Diabetes Advice

Diabetes is a serious health issue for millions around the world. While some are already aware of it, there are many who may not have noticed it as yet. Diabetes is a very deceptive disease. You may have diabetes and find no warning signs at all. It can lead to several other complications if it goes unnoticed. There are a few signs or symptoms that may warn you about diabetes. You may be curious by now to know, what are the first signs of diabetes?

There are three types of diabetes, Type 1 or juvenile onset diabetes, Type 2 that affects anyone and gestational diabetes which is caused during pregnancy. Though each type has its unique set of symptoms and signs there are a few signs that may ring the warning bells for you. Among the first signs is the urge to urinate frequently. It may be the first sign that says that your blood sugar levels are way too high. This happens because your body is pulling body fluids to balance the high blood sugar levels. This leads to the bladder getting full and thus causing frequent urination to remove the excess amounts from your system. You may notice that you need to urinate frequently when you eat foods with high sugar content like soda and desserts.

Similarly, you may start to feel thirstier than you normally do. This happens as you start losing fluids faster. The water from the cells gets drawn out and they get dehydrated and send signals of thirst to the brain. You feel thirstier than normal as the fluids you are losing need to be replaced. Moreover, as the body is unable to use glucose as energy the body signals for more food intake. You start feeling hungry frequently. Diabetics suffering from the Type 1 variety will also notice that in spite of consumption of sufficient food there is unexplained weight loss. This is because the body is unable to use the energy and to satisfy the energy needs starts breaking down the fat and tissues.

If you are feeling tired than usual it may be the result of energy not being transferred successfully where it is needed in the body. The body cells use energy from sugar to carry out daily operations and muscle movements. Diabetes, or even pre-diabetes condition, can make you feel drained of energy. There is always the feeling of tiredness and fatigue. Some of you may also feel drowsy and sleepy at odd times of the day.

Diabetes if undetected causes physical and neurological problems like blurred vision, itchy skin etc. You may also notice other early signs of diabetes like delayed healing of bruises and cuts. This happens as the immune system is affected by diabetes. Similarly there is an increased itchiness or a feeling of dry skin. Blurred vision is also a sign of diabetes as it causes macular degeneration. Excessive glucose in the blood also causes a tingling sensation or numbness of the extremities. However, these neurological signs are seen very late as diabetes progresses.

If you notice any of these first signs of diabetes and are not sure whether you are suffering from it, then you should immediately consult a doctor. There is a simple test to help detect diabetes. Timely treatment will help you to bring it under control and stay healthier.

Blood glucose monitoring systems are a necessity to diabetics to be in control of their diabetes. There are several manufactures of blood glucose meters who offer a wide range of monitoring systems. Among the popular ones is the Wavesense keynote blood monitoring system from AgaMatrix. They are high quality monitoring systems that provide world class features and accuracy in testing. It is the only meter that uses the WaveSense technology.

WaveSense keynote blood glucose monitoring system

It is a very easy and compact, virtually painless tester. It uses WaveSense which is a suite of digital signal processing and Dynamic ElectroChemistry technologies. The advantage it offers is the superior performance for biosensors. In simple words the WaveSense technology enables Keynote meter to give you extremely accurate results. The meter is extremely simple and very user friendly. There backlit display feature enable you to read in darkness also. The user interface is easy to understand at a glance. You can get your previous result simply with a push of a button. The test results are available in as little as 3 to 4 seconds yet highly accurate. The system also enables alternate site testing on palms and forearm giving your sore finger some time to rest.

The meter comes with ergonomic rubber grips and feet which gives you an easy grip and ensure that they do not slip out of your hands. It is among the smallest meters in the market. You need not feel burdened to carry it around wherever you go. You can easily carry it in your purse or pockets. This ensures that you do not avoid testing just because you cannot carry the meter to any place. There is also an alarm system for 6 reminders so that you would not forget testing times. If you are at office, school or are traveling, you can discreetly carryout the tests as per the schedule. As you test you can see the blood enter the test strip with a small sample size of 0.5 micro liters.

