent visits to a medical team and constant learning about the disease and its lifestyle.

Even though individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes complications by adhering to a healthy lifestyle, very few individuals do. For example, 70% of the individuals with type-2 diabetes are considered overweight and their diabetes diagnosis is correlated with their being overweight. For many of these individuals, losing weight can reverse a type-2 diabetes diagnosis. Given this, diabetes continues to grow with almost 90% of the diagnosis being type-2.

So why is it difficult for individuals to make healthy lifestyle changes and significantly impact diabetes complications and quality of life? The answer is complicated and it may involve practical and emotional dynamics which include knowledge and acceptance. A research study concluded that 95% of diabetes care is considered self-care. That means that only 5% of diabetes care is provided by a medical team and the remaining 95% of the care must be provided by the individual with diabetes and their families. In general, self-care consists of making significant lifestyle changes that include the elimination of unhealthy behaviors and the integration of healthy behaviors. This may mean giving up favorite foods, stopping smoking, and starting an exercise program For many learning the diabetes lifestyle and incorporating it into ones life can be an overwhelming and emotional endeavor. It is no wonder that many people with diabetes are not motivated to make such significant lifestyle changes.

Support

How can individuals be supported through this transition to a healthy diabetes lifestyle and how can one become motivated to learn and live a diabetes lifestyle? Countless studies have been conducted on the correlation between depression and diabetes. Depression has been identified as a significant factor why individuals do not adhere to a healthy diabetes lifestyle, even though the benefits are compelling. Other emotional struggles also appear to interfere with ones motivation to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments, such as fear, anger, sadness and denial. The process of developing motivation can be emotional as one works through these emotional dynamics. Trained counseling professionals at the Colorado Counseling and Wellness Institute can provide support and guidance to help individuals move towards acceptance and develop motivation to live a healthy life with diabetes. Diabetes is being called a lifestyle disease, and hopefully if all Americans can begin to live a healthy lifestyle, the diabetes trend will starting moving down.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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About the Author:
Jeff Roaderick is the Principal Owner of Colorado Counseling and Wellness Institute which is an organization that provides counseling services to support individuals with diabetes who are experiencing emotional and psychological challenges. You can contact Jeff via email jeff@coloradocwi.com or go to the website www.coloradocwi.com.

What I Need to Know About Diabetes Medicines

 

What I need to know about Diabetes Medicines

On this page:

• What do diabetes medicines do?
• What targets are recommended for blood glucose levels?
• What happens to blood glucose levels in people with diabetes?
• Medicines for My Diabetes
• Types of Diabetes Medicines
• What do I need to know about side effects of medicines?
• For More Information
• Acknowledgments

Inserts:

• Insert A: My Diabetes Medicines
• Insert B: Questions to Ask about Your Diabetes Medicines
• Insert C: Types of Insulin
• Insert D: Glyset and Precose (Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors)
• Insert E: Glucophage, Glucophage XR, and Riomet (Biguanides)
• Insert F: Starlix (D-Phenylalanine Derivative)
• Insert G: Januvia (DPP-4 Inhibitor)
• Insert H: Prandin (Meglitinide)
• Insert I: Amaryl, DiaBeta, Diabinese, Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, Glynase PresTab, Micronase, tolazamide, and tolbutamide (Sulfonylureas)
• Insert J: Actos and Avandia (Thiazolidinediones)
• Insert K: Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Avandaryl, Duetact, Glucovance, Janumet, and Metaglip (Combination Diabetes Pills)
• Insert L: Symlin (Amylin Mimetic)
• Insert M: Byetta (Incretin Mimetic)
• Insert N: About Low Blood Glucose

What do diabetes medicines do?

Over time, high levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, can cause health problems. These problems include heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, nerve damage, digestive problems, eye disease, and tooth and gum problems. You can help prevent health problems by keeping your blood glucose levels on target.

Everyone with diabetes needs to choose foods wisely and be physically active. If you can’t reach your target blood glucose levels with wise food choices and physical activity, you may need diabetes medicines. The kind of medicine you take depends on your type of diabetes, your schedule, and your other health conditions.

You may need diabetes medicines to reach your blood glucose targets.

Diabetes medicines help keep your blood glucose in your target range. The target range is suggested by diabetes experts and your doctor or diabetes educator. See below for more information about target levels for good health.

 

What targets are recommended for blood glucose levels?

The National Diabetes Education Program uses blood glucose targets set by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for most people with diabetes. To learn your daily blood glucose numbers, you’ll check your blood glucose levels on your own using a blood glucose meter.

Target blood glucose levels for most people with diabetes
My targets:

Before meals:
70 to 130 mg/dL^*

1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal:
Less than 180 mg/dL

* Milligrams per deciliter.

Also, you should ask your doctor for a blood test called the A1C at least twice a year. The A1C will give you your average blood glucose for the past 3 months.

Target A1C result for people with diabetes
My targets:

Less than 7 percent

Your personal A1C goal might be higher or lower than 7 percent. Keeping your A1C as close to normal as possible—below 6 percent without having frequent low blood glucose—can help prevent long-term diabetes problems. Doctors might recommend other goals for very young children, older people, people with other health problems, or those who often have low blood glucose.

Talk with your doctor or diabetes educator about whether the target blood glucose levels and A1C result listed in the charts above are best for you. Write your own target levels in the charts. Both ways of checking your blood glucose levels are important.

If your blood glucose levels are not on target, you might need a change in how you take care of your diabetes. The results of your A1C test and your daily blood glucose checks can help you and your doctor make decisions about:

• what you eat
• when you eat
• how much you eat
• what kind of exercise you do
• how much exercise you do
• the type of diabetes medicines you take
• the amount of diabetes medicines you take

 

What happens to blood glucose levels in people with diabetes?

Blood glucose levels go up and down throughout the day and night in people with diabetes. High blood glucose levels over time can result in heart disease and other health problems. Low blood glucose levels can make you feel shaky or pass out. But you can learn how to make sure your blood glucose levels stay on target—not too high and not too low.

What makes blood glucose levels go too high?

Your blood glucose levels can go too high if: 

• you eat more than usual
• you’re not physically active
• you’re not taking enough diabetes medicine
• you’re sick or under stress
• you exercise when your blood glucose level is already high

        Some diabetes medicines can also lower your blood glucose too much. Ask your doctor whether your diabetes medicines can cause low blood glucose. SeeInsert N for information about low blood glucose.

The results of your blood glucose checks can help you make decisions about your diabetes medicines, food choices, and physical activity.

 

Medicines for My Diabetes

Ask your doctor what type of diabetes you have and write down your answer.

I have:

• type 1 diabetes
• type 2 diabetes
• gestational diabetes
• another type of diabetes: ____________________

Medicines for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first found in children, teenagers, or young adults. If you have type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin because your body no longer makes it. You also might need to take other types of diabetes medicines that work with insulin.

Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once called adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. It can start when the body doesn’t use insulin as it should, a condition called insulin resistance. If the body can’t keep up with the need for insulin, you may need diabetes medicines. Many choices are available. Your doctor might prescribe two or more medicines. The ADA recommends that most people start with metformin, a kind of diabetes pill.

Medicines for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs for the first time during pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin can cause gestational diabetes. Most women with gestational diabetes control it with meal planning and physical activity. But some women need insulin to reach their target blood glucose levels.

Medicines for Other Types of Diabetes

If you have one of the rare forms of diabetes, such as diabetes caused by other medicines or monogenic diabetes, talk with your doctor about what kind of diabetes medicine would be best for you.

 

Types of Diabetes Medicines

Diabetes medicines come in several forms.

Insulin

If your body no longer makes enough insulin, you’ll need to take it. Insulin is used for all types of diabetes. Your doctor can help you decide which way of taking insulin is best for you.

• Taking injections. You’ll give yourself shots using a needle and syringe. The syringe is a hollow tube with a plunger. You will put your dose of insulin into the tube. Some people use an insulin pen, which looks like a pen but has a needle for its point.
• Using an insulin pump. An insulin pump is a small machine about the size of a cell phone, worn outside of your body on a belt or in a pocket or pouch. The pump connects to a small plastic tube and a very small needle. The needle is inserted under the skin and stays in for several days. Insulin is pumped from the machine through the tube into your body.
• Using an insulin jet injector. The jet injector, which looks like a large pen, sends a fine spray of insulin through the skin with high-pressure air instead of a needle.
  If your body no longer makes enough insulin, you’ll need to take it.

What does insulin do?

Insulin helps keep blood glucose levels on target by moving glucose from the blood into your body’s cells. Your cells then use glucose for energy. In people who don’t have diabetes, the body makes the right amount of insulin on its own. But when you have diabetes, you and your doctor must decide how much insulin you need throughout the day and night.

What are the possible side effects of insulin?

Possible side effects include:

• low blood glucose (for more information, see Insert N)
• weight gain

How and when should I take my insulin?

Your plan for taking insulin will depend on your daily routine and your type of insulin. Some people with diabetes who use insulin need to take it two, three, or four times a day to reach their blood glucose targets. Others can take a single shot. Your doctor or diabetes educator will help you learn how and when to give yourself insulin.

