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Posts tagged Diabetes
The Early Warning Signals and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Oct 30th
Very often the early symptoms of diabetes can be confused with other chronic illnesses. Typically, Type 2 Diabetes does not present itself until the age of 40; however more and more children are being diagnosed with this disease every day due to the high rate of obesity and lack of sufficient physical activity.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is the most commonly diagnosed, and is non insulin dependent (NIDDM). It is best controlled by diet and increased exercise. If not properly managed, complications such as renal and cardiovascular disease can result.
It is unfortunate to note that the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes typically go unnoticed for several years, allowing a delay in crucially needed treatment. The characteristics that distinguish this type of diabetes are the resistance to insulin produced by the islet cells which are located in the pancreas.
In An Emergency:
Those that are unaware of having diabetes are at a very high risk for experiencing an emergency event when their symptoms become extreme. In addition, there is an even greater risk of experiencing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels, which is the exact opposite of diabetes mellitus.
There are two types of a diabetic emergency:
The first type of diabetic emergency is called hyperglycemia. This will occur when there is not enough insulin and too much glucose in the blood. An onset of hyperglycemia is commonly caused by over eating, lack of physical activity and not taking the proper amount of insulin. This event requires insulin for treatment. If gone untreated, the sufferer can lapse into a diabetic coma.
Hypoglycemia exhibits itself when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose, which can lead to insulin shock. This condition is directly related to too much exercise, not eating enough, and injecting too much insulin. This person is in need of sugar.
Both emergencies have the same measure of assistance. The sufferer can be given something to eat or drink such as milk, orange juice or a candy bar to lessen the severity of the symptoms followed by professional medical care.
What are the early signs:
Elevated urinary output: Occurs due to elevated glucose levels and the body’s attempt to get rid of it. Excessive thirst: Is due to the frequent urination, causing dehydration Impaired vision: Vision may be blurred due to damage to the ocular vascular system Feelings of hunger: Caused by excessive insulin that is not being used properly Lethargy: Is related to the elevated glucose levels Erectile dysfunction Frequent bacterial and fungal infections Slow healing wounds:
If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, the next step is seeking the assistance of a medical professional for testing to determine the cause. Types of testing performed include:
Blood glucose test: Normal values for glucose is around 110 mg/dl. A reading of 126 mg/dl or more is indicative of diabetes. If your blood sugars are high on two occasions of testing, the diagnosis is most likely diabetes.
Other testing includes:
A Fasting Plasma Glucose An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) A Random Plasma Glucose Test – No fasting is involved.
The reason for having to fast for eight hours for many of the tests is that eating tends to raise glucose levels. In order to receive a true and accurate reading, going without food for eight hours is necessary.
Having the proper knowledge of signs and symptoms of diabetes as well as being aware of your personal risk factors for the disease is crucial in seeking early treatment and preventing serious complications.
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com where she shares her experience and knowledge about Diabetic Diet and Is Diabetes Curable.
How to Control Type II Diabetes
Jun 13th
Type II Diabetes is a version of diabetes that typically comes on once an individual has reached adulthood. Most often controlling type II diabetes is fairly easy. More often than not, you can take care of your diagnosis through proper diet, exercise, and prescription medications. Your plan of action will be determined by how severe you case of type II diabetes is. Although there is no set cure, you can hold steadfast to the belief that control is within your grasp.
The 1st step is to eat a diet that is balanced and keeps your sugar levels under control. This is the number one thing you have to do is monitor your blood sugar levels. There are many tests that can take your blood sugar levels so you can adjust what you eat accordingly.
An average diet for a diabetic hoping to succeed in controlling type II diabetes is one that is full of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. Additionally this type of diet will be full of complex carbohydrates like whole grains while avoiding simple carbohydrates like processed white flour and sugar. If you are fueling your body with foods like this then you will not only be sure that you are giving your body the fuel that it needs to operate effectively.
Exercise is also very important. Your blood sugar levels are easier to manage if you are at a proper weight for your age and height.
Type 2 diabetes can be more severe in specific cases. In addition to diet and exercise your doctor will prescribe medication to help maintain your health.
In the US there are more and more cases of diabetes being diagnosed. Millions of individuals suffer from diabetes and it is something that needs to be dealt with. If you have the proper amount of exercise and eat healthier it is a good step in beating diabetes.
The Early Warning Signs Of Diabetes
Jun 7th
The food we eat is digested to produce energy for us to live and to work. The main component produced by digestion is glucose (a basic form of sugar). The glucose is transported by the blood to all parts of the body. The level of glucose in the blood is maintained at the proper level by a regulatory mechanism. Sometimes, the glucose level cannot be maintained at the proper level and it shoots up. This leads to a condition known as diabetes. Diabetes can have dangerous consequences for the patient. Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes is essential to nip this condition in the bud.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes is thirst, frequent and powerful thirst. The body tries to compensate for the altered blood composition by copious drinks of water. Another early warning sign is violent nausea. The stomach-turning nausea is not due to eating anything disagreeable or toxic. Attendant symptoms are a feeling of breathlessness, dizziness, and anxiety.
Diabetes leads to neuropathy, a condition where the nerves are damaged. Neuropathy may show itself by eye and vision problems. A closer examination will reveal retinal damage, leading to impaired sight.
Excess glucose levels in the blood can induce neuropathy which in turn affects the organs. The digestive system is a target of neuropathy. Gas, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion are common symptoms. Frequent urination accompanied by strong urgency is a tell-tale sign of excess blood glucose.
If a person suffers cuts, bruises, and wounds that do not heal but, do in fact, deteriorate, suspect excess blood glucose to be the culprit. The skin feels itchy, and wounds tend to turn raw and infected.
The symptoms are a natural follow-on to excess glucose levels in the blood. But taken individually they are fairly common symptoms which are often associated with mild conditions or mild diseases like flu. So the patient never even suspects diabetes and hence completely ignores the possibility. This leads to ignorance of the disease in the early stages.
If someone really close to you exhibits any one of these symptoms, or you do yourself, then it is best that you take this seriously and get a medical opinion on it. The medical practitioner is best able to diagnose your condition. If he advises a glucose test, have it done. The sooner diabetes is diagnosed the better for all concerned. Turn the searchlight on the lurker and drive him out into the open!