The memory capacity is to store about 300 test results with time and date. It provides you 14, 30 and 90 day averages. There is an automatic mealtime average that enable you to tract the readings throughout the day. There is automatic marking provided for the control solution for more accuracy. The well thought out safety features ensure there is lesser chance for confusion. The units are pre-set and cannot be changed by accident. There is also user an alarm you can set for hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic indicators. The double redundant power supply ensure maximum safety of results.
The data management has been made simple. The Zero-click system is easy and has been designed for use of professionals and diabetics. Efforts have been taken to get maximum input from endocrinologists, diabetes educators and diabetics themselves. The software design is complete with all sort of reports generated to help you notice the pattern and trends of your glucose levels over a period of time.

Generally the Wavesense Keynote blood glucose monitoring system includes the meter with batteries, 10 lancets, the Keynote control solution, lancing device, clear AST lancing device cap, owner’s booklet or reference guide and a carrying case. You can now be assured of getting accurate results and keep track of your diabetes and ensure you are in control.

Diabetes is the one of the top most common chronic diseases. Despite the progress of medical science no cure for this disease has been found as yet. In young children the insulin dependent variety is very common. This is known as type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type-1 and thus a majority of diabetics suffer from this type of diabetes. People who develop Type ii diabetes are usually in the age group of 30 and above. But the division between the two types of diabetes including age is fast thinning.

Discovered in 1920 insulin has made a huge difference to the lives of millions of IDDM affected people. The onset of insulin dependant diabetes (IDDM) is far more severe than that of non insulin dependant diabetes (NIDDM). Non dependence on insulin does not imply that type ii diabetics would never require insulin to control their diabetes. Type ii diabetes was known as NIDDM previously. This was so as insulin injections were never prescribed as a part of the treatment.

A type ii diabetic patient would require insulin injections daily as his body is not able to produce natural insulin or produces it in limited quantities. In USA itself over one million people are estimated to be afflicted with IDDM.

Symptoms of type ii diabetes include frequent urination especially at night, excessive thirst, constant hunger, and fatigue. Therefore, an IDDM patient must regularly take insulin injections. With daily insulin injections and a healthy diet, most patients with IDDM can lead active and challenging personal and professional life. However, the detection of the disease in its early stages may be difficult and hence may not be diagnosed till a later stage which could cause complications.

Eating the right diet and at specified time forms an important part of the treatment of type ii IDDM. Such a person is expected to manage his meals combined with insulin doses in a manner that would prevent wild fluctuations in the blood glucose levels. The diets chosen play a vital role in controlling blood glucose levels. Diabetic people need to consume balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, sugar, and salts; whole grains, high fiber foods, fruits and vegetables are recommended. To prevent rise in blood sugar levels after meals, consumption of carbohydrates such as starchy food, breads, and sugary foods like fruits, and sweets must be evenly spread throughout the day.

Bringing weight within limits and then maintaining it must be the topmost priority of overweight diabetics. This helps in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight. However, exercises need to be done carefully. Strenuous exercise increases the absorption of glucose by the muscles, thereby lowering the glucose in the blood. For performing exercises safely and to prevent fluctuations in blood glucose, the patient must balance insulin doses, meal timings and the exercise timings.

Consumption of alcohol need not be given up, but needs to be controlled and can be had occasionally but in moderation. However, alcohol should not be consumed on an empty stomach and should be accompanied by permitted snacks. Similarly, diabetics are better advised to quit smoking.

With proper treatment patients with IDDM can lead physically active and professionally challenging lives, they however must continue taking all precautions and not take their health for granted.

Diabetes is a chronic disease and has affected millions of people around the world. One of the most common problems associated with diabetes is hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can cause serious problem if left untreated. Hyperglycemia is often the medical term used for high blood glucose sugar. It is mainly caused when our bodies have too little insulin or do not have enough insulin or fail to use the insulin in the right manner. It is necessary that diabetics are aware of the signs of hyperglycemia so that they may take necessary medication to bring blood sugar levels under control.