Types of Insulin

Each type of insulin works at a different speed. For example, rapid-acting insulin starts to work right after you take it. Long-acting insulin works for many hours. Most people need two or more types of insulin to reach their blood glucose targets.

Look at the list of types of insulin on Insert C. Check off the names of the kinds of insulin you take. Then print and write the names of your insulins under My Insulins in the chart on Insert A.

Diabetes Pills

Along with meal planning and physical activity, diabetes pills help people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes keep their blood glucose levels on target. Several kinds of pills are available. Each works in a different way. Many people take two or three kinds of pills. Some people take combination pills. Combination pills contain two kinds of diabetes medicine in one tablet. Some people take pills and insulin.

Diabetes pills help people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes keep their blood glucose levels on target.

Your doctor may ask you to try one kind of pill. If it doesn’t help you reach your blood glucose targets, your doctor may ask you to:

• take more of the same pill
• add another kind of pill
• change to another type of pill
• start taking insulin
• start taking another injected medicine

If your doctor suggests that you take insulin or another injected medicine, it doesn’t mean your diabetes is getting worse. Instead, it means you need insulin or another type of medicine to reach your blood glucose targets. Everyone is different. What works best for you depends on your usual daily routine, eating habits, and activities, and your other health conditions.

For information about the different kinds of pills and what they do, see the inserts. You’ll see the brand name and the generic name—the scientific name—for each medicine. Find your diabetes pills and check off the names. Then print and write the names of your diabetes pills under My Pills and Injected Medicines in the chart on Insert A.

Injections Other Than Insulin

In addition to insulin, two other types of injected medicines are now available. Both work with insulin—either the body’s own or injected—to help keep your blood glucose from going too high after you eat. Neither is a substitute for insulin.

See the cards in the pocket of this booklet for more information about these injected medicines. Check off the kinds you take. Then write the names of your injected medicines under My Pills and Injected Medicines in the chart on Insert A.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your diabetes medicines. Do not stop taking your diabetes medicines without checking with your doctor first. See Insert B for a list of questions to ask your doctor about your medicines.

 

What do I need to know about side effects of medicines?

A side effect is an unwanted problem caused by a medicine. For example, some diabetes medicines can cause nausea or an upset stomach when you first start taking them. Before you start a new medicine, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how you can avoid them. If the side effects of your medicine bother you, tell your doctor.

 

For More Information

To find diabetes educators—nurses, dietitians, and other health professionals—near you, call the American Association of Diabetes Educators toll-free at 1–800–TEAMUP4 (1–800–832–6874). Or go to www.diabeteseducator.org and see the “Find a Diabetes Educator” section.

For additional information about diabetes, contact

American Diabetes Association
National Service Center
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311–1742
Phone: 1–800–DIABETES (1–800–342–2383)
Fax: 703–549–6995
Email: AskADA@diabetes.org
Internet: www.diabetes.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
26 Broadway, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 1–800–533–CURE (1–800–533–2873)
Fax: 212–785–9595
Email: info@jdrf.org
Internet: www.jdrf.org

National Diabetes Education Program
1 Diabetes Way
Bethesda, MD 20814–9692
Phone: 1–888–693–NDEP (1–888–693–6337)
TTY: 1–866–569–1162
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: ndep@mail.nih.gov
Internet: www.ndep.nih.gov

This publication may contain information about medications. When prepared, this publication included the most current information available. For updates or for questions about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332) or visit www.fda.gov. Consult your doctor for more information.

 

Acknowledgments

Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This booklet was reviewed by Stuart T. Haines, Pharm.D., University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore.

The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this document are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the information provided. If a product is not mentioned, the omission does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.

---

Source

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3560
Phone: 1–800–860–8747
TTY: 1–866–569–1162
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1978, the Clearinghouse provides information about diabetes to people with diabetes and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The NDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about diabetes.

This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users of this publication to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

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NIH Publication No. 11–4222
October 2010

Foot Health Critical for People With Diabetes

 

Foot Health Critical for People With Diabetes

April is Foot Health Month. Remember: Don’t take foot health for granted—especially if you have diabetes. Prevent foot problems by controlling diabetes and practicing good foot health.

Diabetes and Foot Health

Almost 26 million people in the United States have diabetes and many more are at high risk for developing diabetes. Problems with the legs and feet caused by diabetes are common and can be severe. These problems cause suffering and reduce one’s quality of life. In recognition of Foot Health Month, April 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Diabetes Translation (CDC/DDT) wants to make sure that you are aware that people with diabetes can develop many different foot problems and to remind you that foot health should not be taken for granted.

In 2006 alone, about 65,700 people with diabetes had a leg or foot amputated. This is more than 60% of the amputations of legs and feet not resulting from an injury, such as from a car crash. Many of these amputations could be prevented by taking good care of your feet and your health:

• Learning to manage your diabetes
• Making healthy food choices
• Staying at a healthy weight
• Being physically active every day
• Taking your medicines even when you feel good
• Having your doctor give you a comprehensive foot exam every time you visit (but at least four times a year)
• Checking your feet for sores and other injuries every day
• Wearing shoes that fit right and do not rub or pinch your feet, or cause blisters. Never walking barefoot or while wearing just socks.

Links to Foot Health Resources

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), jointly led by CDC/DDT and the National Institutes of Health, provides several web pages and publications with helpful information on foot care and diabetes care. Click on the web links below and see the Foot Health Facts section of this feature for important information on diabetes prevention and control, foot health, and what you can do to maximize your likelihood for good health in the future.

Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime is a booklet from NDEP with information on foot care and how to avoid foot problems.

Cuide sus pies durante toda su vida es un folleto ilustrado de NDEP que le ayuda a cuidar sus pies y ofrece consejos para evitar problemas graves de los pies.

4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes. For Life.  [PDF - 2.87MB] These four steps help people with diabetes understand, monitor, and manage their diabetes to help them stay healthy. This publication, available in English, Spanish, and other languages, is excellent for people newly diagnosed with diabetes or for those who want to learn more about controlling the disease. It has information on the importance of getting routine care to avoid diabetes complications.

Feet Can Last a Lifetime: A Health Care Provider’s Guide to Preventing Diabetes Foot Problems is a foot care guide from NDEP targeted to health care professionals.

What should I do on a regular basis to take care of my feet?is a CDC diabetes web page with a list of simple ways to care for and avoid potential problems with your feet.

Chapter 9. Foot Problemsin DDT’s Take Charge of Your Diabetespublication compiles tips for diabetes control and care along with information on diabetes and its health complications.

Foot Health Facts

• 
• These are some of the ways that diabetes can harm your feet:  
  • Diabetes slows blood flow to certain areas of the body, especially limbs such as the legs, which impairs your body’s ability to heal injuries.
  • Diabetes nerve damage may cause you to no longer feel pain in your feet, and you may not realize you have a wound or injury that needs care.
• Diabetic nerve damage appears to be more common in people who have had problems controlling their blood glucose (sugar) levels, in those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, in overweight people, and in people older than 40 years.
• These are some signs of problems with your feet or legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to contact your health care provider or a podiatrist (foot doctor) right away.
  • You may feel pain in your legs or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
  • Your feet may tingle, burn, or hurt.
  • You may lose the sense of touch or not be able to feel heat or cold very well.
  • The shape of your feet may change over time.
  • The color and temperature of your feet may change.
  • You may lose hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
  • The skin on your feet may become dry and cracked.
  • Your toenails may turn thick and yellow.
  • Fungus infections may appear between your toes.
  • You may experience blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corns, and ingrown toenails.

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Contact Us:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd
  Atlanta, GA 30333
• 800-CDC-INFO
  (800-232-4636)
  TTY: (888) 232-6348
  24 Hours/Every Day
• cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Diagnostic Tests to Confirm (or Deny) Presence of Diabetes

By: Type Free Diabetes  

I’m Deborah Susan, a dietician and personal trainer specializing in nutrition and physical fitness for diabetics. Today I will write on diagnostic tests you can take to confirm (or deny) presence of diabetes.

Diagnostic tests to confirm (or deny) presence of diabetes

The most common tests are the urine and finger prick test. However, to be doubly sure, you need to conduct at least two or three lab tests including random or fasting blood glucose test meter and oral glucose tolerance tests. If test results are positive, it is a good idea to redo the tests on another randomly selected day.

Finger prick test. A finger is pricked with a sterilized device and a tiny drop of blood is collected and placed on a accu-chek active test strips. The strip is inserted into a digital diabetic test strip and an instant readout is obtained. This test takes less than a minute.

Urine test A chemical coated dipstick is dipped into a sample bottle that contains a sample of your urine. The dipstick instantly changes color in proportion to the level of glucose in the urine. This test too takes less than a minute.

Random blood glucose test A diabetic syringes is used to collect a small sample of your blood which is then analyzed in a lab. The results are often delivered the following day.

Oral glucose tolerance test You are requested not to eat or drink anything in the morning. A small blood sample is taken and sent for analysis to a laboratory. You are again requested to visit the clinic one hour after having lunch and fresh sample of blood is collected for analysis. The two pre and post results indicate your glucose tolerance level. A low tolerance level could indicate that you either have Type 2 diabetes or are on the verge of developing it.

Fasting Blood Sugar Testing Your last drink and meal should be at least 8 hours prior to taking this test. An insulin syringes is used to collect a tiny blood sample which is sent to the lab for analysis. The test results are usually received the same evening or following morning.

If all the above test results are returned positive for presence of excessive glucose, I recommend you redo the test the following week preferably at a different clinic. If the second test set too returns similar results than you can be sure you do have diabetes. Typically, glucose above 6 millimoles / liter of blood is not normal and you should consult your doctor immediately.

If diabetes is confirmed, it would be a good idea to also run a checkup on your body fat percentage through body fat monitor, blood pressure by automatic blood pressure monitor, kidneys, liver and thyroid. Additionally you should undergo a foot examination (for circulation and nerve supply) and eye examination (check for any damage due to glucose buildup).

This article concludes information I had to impart on the pre-diabetic stage. My next article shall deal with post-confirmation stage i.e. monitoring your blood glucose levels by blood glucose monitors at home and how to take care of your diabetes.

Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including adult incontinence product; supplements for diabetes, wrist blood pressure monitor, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, Lancing devices and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.

Click for Recipes for diabetics

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Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
TypeFreeDiabetes.com is the premier source for your diabetic needs on-line. At TypeFreeDiabetes.com, you can enjoy a balanced diabetic lifestyle by learning about – how to control blood sugar, lower body fat, diet to prevent diabetes, reduce diabetes medications and reverse diabetes complications.

Diabetes in Toronto Neighborhoods

Clip from Global Ontario Podcast, Nov 1, 2007
Certain neighbourhoods in Toronto with high diabetes rates linked to poverty and urban layout.

Source: ghubbers on YouTube

Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes

Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. People with diabetes can, over time, develop nerve damage throughout the body. Some people with nerve damage have no symptoms. Others may have symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness—loss of feeling—in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart, and sex organs.

About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. People with diabetes can develop nerve problems at any time, but risk rises with age and longer duration of diabetes. The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. Diabetic neuropathies also appear to be more common in people who have problems controlling their blood glucose, also called blood sugar, as well as those with high levels of blood fat and blood pressure and those who are overweight. 

What causes diabetic neuropathies?

The causes are probably different for different types of diabetic neuropathy. Researchers are studying how prolonged exposure to high blood glucose causes nerve damage. Nerve damage is likely due to a combination of factors:

• metabolic factors, such as high blood glucose, long duration of diabetes, abnormal blood fat levels, and possibly low levels of insulin
• neurovascular factors, leading to damage to the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to nerves
• autoimmune factors that cause inflammation in nerves
• mechanical injury to nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• inherited traits that increase susceptibility to nerve disease
• lifestyle factors, such as smoking or alcohol use 

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathies?

Symptoms depend on the type of neuropathy and which nerves are affected. Some people with nerve damage have no symptoms at all. For others, the first symptom is often numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet. Symptoms are often minor at first, and because most nerve damage occurs over several years, mild cases may go unnoticed for a long time. Symptoms can involve the sensory, motor, and autonomic—or involuntary—nervous systems. In some people, mainly those with focal neuropathy, the onset of pain may be sudden and severe.

Symptoms of nerve damage may include:

• numbness, tingling, or pain in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms, and fingers
• wasting of the muscles of the feet or hands
• indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness or faintness due to a drop in blood pressure after standing or sitting up
• problems with urination
• erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women
• weakness

Symptoms that are not due to neuropathy, but often accompany it, include weight loss and depression. 

What are the types of diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy can be classified as peripheral, autonomic, proximal, or focal. Each affects different parts of the body in various ways.

• Peripheral neuropathy, the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, causes pain or loss of feeling in the toes, feet, legs, hands, and arms.
• Autonomic neuropathy causes changes in digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response, and perspiration. It can also affect the nerves that serve the heart and control blood pressure, as well as nerves in the lungs and eyes. Autonomic neuropathy can also cause hypoglycemia unawareness, a condition in which people no longer experience the warning symptoms of low blood glucose levels.
• Proximal neuropathy causes pain in the thighs, hips, or buttocks and leads to weakness in the legs.
• Focal neuropathy results in the sudden weakness of one nerve or a group of nerves, causing muscle weakness or pain. Any nerve in the body can be affected. 

Neuropathy Affects Nerves Throughout the Body

Peripheral neuropathy affects:

• toes
• feet
• legs
• hands
• arms

Autonomic neuropathy affects:

• heart and blood vessels
• digestive system
• urinary tract
• sex organs
• sweat glands
• eyes
• lungs

Proximal neuropathy affects:

• thighs
• hips
• buttocks
• legs

Focal neuropathy affects:

• eyes
• facial muscles
• ears
• pelvis and lower back
• chest
• abdomen
• thighs
• legs
• feet 

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy, also called distal symmetric neuropathy or sensorimotor neuropathy, is nerve damage in the arms and legs. Your feet and legs are likely to be affected before your hands and arms. Many people with diabetes have signs of neuropathy that a doctor could note but feel no symptoms themselves. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include:

• numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature
• a tingling, burning, or prickling sensation
• sharp pains or cramps
• extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch
• loss of balance and coordination

These symptoms are often worse at night.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves in your toes, feet, legs, hands, and arms.

Peripheral neuropathy may also cause muscle weakness and loss of reflexes, especially at the ankle, leading to changes in the way a person walks. Foot deformities, such as hammertoes and the collapse of the midfoot, may occur. Blisters and sores may appear on numb areas of the foot because pressure or injury goes unnoticed. If foot injuries are not treated promptly, the infection may spread to the bone, and the foot may then have to be amputated. Some experts estimate that half of all such amputations are preventable if minor problems are caught and treated in time. 

What is autonomic neuropathy?

Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control the heart, regulate blood pressure, and control blood glucose levels. Autonomic neuropathy also affects other internal organs, causing problems with digestion, respiratory function, urination, sexual response, and vision. In addition, the system that restores blood glucose levels to normal after a hypoglycemic episode may be affected, resulting in loss of the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves in your heart, stomach, intestines, bladder, sex organs, sweat glands, eyes, and lungs.

Hypoglycemia Unawareness

Normally, symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, and palpitations occur when blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. In people with autonomic neuropathy, symptoms may not occur, making hypoglycemia difficult to recognize. Problems other than neuropathy can also cause hypoglycemia unawareness. For more information about hypoglycemia, see the fact sheet Hypoglycemia at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia.

Heart and Blood Vessels

The heart and blood vessels are part of the cardiovascular system, which controls blood circulation. Damage to nerves in the cardiovascular system interferes with the body’s ability to adjust blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, blood pressure may drop sharply after sitting or standing, causing a person to feel light-headed or even to faint. Damage to the nerves that control heart rate can mean that your heart rate stays high, instead of rising and falling in response to normal body functions and physical activity.

Digestive System

Nerve damage to the digestive system most commonly causes constipation. Damage can also cause the stomach to empty too slowly, a condition called gastroparesis. Severe gastroparesis can lead to persistent nausea and vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. Gastroparesis can also make blood glucose levels fluctuate widely, due to abnormal food digestion. For more information, see the fact sheet Gastroparesis at www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastroparesis.

Nerve damage to the esophagus may make swallowing difficult, while nerve damage to the bowels can cause constipation alternating with frequent, uncontrolled diarrhea, especially at night. Problems with the digestive system can lead to weight loss.

Urinary Tract and Sex Organs

Autonomic neuropathy often affects the organs that control urination and sexual function. Nerve damage can prevent the bladder from emptying completely, allowing bacteria to grow in the bladder and kidneys and causing urinary tract infections. When the nerves of the bladder are damaged, urinary incontinence may result because a person may not be able to sense when the bladder is full or control the muscles that release urine.

Autonomic neuropathy can also gradually decrease sexual response in men and women, although the sex drive may be unchanged. A man may be unable to have erections or may reach sexual climax without ejaculating normally. A woman may have difficulty with arousal, lubrication, or orgasm.

For more information, see the fact sheets Nerve Disease and Bladder Control and Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes at www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov.

Sweat Glands

Autonomic neuropathy can affect the nerves that control sweating. When nerve damage prevents the sweat glands from working properly, the body cannot regulate its temperature as it should. Nerve damage can also cause profuse sweating at night or while eating.

Eyes

Finally, autonomic neuropathy can affect the pupils of the eyes, making them less responsive to changes in light. As a result, a person may not be able to see well when a light is turned on in a dark room or may have trouble driving at night. 

What is proximal neuropathy?

Proximal neuropathy, sometimes called lumbosacral plexus neuropathy, femoral neuropathy, or diabetic amyotrophy, starts with pain in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs, usually on one side of the body. This type of neuropathy is more common in those with type 2 diabetes and in older adults with diabetes. Proximal neuropathy causes weakness in the legs and the inability to go from a sitting to a standing position without help. Treatment for weakness or pain is usually needed. The length of the recovery period varies, depending on the type of nerve damage. 

What is focal neuropathy?