There are two types of hyperglycemia that occur, fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar levels greater than 90-130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) after fasting for at least 8 hours. Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar which is usually greater than 180 mg/dL. Usually among people without diabetes postprandial or post-meal sugars is rarely over 140 mg/dl and after a large meal, may go up to 180 mg/dl for up to 1-2 hour post-meal. However, if the post-meal glucose level is high constantly then that person is at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to treat the symptoms of hyperglycemia promptly to prevent complications from diabetes. Among the early signs of hyperglycemia in diabetes you may commonly find the following:

* Increased thirst
* frequent urination
* Blurred vision
* Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
* Frequent Headaches
* Difficulty in concentrating
* Weight loss
* Blood glucose more than 180 mg/dL

Prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetes may result in slow-healing cuts and sores, vaginal and skin infections, decreased vision, nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower extremities, erectile dysfunction and stomach and intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea

Diabetics have to be very careful about their diet and ensure that they maintain healthy blood sugar levels. However, there may be various reasons for hyperglycemia like your tendency to eat more foods than in your diet plan, or usage of lesser amount of oral agents or insulin than required, lack of exercise, surgery, injuries or accidents and failing to take medicines regularly. Among other reasons there may be some emotional stress that you may be undergoing or even physical stress that can be a factor for the spiraling blood sugar levels.
Remember that not everyone with diabetes will have all these symptoms. Rather you may even find people with Type 2 diabetes not having any of them. Being hungry frequently is due to the inability of the body to utilize glucose well as an energy source within cells.  Though there is glucose circulating in the blood, the cells are unable to absorb it to use as a fuel. As the blood filters through the kidneys, some of the sugar comes out of the blood and is not reabsorbed.  This extra sugar causes water molecules to follow and therefore the diabetic urinates frequently. This obviously leads to diabetics frequently feeling thirsty.  The body can sense that excess water is lost due to frequent urination and the normal response is thirst signals.
Incase of Hyperglycemia you should ensure that you eat less and do not drink any thing that has sugar. Preferably consult your doctor or dietitian if you find it hard to manage your diet. Ensure that you are taking the prescribed medicines properly. Exercising is very important as it helps in reducing blood sugar.

The number of diabetics is growing by the day. People are taken aback when their diabetes is detected. Often the initial signs of diabetes may be confused with those of other or may even go unnoticed. It is very important for all to be aware of the initial symptoms of diabetes; so, that the treatment may start at an early stage. The period of pre-diabetes when the symptoms occur is important and your awareness of the warning signs of diabetes can help you spot them and start with necessary medication to keep it in control.

The autoimmune systems of each person are different. Depending upon the type of diabetes, the stage of advancement, the age of patient, the lifestyle and diet of patient etc, the visible symptoms of diabetes may vary. Diabetes mellitus could be Type 1(juvenile diabetes), Type 2 (any age) or gestational diabetes (among women during pregnancy). Diabetes is caused due to the inability of the body to produce sufficient insulin to breakdown the sugars into energy for the body. Due to the large content of glucose the kidneys start producing additional water to dilute the blood.

In the initial stage you would find the patient having to visit the bathroom very often. This is because the level of blood glucose rises due to which the kidneys have to work overtime to purge them out of the body with the fluids drawn from the tissues. The problem with this is that it may lead to dehydration which in turn may cause other health problems. With the body requiring more fluid intake you would also find the patient feeling very thirsty. It is also caused due to the excess sugar present in the body.

The weight loss among the diabetics is rapid. Even if a diabetic is not on any sort of diet, the weight loss is substantial. Even the frequency of food intake is more. This is because with the body failing to convert the glucose to energy, the accumulated fat is used up for the purpose causing weight loss. Rather the person may be eating more and not gaining weight at all. They may also experience fatigue and weakness as the body cannot process glucose efficiently. The muscles are unable to get sufficient fuel and patients may also experience drowsiness and irritability.

The nervous system maybe affected to some extent. This may cause skin irritability and other skin problems. The skin feels very dry and irritable. Moreover if any wounds are caused they may take more time to heal. They may become infected and cause further complications. There may also be a tingling feeling in the hands and feet. Moreover, due to the rise in the blood sugar levels the fluids in the eyes are also changed which causes blurring of vision. Dark spots, rings around lights and flashing lights and in worst cases, blindness may occur. For those suffering from Type 1 diabetes which is mostly in teenagers and even toddlers some of the early symptoms are the loss of weight. A very important indication is the fruity smell of the breath. The children may also experience excessive thirst, dehydration, fatigue, dryness of skin, abdominal pain etc.

It is very important to be alert about the Type 2 as well as juvenile diabetes. You can ensure that treatment starts at the earliest for any child who may be suffering from juvenile diabetes.

Not just the child but knowing the initial signs of diabetes can mean timely treatment which would make it possible to keep diabetes in control.