Focal neuropathy appears suddenly and affects specific nerves, most often in the head, torso, or leg. Focal neuropathy may cause:

• inability to focus the eye
• double vision
• aching behind one eye
• paralysis on one side of the face, called Bell’s palsy
• severe pain in the lower back or pelvis
• pain in the front of a thigh
• pain in the chest, stomach, or side
• pain on the outside of the shin or inside of the foot
• chest or abdominal pain that is sometimes mistaken for heart disease, a heart attack, or appendicitis

Focal neuropathy is painful and unpredictable and occurs most often in older adults with diabetes. However, it tends to improve by itself over weeks or months and does not cause long-term damage.

People with diabetes also tend to develop nerve compressions, also called entrapment syndromes. One of the most common is carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness and tingling of the hand and sometimes muscle weakness or pain. Other nerves susceptible to entrapment may cause pain on the outside of the shin or the inside of the foot. 

How can I prevent diabetic neuropathies?

The best way to prevent neuropathy is to keep your blood glucose levels as close to the normal range as possible. Maintaining safe blood glucose levels protects nerves throughout your body.

For additional information about preventing diabetes complications, including neuropathy, see the Prevent Diabetes Problems Series at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications. 

How are diabetic neuropathies diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose neuropathy on the basis of symptoms and a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor may check blood pressure, heart rate, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to position changes, vibration, temperature, or light touch.

Foot Exams

Experts recommend that people with diabetes have a comprehensive foot exam each year to check for peripheral neuropathy. People diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy need more frequent foot exams. A comprehensive foot exam assesses the skin, muscles, bones, circulation, and sensation of the feet. Your doctor may assess protective sensation or feeling in your feet by touching your foot with a nylon monofilament—similar to a bristle on a hairbrush—attached to a wand or by pricking your foot with a pin. People who cannot sense pressure from a pinprick or monofilament have lost protective sensation and are at risk for developing foot sores that may not heal properly. The doctor may also check temperature perception or use a tuning fork, which is more sensitive than touch pressure, to assess vibration perception.

Other Tests

The doctor may perform other tests as part of your diagnosis.

• Nerve conduction studies or electromyography are sometimes used to help determine the type and extent of nerve damage. Nerve conduction studies check the transmission of electrical current through a nerve. Electromyography shows how well muscles respond to electrical signals transmitted by nearby nerves. These tests are rarely needed to diagnose neuropathy.
• A check of heart rate variability shows how the heart responds to deep breathing and to changes in blood pressure and posture.
• Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of internal organs. An ultrasound of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract, for example, can show how these organs preserve a normal structure and whether the bladder empties completely after urination. 

How are diabetic neuropathies treated?

The first treatment step is to bring blood glucose levels within the normal range to help prevent further nerve damage. Blood glucose monitoring, meal planning, physical activity, and diabetes medicines or insulin will help control blood glucose levels. Symptoms may get worse when blood glucose is first brought under control, but over time, maintaining lower blood glucose levels helps lessen symptoms. Good blood glucose control may also help prevent or delay the onset of further problems. As scientists learn more about the underlying causes of neuropathy, new treatments may become available to help slow, prevent, or even reverse nerve damage.

As described in the following sections, additional treatment depends on the type of nerve problem and symptom. If you have problems with your feet, your doctor may refer you to a foot care specialist.

Pain Relief

Doctors usually treat painful diabetic neuropathy with oral medications, although other types of treatments may help some people. People with severe nerve pain may benefit from a combination of medications or treatments. Talk with your health care provider about options for treating your neuropathy.

Medications used to help relieve diabetic nerve pain include:

• tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane)
• other types of antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, bupropion (Wellbutrin), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa)
• anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin (Lyrica), gabapentin (Gabarone, Neurontin), carbamazepine, and lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• opioids and opioid-like drugs, such as controlled-release oxycodone, an opioid; and tramadol (Ultram), an opioid that also acts as an antidepressant

Duloxetine and pregabalin are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

You do not have to be depressed for an antidepressant to help relieve your nerve pain. All medications have side effects, and some are not recommended for use in older adults or those with heart disease. Because over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may not work well for treating most nerve pain and can have serious side effects, some experts recommend avoiding these medications.

Treatments that are applied to the skin—typically to the feet—include capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches (Lidoderm, Lidopain). Studies suggest that nitrate sprays or patches for the feet may relieve pain. Studies of alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, and evening primrose oil have shown that they can help relieve symptoms and may improve nerve function.

A device called a bed cradle can keep sheets and blankets from touching sensitive feet and legs. Acupuncture, biofeedback, or physical therapy may help relieve pain in some people. Treatments that involve electrical nerve stimulation, magnetic therapy, and laser or light therapy may be helpful but need further study. Researchers are also studying several new therapies in clinical trials.

Gastrointestinal Problems

To relieve mild symptoms of gastroparesis—indigestion, belching, nausea, or vomiting—doctors suggest eating small, frequent meals; avoiding fats; and eating less fiber. When symptoms are severe, doctors may prescribe erythromycin to speed digestion, metoclopramide to speed digestion and help relieve nausea, or other medications to help regulate digestion or reduce stomach acid secretion.

To relieve diarrhea or other bowel problems, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic such as tetracycline, or other medications as appropriate.

Dizziness and Weakness

Sitting or standing slowly may help prevent the light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting associated with blood pressure and circulation problems. Raising the head of the bed or wearing elastic stockings may also help. Some people benefit from increased salt in the diet and treatment with salt-retaining hormones. Others benefit from high blood pressure medications. Physical therapy can help when muscle weakness or loss of coordination is a problem.

Urinary and Sexual Problems

To clear up a urinary tract infection, the doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic. Drinking plenty of fluids will help prevent another infection. People who have incontinence should try to urinate at regular intervals—every 3 hours, for example—since they may not be able to tell when the bladder is full.

To treat erectile dysfunction in men, the doctor will first do tests to rule out a hormonal cause. Several methods are available to treat erectile dysfunction caused by neuropathy. Medicines are available to help men have and maintain erections by increasing blood flow to the penis. Some are oral medications and others are injected into the penis or inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis. Mechanical vacuum devices can also increase blood flow to the penis. Another option is to surgically implant an inflatable or semirigid device in the penis.

Vaginal lubricants may be useful for women when neuropathy causes vaginal dryness. To treat problems with arousal and orgasm, the doctor may refer women to a gynecologist.

Foot Care

People with neuropathy need to take special care of their feet. The nerves to the feet are the longest in the body and are the ones most often affected by neuropathy. Loss of sensation in the feet means that sores or injuries may not be noticed and may become ulcerated or infected. Circulation problems also increase the risk of foot ulcers.

More than half of all lower-limb amputations in the United States occur in people with diabetes—86,000 amputations per year. Doctors estimate that nearly half of the amputations caused by neuropathy and poor circulation could have been prevented by careful foot care.

Follow these steps to take care of your feet:

• Clean your feet daily, using warm—not hot—water and a mild soap. Avoid soaking your feet. Dry them with a soft towel and dry carefully between your toes.
• Inspect your feet and toes every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, or other problems. Use a mirror—laying a mirror on the floor works well—or get help from someone else if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet. Notify your health care provider of any problems.
• Moisturize your feet with lotion, but avoid getting the lotion between your toes.
• After a bath or shower, file corns and calluses gently with a pumice stone.
• Each week or when needed, cut your toenails to the shape of your toes and file the edges with an emery board.
• Always wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from injuries. Prevent skin irritation by wearing thick, soft, seamless socks.
• Wear shoes that fit well and allow your toes to move. Break in new shoes gradually by first wearing them for only an hour at a time.
• Before putting your shoes on, look them over carefully and feel the insides with your hand to make sure they have no tears, sharp edges, or objects in them that might injure your feet.
• If you need help taking care of your feet, make an appointment to see a foot doctor, also called a podiatrist.

For additional information about foot care, contact the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse at 1–800–860–8747. See the publication Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your feet and skin healthy at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet. Materials are also available from the National Diabetes Education Program, including the fact sheet Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime at www.ndep.nih.gov/campaigns/Feet/Feet_overview.htm. 

Points to Remember

• Diabetic neuropathies are nerve disorders caused by many of the abnormalities common to diabetes, such as high blood glucose.
• Neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body, causing numbness and sometimes pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs, and problems with the digestive tract, heart, sex organs, and other body systems.
• Treatment first involves bringing blood glucose levels within the normal range. Good blood glucose control may help prevent or delay the onset of further problems.
• Foot care is an important part of treatment. People with neuropathy need to inspect their feet daily for any injuries. Untreated injuries increase the risk of infected foot sores and amputation.
• Treatment also includes pain relief and other medications as needed, depending on the type of nerve damage.
• Smoking significantly increases the risk of foot problems and amputation. If you smoke, ask your health care provider for help with quitting. 

Hope through Research

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports research to help people with diabetes. A complete listing of clinical research studies, including those related to diabetic neuropathies, can be found at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this document are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the information provided. If a product is not mentioned, the omission does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory. 

For More Information

For more information, contact the following organizations:

American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 1–800–DIABETES (342–2383)
Email: AskADA@diabetes.org
Internet: www.diabetes.org

American Urological Association Foundation
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 1–866–RING–AUA (746–4282)
or 410–689–3700
Fax: 410–689–3800
Email: patienteducation@auafoundation.org
Internet: www.auafoundation.org
www.UrologyHealth.org

American Podiatric Medical Association
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814–1621
Phone: 1–800–FOOTCARE (366–8227)
or 301–581–9200
Fax: 301–530–2752
Email: askapma@apma.org
Internet: www.apma.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Diabetes Translation
4770 Buford Highway NE, Mail Stop K–10
Atlanta, GA 30341–3717
Phone: 1–800–CDC–INFO (232–4636) or 770–488–5000
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Internet: www.cdc.gov/diabetes

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
26 Broadway, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 1–800–533–CURE (2873)
Fax: 212–785–9595
Email: info@jdrf.org
Internet: www.jdrf.org

Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention Program
Health Resources and Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: 1–888–ASK–HRSA (275–4772)
Internet: www.hrsa.gov/leap

National Diabetes Education Program
1 Diabetes Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3560
Phone: 1–800–438–5383
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: ndep@mail.nih.gov
Internet: www.ndep.nih.gov

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3570
Phone: 1–800–891–5389
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824–0105
Phone: 301–592–8573
Fax: 240–629–3246
Email: nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov
Internet: www.nhlbi.nih.gov

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
Phone: 1–800–352–9424 or 301–496–5751
Internet: www.ninds.nih.gov

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3580
Phone: 1–800–891–5390
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov

Pedorthic Footwear Association
2025 M Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 1–800–673–8447 or 202–367–1145
Fax: 202–367–2145
Email: info@pedorthics.org
Internet: www.pedorthics.org

You may also find additional information about this topic by visiting MedlinePlus at www.medlineplus.gov.

This publication may contain information about medications. When prepared, this publication included the most current information available. For updates or for questions about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332) or visit www.fda.gov. Consult your doctor for more information.

Source:

---

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3560
Phone: 1–800–860–8747
TTY: 1–866–569–1162
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1978, the Clearinghouse provides information about diabetes to people with diabetes and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The NDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about diabetes.

This publication was originally reviewed by Peter J. Dyck, M.D., Peripheral Neuropathy Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN; Eva L. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; and Aaron I. Vinik, M.D., Ph.D., Strelitz Diabetes Research Institute, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA. Dr. Feldman also reviewed the updated version of the publication.

This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users of this publication to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

---

NIH Publication No. 08–3185
February 2009

s

Diabetes and Pregnancy

 

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Diabetes and Pregnancy

Diabetes is often diagnosed in women during their childbearing years and can affect the health of both the mother and her unborn child. Poor control of diabetes during pregnancy increases the chances for birth defects and other problems for the baby. It can cause serious complications for the woman, also. Proper healthcare before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes.

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use the sugars and starches (carbohydrates) it takes in as food to make energy. The body either makes no insulin or too little insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes to change those sugars and starches into energy. As a result, extra sugar builds up in the blood.

The three most common types of diabetes are:

Type 1

The pancreas makes no insulin or so little insulin that the body can’t use blood sugar for energy. Type 1 diabetes must be controlled with daily insulin.

Learn more about type 1 diabetes and pregnancy here:

Type 2

The body either makes too little insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes to use blood sugar for energy. Sometimes type 2 diabetes can be controlled through eating a proper diet and exercising regularly. Many people with type 2 diabetes have to take diabetes pills, insulin, or both.

Learn more about type 2 diabetes and pregnancy here:

Gestational

This is a type of diabetes that is first seen in a pregnant woman who did not have diabetes before she was pregnant. Often gestational diabetes can be controlled through eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.  Sometimes a woman with gestational diabetes must also take insulin.

For most women with gestational diabetes, the diabetes goes away soon after delivery. When it does not go away, the diabetes is called type 2 diabetes.  Even if the diabetes does go away after the baby is born, half of all women who had gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later. It’s important for a woman who has had gestational diabetes to continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet after pregnancy to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes. She should also remind her doctor to check her blood sugar every 1 to 3 years.

Learn more about gestational diabetes and pregnancy here:

Related Pages

• Diabetes
• Before Pregnancy
• Healthy Pregnancy
• Birth Defects
• CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities 

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• Content source: Division of Birth Defects, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours/Every Day – cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Tips for Taking Care of Diabetic Feet

By Chris Dillon

People who have diabetes know that they need to take extra care of their feet to reduce or eliminate the pain and complications often associated with the disease. Pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, including the feet, are commonly experienced by people with diabetes. Neuropathy can cause injuries to go unnoticed, and reduced circulation to the extremities can slow healing after an injury has occurred. Here are a few precautions that may be recommended to help care for diabetic feet:

Thoroughly inspect feet for injuries each day. A loss of sensation can lead cuts, bruises, blisters or ulcers on the feet to go unnoticed in people with diabetes. Discovering and treating any such problems early can help keep them from worsening. Examining the feet daily is a good idea for anyone with diabetes.

Contact your medical professional immediately if any foot problems are observed. Discovering and treating any potential foot issues early gives you the chance to begin treatment right away. Many foot related problems can worsen or become infected if they go unnoticed.

Wear properly fitted diabetic footwear for your needs. Diabetic footwear is designed to provide optimal support and distribute the weight of the body such that foot pain is minimized. Podiatrists and certified pedorthists can help people with diabetes select appropriately fitted footwear for their needs.

Avoid going barefoot to reduce the chance of injury. Preventing cuts and other foot injuries is a precaution that can help minimize foot problems and infections in diabetics. Wearing shoes at all times is one way to help prevent unnecessary injuries that can lead to infections.

Wash and dry feet well daily. Washing the feet daily helps promote foot health. Drying the feet completely, particularly between the toes, is also very important for people who have diabetes.

Work with your doctor to determine what treatments work for you. Since the same treatments options may not work for each patient, working with a medical professional such as a podiatrist or certified pedorthist will help you determine the best way to care for your feet.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/tips-for-taking-care-of-diabetic-feet-1165282.html

About the Author

Chris Dillon is the V.P. of MMAR Medical Group Inc., a provider of wholesale orthopedic products including diabetic footwear, custom orthotics, braces and more. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

Diabetes and Pregnancy, Why Women Should Worry

By Eddie Lamb

There are many concerns a woman will have during her pregnancy, and one that can easily be put to rest with a simple test is gestational diabetes mellitus or more commonly known as diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can arise during the second or third trimesters, and can cause complications for the mother as well as the unborn child. Diabetes during pregnancy occurs in a relatively small percentage of expectant mothers, and can often be controlled by diet and exercise throughout the pregnancy.

Many doctors will routinely test for diabetes in pregnancy between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, especially if a woman has risk factors that will increase her odds of developing it. These risk factors include a history of high blood pressure, obesity, ethnicity and a family history of diabetes. Women who have experienced diabetes in pregnancy in the past have a greater chance of developing it again in subsequent pregnancies. Women who are pregnant at an older age also have a greater risk of diabetes in pregnancy.

The test will include fasting and then drinking glucola, which is a mixture of concentrated sugar. Once the glucola is ingested, a blood test is done to check blood sugar levels. If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, a program of diet and exercise will be prescribed to try to control the diabetes during the pregnancy.

What Does Diabetes in Pregnancy Look Like?

Often diabetes during pregnancy is diagnosed before symptoms become obvious. Some of the symptoms that can show up are an increase in hunger, thirst and urination, recurrent vaginal infections and increased blood pressure. Many women complain of fatigue, although this is not a good test, since fatigue is a common symptom of pregnancy. Often sugar will show up in urine during a routine test and this will prompt the doctor to proceed with the glucose test.

It is important to diagnose and treat diabetes in pregnancy as quickly as possible, since it can cause complications during pregnancy. Risks to the mother include raised blood pressure which can lead to a dangerous condition known as ecclampsia. It can also increase the chances of a woman developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. The unborn child can have problems with its heart or kidneys as a result of the mother’s diabetes during pregnancy.

Diabetes during pregnancy is certainly an unwanted complication, but fortunately it can be diagnosed easily and treated effectively. The important thing to remember is to stay on schedule with prenatal visits to the doctor so that the doctor can stay on top of any potential problems.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ – Free Articles Directory

About the Author
Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of vital information on a range of health topics. We believe a better understanding of your condition can help reduce unnecessary anxiety. You’ll find a host of useful articles all about pregnancy listed on our site map page at http://www.pregnancyunderstood.com

Diabetes and Your Feet – Video

Source: roboubi on YouTube
Serenity Well Being Clinic P.A. Dr. Nazanin Roboubi 

Diabetes – The Perfect Storm

 

By Caleb Hellerman

 

(CNN) — The number of Americans with diabetes will nearly double in the next 25 years, and the costs of treating them will triple, according to a new report.

The figures, in a University of Chicago report released Friday, add fuel to the congressional debate regarding reining in the cost of health care.

By 2034, 44.1 million Americans will be living with diabetes — nearly twice the current number of 23.7 million, according to the report, published in the December issue of the journal Diabetes Care. About 90 percent of those with diabetes have type 2, a version of the condition that develops over time.

Accounting for inflation, the direct medical cost of treating them will rise from $113 billion annually to $336 billion, the report says.

Current health care proposals in Congress attempt to slow the growth of spending on chronic diseases such as diabetes by funding programs to prevent disease in the first place, and by offering incentives for insurers and medical providers to encourage early treatment through so-called “accountable care organizations.”

In those organizations, doctors might be paid a flat fee to treat a diabetes patient for a year, with bonuses if they meet certain benchmarks of patient health.

The staggering numbers in the new paper dwarf potential savings that have lately been discussed. For example, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius earlier this month released a report urging improvements in diabetes care. If the most successful statewide programs for controlling diabetes could be duplicated nationwide, it estimates, annual savings from reducing hospitalizations and treatment for various complications would total $216 million.

The numbers are disturbing, said Dr. Elbert Huang, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago. He said he considers the predictions “very conservative” because they don’t account for the growing proportion of overweight children and teenagers, who are at higher risk for developing diabetes.

The estimates also don’t factor in immigration, or the rising population of ethnic minorities. Latinos and African-Americans suffer diabetes at higher rates than the U.S. population as a whole.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which a person loses the ability to break down glucose in the blood and turn food into energy. The condition often develops when people are young.

In type 2 diabetes, the condition develops over time. The process is complex, but aside from ethnic background, risk factors include having a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. The most common risk factor is simply being overweight.

Even modest weight loss will reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More ambitious lifestyle changes, such as diet, regular exercise and assistance through counseling lowered the risk of diabetes by 58 percent, even without medication, in a major federally funded study.

The model used by Huang and his colleagues assumes that the prevalence of diabetes in each age group will stay constant, but that the number of cases will grow as the population gets older. For the Medicare-eligible population alone, the paper predicts the diabetes caseload will rise from 8.2 million people to 14.6 million, and that the total annual cost of treatment will go from $45 billion to $171 billion.

To estimate cost, the researchers assumed that the standard progression of the disease, and mix of therapies used to treat it, will remain constant. According to a 2005 federal report, nearly three in four adults with diabetes uses oral medication to control the disease. About one in four takes insulin.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, according to the American Diabetes Association, and nerve damage and damaged blood vessels are also common. About 15 percent of diabetics require amputation of a lower extremity at some point in their life, according to a 1998 paper in Diabetes Care.

It’s certainly possible that medical breakthroughs will improve care, but it’s unlikely to lead to lower costs, Huang said. “In the past, in general, medical discoveries have driven costs up, not down.”

The study was funded by the company Novo Nordisk, which makes insulin delivery systems to treat diabetics. Novo Nordisk approved the final manuscript, but the authors say the company did not play a role in designing the study or collecting data.

“Without significant changes in public or private strategies, this population and cost growth are expected to add a significant strain to an overburdened health care system,” the report concludes.

The new report is concerning, but doesn’t change the big picture of health care spending, said Jonathan Gruber, an MIT economist who has schooled many politicians about the intricacies of health care.

“Even without this change, over the next 75 years we’ve made promises that exceed the revenues we have to pay for them,” he said.

There’s no compelling evidence that better preventive care can significantly reduce the cost of treating diabetes, Gruber said, but he believes accountable care organizations could make a big impact. He also likes the idea of allowing insurers to charge higher premiums to people who don’t meet certain health benchmarks, such as losing weight if they’re obese.

“The thing about diabetes, it’s among the most preventable of major illnesses,” Gruber said. “We need to put patient financial incentives at stake.”

Huang said he won’t be surprised if the surge in diabetes turns out to be even worse than he projects.

“Prior estimates have all said there would be a dramatic rise in the diabetes type 2 population,” he said, but in every case “the actual [diabetic] population has ended up being larger than the estimates.”

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We recommend “Reversing Diabetes is Possible”.

Source: CNN by Caleb Hellerman, (published November 27, 2009).
Caleb Hellerman is CNN Medical News senior producer.
Photo By FoodSpook

Type 2 Diabetes: What Doctors Don’t Tell You

 

 

 

 

By Emily Saar

 

Original published October 12, 2007. Reprinted here November 10, 2009.

Emily Saar is a recovered type 2 diabetic as a result of using Eleotin and the owner of http://www.BetaTherapy.com. Visit to learn more about Eleotin and the truth about diabetes.

http://www.BetaTherapy.com

View all articles by Emily Saar Type 2 Diabetes: What Doctors Don’t Tell You
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) type 2 diabetes is an epidemic that affects more than 18,000,000 people in the U.S alone. Statistics prove that more than 2,500 people daily are diagnosed with this disease. Almost everyone knows someone who has it. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Americans have type 2 diabetes, many do not know they have it.

Type 2 diabetes is a silent killer of thousands every year. It doesn’t come on overnight and it isn’t painful (at first). In fact, a majority of people who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are usually being treated for another problem. Many do not take this disease seriously enough to do anything about it until complications begin to surface.

Complications vary from person to person, but the first signs of type 2 diabetes usually include: extreme thirst, dry itchy skin, tingling in the hands and feet, increased urination, increased hunger and blurry vision. Untreated, it can eventually lead to: poor circulation, nerve damage, blindness, amputations, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, dialysis and death. Pretty serious complications.

Twenty years ago, type 2 diabetes was a disease most commonly diagnosed in people over 50. Today, our children are being diagnosed. What a sad future they have to look forward to. Life expectancy is shortened by at least 12 years along with a lifetime of insulin shots, medications and eventually dialysis.

Healthcare professionals deal with this epidemic by prescribing medications. Many of these drugs are very harmful and even deadly. Most have to be taken for life and lose their effectiveness over time, meaning the doses will have to be increased or other drugs added to the original prescription. Considering the complications associated with type 2 diabetes, our healthcare system profits quite nicely from this disease.

Avandia, a very common diabetes medication, was once thought to be a very effective drug in treating type 2 diabetes. Until it started killing
people. Now known as a drug that increases risk of heart attack by 70%, many patients went scrambling to their doctors to change their meds, not knowing the amount of damage already done by this drug. This FDA approved drug. Avandia is not the only one. Almost all diabetes drugs carry some type of harmful side-effects from headaches and vomiting to heart and liver failure.

Knowing the amount of money the pharmeceutical companies make from type 2 diabetes and all of it’s complications, it’s no wonder a cure has never been found. Think carefully about what would happen if an FDA approved cure was made available. Entire wings of hospitals would shut down, doctors that specialize in diabetes would be out of work and dialysis clinics would fold. This is a very small part of the revenue made by other complications such as blindness, physical therapy due to amputations, heart institutes would lose hundreds of millions. There is just too much money to lose in making a cure available.

Canada has had a natural type 2 diabetes herbal remedy available to the public since 1999 called Eleotin. Researched for more than 20 years, Eleotin works on a metabolic level to lower blood sugars naturally and reverse type 2 diabetes by correcting the causes.

Type 2 diabetes has two main causes. Insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas (beta cell damage) or insulin resistance, when cells in the body resist insulin that is made. Eleotin restores beta cell function, restores the health of the pancreas and strengthens insulin receptors to make them more sensitive to the insulin naturally made by the body. Eleotin has no harmful side-effects, is made entirely from herbs used as foods in many countries. It is even safe for children.

Eleotin is sweeping the globe. Almost 100,000 people worldwide have used Eleotin. Many have reversed their type 2 diabetes completely. It’s time we take this disease more seriously and stop waiting for the FDA approved cure that will never appear. How many years have we dumped money into diabetes research? Where is their cure? For many thousands of people who have used Eleotin, they have already found theirs.

Source: Emily Saar

Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic

 

 

 

 

By Mike Fletcher

 

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), there are 15.7 million Americans who have diabetes. This disease is the main cause of blindness in people between the ages of twenty and seventy and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

If this disease is not properly managed, diabetes can cause kidney disease, hypertension, heart disease, edema, neuropathy, and infections of the mouth, feet, skin, lungs and genitalia. The skin infections do not heal properly and can even lead to amputation of extremities.

Type 2 diabetes has become the most common form of disease affecting 90-95 percent of the people who have diabetes. For people who have type II diabetes, not enough insulin is manufactured by the pancreas. Another problem is that the cells can become insulin resistant. When this happens, glucose accumulates in the blood instead of entering the cells.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life; however, the disease is now becoming more common in people in their thirties and even late twenties.
The most common risk factors among those who develop this condition include diet, weight, race, age, lack of exercise and genetics. The most common ethnic groups to have type 2 diabetes are Latinos, American Indians, African-Americans, and American Asians.

The real danger of diabetes is the complications associated from inconsistent insulin levels and elevated blood glucose. One dangerous complication is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or another dangerous condition known as hyperosmolar syndrome. DKA happens when insulin levels are so low that the body starts metabolizing stored fat to use as fuel. When the fat breaks down, a by-product is released that is known as ketones which cause the body to become too acidic.

Ketoacidosis is typically seen in those with type 1 diabetes, but can happen to those with type 2 as well. The symptoms can include nausea, sweet breath, having a hard time breathing and confusion which can lead to a coma.

Hyperosmolar syndrome is a result of elevated blood sugars accompanied with dehydration. This condition is more common in those with type 2 diabetes who also take steroid medications. Hyperosmolar syndrome can also be a result of a stress from another illness. Symptoms can include confusion, tiredness, and in the most severe cases, coma. Often, in older adults, type 2 diabetes is not discovered until the symptoms of hypersmolar syndrome are reported to a doctor.

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you probably have a lot of questions and may even have a hard time grasping the severity and the responsibilities that come with this condition. It must now become a priority to take care of your body. If you are overweight, it is time to drop those extra pounds. You will also need to cut back on sugars, eat more fiber, and limit fours and white rice and to start a regular exercise regime.

You will also want to make an appointment with an optometrist make sure that your eyes are in good shape.

Source: Mike Fletcher

What Is World Diabetes Day?

By James Briggs

World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created by both the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation. It was instituted in 1991 and is now a massive campaign. The issues it raises serve as educational campaigns that last for the entire year.

- World Diabetes Day is held every year on November 14th.
- It was instituted in 1991 as an awareness and educational campaign.
- The theme of World Diabetes Day changes from year to year.

The day itself is held every year on November 14th. This signifies the birthday of Frederick Banting, one of two men who led to the discovery of insulin through their research and theories. It became an official United Nations World Health day in 2006.

What is done for WDD?

WDD is honored in over 160 different countries globally.There are also many various organizations and groups that honor the day and the campaign.

Much is done to get the word out about diabetes, as the primary reason for WDD is awareness and education. Advertisements are taken out in a wide variety of spectrums.

Awareness runs and other events and festivals are held. Ceremonies and symbolic gestures are performed, all to get the day in the news and to spread awareness to as many people as possible.

The goals of WDD

Ultimately, the goal of World Diabetes Day is to spread awareness. The more people that are aware of the problem, the more people that can be saved.

Many people do not even realize they have the disease until much damage is already done. WDD also serves as a massive fundraiser, garnering funds for both the research of diabetes and for the treatment of those with diabetes.

WDD preaches ideas and values such as living a healthy lifestyle and getting yourself examined by doctors. Additionally it teaches ways to cope with the problems and ways to prevent the disease.

WDD also teaches about ways to help even if you do not have the disease. By increasing awareness and educating people, diabetes can be prevented much more effectively.

Additionally, it gets more attention globally, raising the importance of investing money and time into research.

Interesting facts about World Diabetes Day

- The theme for WDD changes from year to year. In both 2007 and 2008, the theme was diabetes in children and adolescents. There are many past themes including diabetes and obesity, human rights and diabetes, diabetes in the disadvantaged, diabetes in relation to specific organs and body parts, diabetes in old age and so on.
- Some of the alarming facts for this year’s theme are: that 200 children every day (70,000 annually) develop type 1 diabetes.
- It’s growing at a rate of 3% per year and a higher rate of 5% per year in preschoolers. There are over 440,000 children living with type 1 diabetes around the world.
- Type2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent in children, highlighting unhealthy lifestyles.
- The symbol for WDD is a blue circle outline with white in the middle. The circle has many symbolic meanings, including global unity and health and lifecycles.

Source: James Briggs

Foot Care For The Diabetic

By Ann Knapp

The NET study guide provides nurses the assistance they need with the nursing entrance test. Pass the NET the first time with our guide at http://www.nurseslearningcenter.com. Written by a Professor of Education for nurses, the guide has over 600 pages with details answers to every question.

Proper foot care is very important for people who are diabetic. People spend a great amount of time on their feet. Knowledge of proper foot care can save the diabetic individual from many future complications that can arise from foot care neglect, such as open wounds, infection, and loss of toe nails, poor circulation, peripheral neuropathy, septicemia and gangrene.

Diabetes causes poor circulation, which in turn causes the diabetic individual a loss of sensation. The feet are the farthest away from the heart and are therefore the most susceptible to complications from injury.

Using common sense and taking some simple precautions will go a long way to promoting healthy feet. Here is a list of some of some healthy tips for diabetics regarding their foot care.

- Water should be tested with the person’s hand, and should be tepid not hot. Due to peripheral neuropathy, it is possible to use water that is too hot and can cause injury to the tissue.

- Use soap that is gentle on the skin, such as Ivory or Dove. Antibacterial soaps can be harsh on the skin, cause allergic reactions in some people.

- Instead of clipping the toe nails, use an emery board. Clipping the toe nails can lead to breaking the skin or ingrown toe nails.

- See a podiatrist on a regular basis, at least monthly. The podiatrist can clip the toe nails and determine if there are any areas of concern.

- Wear foot coverings at all times. Going barefoot can lead to unexpected injury from foreign objects as well as bacterial infection. Sandals that are open toed should be avoided. Always try to cover the entire foot. Use slippers while in the home.

Be sure to have comfortable shoes. Choose shoes that area half size bigger and wide enough to accommodate cotton socks. Leather shoes are better than vinyl man made materials. The type of activity that someone engages in usually dictates the type of shoes to be worn. Comfort should be their priority. A diabetic may choose not to wear socks with their tennis shoes while engaging in an activity. If they are wearing shoes made of vinyl or leather, their feet will sweat profusely. Sweat from feet, especially in a slightly anaerobic environment (without oxygen) can become acidic, rather than alkaline. The acid sweat can irritate the skin and excoriate areas where there are sores beginning to form.

- Always use cotton socks. Cotton absorbs sweat more than any other material. Avoid nylon socks if possible.

- Avoid shoes that have high heels. High heels will push the toes forward and can easily cause ingrown toe nails and loss of feeling.

- Try to elevate the feet during the day. Schedule daily rest periods. When elevating the feet, try to keep the feet higher than the heart. This position allows blood to flow easier and enhances circulation.

- Avoid perfumed lotions on the feet. If dryness is a problem, use alcohol and perfumed free lotions. Be sure to thoroughly massage all of lotion into the foot, or dry off excess lotion.

- Dry feet thoroughly after each washing and air out feet if possible during the day.

- Avoid standing for long periods of time. Blood has a tendency to pool in the foot and ankle area, making it harder to circulate back to the heart.

- Avoid activities that can cause injury to the foot, such as soccer and football. If those games cannot be avoided, then choose good foot protection.

Using proper foot care sense with good hygiene can make living with diabetes easier and prevent unnecessary complications that could affect the quality of ones life.

Source: Ann Knapp

4 Top Tests for Diabetes

By Tom Parker

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. For more detailed information on diabetes tests please visit http://blog.freefitnesstips.co.uk/testing-for-diabetes.html

Diabetes is a disease caused by a lack of insulin (a hormone that your body relies upon to convert blood sugar into energy) in the body. But how can you test for diabetes and see whether you have contracted the disease yourself? The best way is to go and see your doctor and ask them to test you. They will then be able to give you an accurate diagnosis. In this article I will discuss four of the most popular diabetes tests that your doctor is likely to use.

1) FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE (FPG) TEST:- The FPG test has become one of the most popular diabetes tests. The main drawback with the FPG test is that it is not suitable to test for gestational diabetes (a form of diabetes which develops during pregnancy). However, if you are not pregnant the chances are that your doctor will use this test to make their diagnosis.
To begin you will be scheduled in for a FPG test. Your doctor will require you to eat nothing for at least eight hours prior to the test. During the test they will take a blood sample and measure your blood glucose levels. They will then analyse the blood sample and diagnose you based on the following rules:

- A blood sugar level of 99 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or less = Normal.
- A blood sugar level of between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL = Impaired Fasting Glucose (a form of pre-diabetes which if left untreated can develop into type 2 diabetes).
- A blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or greater = Type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In this instance you will be given another FPG for accuracy. If both FPGs suggest that you have diabetes your doctor will investigate further and diagnose you with type 1 or type 2 diabetes

2) ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):- This test is similar to the FPG but it can be used to diagnose all types of diabetes. If you are a man or non-pregnant woman your doctor will book you in for an FPG test. Following the FPG test they will then give you a drink containing glucose and take regular blood samples after you have drank it. If you are pregnant you will be given the glucose drink without an FPG test and regular blood samples will be taken following consumption. In both variations the final blood sample will be used to make a diagnosis based on the following rules:

- A blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or less = Normal.
- A blood sugar level of between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL = Impaired Fasting Glucose (a form of pre-diabetes which if left untreated can develop into type 2 diabetes).
- A blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL or greater = Type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. If you are a pregnant woman then you
will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Otherwise your doctor will investigate further and diagnose you with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

3) RANDOM BLOOD GLUCOSE (RBG) TEST:- The RBG does exactly what it says and involves a random blood test being taken. RBG tests can be performed without the assistance of your doctor using a glucose meter (a piece of medical equipment that calculates the approximate level of glucose in your blood). The test involves pricking your finger with a lancing device (a device which draws a small amount of blood from your finger), placing the blood on a test strip and then inserting this test strip into your glucose meter to get a reading. If multiple RBG tests show that you have blood sugar levels higher than 200 mg/dL then you may have diabetes.

Although RBG tests are easy to perform they should NOT be used as the only test when diagnosing diabetes. They are approximately 10% as accurate as laboratory tests and therefore any concerns you may have as the result of multiple RBG tests should be followed up with your doctor. Only your doctor will be able to give you a full and accurate diagnosis.

4) GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN TEST:- Glycosylated haemoglobin is the term used to describe haemoglobin that has bound with glucose. Glycosylated haemoglobin cells usually last for between two to four months. If you have diabetes or you are not managing your diabetes effectively the level of glycosylated haemoglobin in your blood will increase. To begin the gylcosylated haemoglobin test your doctor will take a blood sample and analyse the glycosylated haemoglobin levels based on the following results:

- Glycosylated haemoglobin levels of between 4% and 6% = Normal.
- Glycosylated haemoglobin levels below 7% = Diabetes that is under control.
- Glycosylated haemoglobin levels greater than 7% = Diabetes that is not under control.

I hope this article has shown you that there are multiple tests available to determine whether or not you have diabetes. However, you must remember that these tests are useless unless performed under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified medical professional. Many factors can affect your test results and your doctor will be able to look at all the relevant factors and then make an accurate diagnosis. If you think you may have diabetes and want a solid answer then go see your doctor and get yourself tested today.

Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately

Source: Tom Parker

Acute Complications of Diabetes

 

 

By Peter Geisheker

You’ve heard that diabetes is a serious disease, but have you considered just how serious? Many people today lead lifestyles that pose a high risk for developing diabetes. Unfortunately, once they do, the put themselves in line to develop many serious complications.

The following are some acute complications that can result if one develops diabetes. An acute complication is a serious, but short-term, problem that needs immediate attention. Diabetic ketoacidosis This complication, commonly referred to as DKA, is always considered to be a medical emergency. When your insulin level is low, the body will then turn to fat to burn for energy. This results in the development of ketone bodies. This is fine and natural, it happens periodically. However, if this process is sustained for a longer period of time, the ketone bodies will decrease the blood’s pH. This is where it becomes DKA.

When someone develops DKA, they tend to be extremely dehydrated and panting heavily and deeply, as if they were out of breath. Severe abdominal pain is not uncommon. While the person may be perfectly conscious, it eventually slows the person down and the resulting lethargy can develop further into a coma. After this, the person can suffer from hypotension, go into shock, or even die. A urine analysis can be done to determine the level of ketone bodies. If treated immediately, a full recovery is likely. However, if treatment is delayed or inadequate, the chances of death increase dramatically.

Hyperglycemia hyperosmolar state Commonly referred to as HNS, symptoms of this condition are very similar to those of DKA, but with an entirely different source. HNS is a result of extremely high blood glucose levels. When your blood sugar is high, water is drawn out of the cells into your blood. Glucose is dumped into the urine. As a result, your body becomes extremely dehydrated. This continues to occur to dangerous levels. Emergency medical treatment is, again, necessary. Otherwise, the body will continue to dehydrate and subsequently shut down.

Hypoglycemia Rare, but still a risk, hypoglycemia is when the blood has abnormally low glucose levels. In the case a of a diabetic, this can be caused by not taking proper insulin dosage, or not taking it at the right time. The sufferer can become agitated, sweaty, and can begin to panic. Consciousness can range from slightly altered to completely lost.

Comas and seizures can put stress on the body and cause brain damage and death. Hypoglycemia needs to be addressed immediately. Minor symptoms can be treated with sugary foods and drinks. If the person is unconscious, however, glucagon or dextrose can be injected into the body. These can raise the blood sugar levels. Dextrose administered intravenously is the most common treatment in a hospital.

As you can see, the acute complications of diabetes are something that you want to avoid at all costs. These problems need serious, emergency medical attention. While full recoveries are likely in all cases, as long as treatment is administered immediately, it simply isn’t a risk worth taking.

Peter Geisheker is the CEO of the Independent Pharmacy Marketing Group. For more information on Diabetes and controlling high blood sugar visit www.santalsolutions.com

Source: Peter Geisheker

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Are Insulin Resistance and Diabetes the Same?

Posted August 21, 2009

By Diana Walker

There are many people who think that insulin resistance and diabetes are one and the same but they are not. Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body utilizes food for energy.

Normally, the sugar you take in is digested and broken down to a simple sugar, known as glucose. The glucose then travels in your blood where it waits to enter cells to be used as fuel. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is what helps move the glucose into cells. A healthy pancreas adjusts the amount of insulin based on the level of glucose. However, if you have diabetes, this process breaks down, and blood sugar levels become too high.

Insulin Resistance On the other hand, insulin resistance is a silent condition that increases the chances of developing diabetes, and even heart disease. Becoming knowledgeable about insulin resistance is the first step you can take toward making lifestyle changes that will help you prevent diabetes and other health problems. If a person is insulin resistant, their muscle fat and liver cells do not make proper use of insulin because the cells have a diminished ability to respond to the action of the insulin hormone. Because the pancreas tries to keep up with the demand for insulin by producing more, the process to do so becomes compromised and excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, since the pancreas cannot keep up with the body’s need for insulin.

In essence many people with insulin resistance have high levels of blood glucose and high levels of insulin circulating in their blood simultaneously. Studies have shown that more people with insulin resistance, go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. However this can avoided if they lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight—which is about 10 to 15 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds.

Hence the importance of a daily exercise regimen; even if it is only a 30 minute walk per day, it helps. Insulin resistance can also occur in people who have type 1 diabetes. This is true especially if they those who are overweight. Diabetes and Insulin Resistance are Not the Same, But are Related In essence, diabetes and insulin resistance are not the same but yet are related.

There are several factors that determine if one or the other is present in the body and the symptoms for each are slightly different, although you will find that some are the same. Thus the confusion that they are one and the same health challenge. Symptoms Indicating Possible Risk of Insulin Resistance Women: 1. Overweight 2. Waist bigger than your hips 3. Buttocks slightly bigger than normal Men: 1. Overweight 2. Larger stomach If you are overweight, have a waist that is bigger than your hips, are a woman whose buttocks are slightly bigger than normal, or if you are a man with a rather larger stomach, then you may be at risk for insulin resistance. These are a few of the symptoms of insulin resistance with the weight and waist issues being major reasons to consider your health. No matter the level, it really is up to every individual to take charge of their health and learn to take more proactive measures to healthier living.

Are cravings for sugar, salt, junk food, sodas, and coffee running your life? Are you tired and foggy-brained? Need more energy, more mental clarity, less cravings for sugar? Diana Walker, Sunrider Leader, Cravings Coach and CEO of Diana’s Healthy Lifestyleshttp://www.diana2.com provides natural, safe options for creating vibrant health. Free education at http://www.thecravingscoach.com

Worldwide Research for Alternative Treatments of Diabetes

Alternative Treatments of Diabetes Are Currently Being Researched in Many Countries Around the World.

 

 

Posted August 8, 2009

By Annie Duvall

Alternative treatments of diabetes are currently being researched in many countries around the world. There is research being done on natural substances that help alleviate many of the symptoms of Type-2 diabetes. Diabetes is a disease where the body is not able to metabolize glucose in the blood.

Type-1 diabetes is caused by the damage of Beta islet cells located in the pancreas. When working properly these cells usually secrete insulin but for people with Type-1 diabetes these cells are not working. Type-1 diabetics will need to be on insulin therapy for the rest of their lives. Type-2 diabetes is cause by the destruction of insulin receptors on cell surfaces which causes the cells to be resistant to insulin.

Type-2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication and in some cases with lifestyle changes alone. There are also many alternative or natural substances that can help alleviate symptoms and control blood glucose levels for Type-2 diabetes. Currently studies are being conducted on many herbs that have been used for centuries to treat diabetic symptoms.

There are several Amazon jungle root herbs with reported abilities to lower blood glucose levels, normalize the frequency of urination, and eradicate glucose in the urine of diabetic patients. In Brazil, the Pfaffia root has been used for decades to treat the symptoms of diabetes. Pata-de-vaca is also widely used in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes.

One doctor in China has studied the results of goji berry on the blood of thousands of patients. This doctor theorizes that the goji berry makes the patients blood more alkaline. He has reported that as the alkalinity changes, there is a turnaround of all illnesses. His claim is that this reversal includes diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, renal failure, high cholesterol, arthritis and other illnesses associated with physical or mental problems, including attention deficit disorder.

Another research program currently in China has diabetics drinking a tea made from the goji berry. Results show that up to 62 percent of subjects showed decrease in blood glucose levels and over half of the patients being able to control blood sugar levels with diet alone. Goji helps with the release of oxygen to the cells with an enzyme named 23BPG. This seems to help reduce the symptoms caused by the narrowing of blood vessels in the legs, eyes and other areas in the body of diabetics.

Another natural substance that is being studied is cocoa. A study conducted in Germany showed cocoa with high flavanol improves cardiovascular health. The study was specifically to test the effectiveness of the cocoa with long term use. Forty-one stable Type-2 diabetics were given cocoa with high dose flavanol in comparison with low flavanol dosage cocoa. During the study, the researchers did find that the flavanol found in cocoa did have a positive effect on FMD response in diabetics.

Researchers concluded that these results happened by increased production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical that sends signals to arteries to relax and widen in response to increased blood flow. This relaxation of the arteries takes stress off the heart and blood vessels.

Alternative treatments of diabetes are currently being researched in many countries around the world. There is research being done on natural substances that help alleviate many of the symptoms of Type-2 diabetes.

Having diabetes myself, I found it hard to make some good food until I found more than 500 yummy recipes in a free ebook at Adviceondiabetes Source: Annie Duvall

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