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From Diabetes to Neuropathy – You Can End the Cycle

Posted on March 28, 2012 by OrlandoDiabetes

Diabetic neuropathy is a well-known complication of long standing diabetes. With diabetes affecting Sarly one in twelve persons in United States, diabetic neuropathy and its management becomes an important healthcare concern.

The neuropathy of diabetes can have many forms based on clinical presentation and the pattern of nerve involvement. Some forms are irreversible and continue to deteriorate, while others are self-limiting and improve on their own. Diabetic neuropathy may also involve autonomic nerves and present with manifestations like incontinence, erectile dysfunction, postural hypotension, diarrhea or constipation and numerous other. More commonly it may present with pain, altered sensations or even weakness of muscles. Presentation is often variable, and mixed with varying contribution from each type.

Almost all forms of diabetic neuropathy can be prevented by strict control of blood sugar levels. Although reversing all forms of diabetic neuropathy may not be always possible, but in most of the cases the progression can be halted or greatly slowed down by adequate therapeutic intervention. Central to the treatment is strict sugar control with the blood glucose in the desired range. It is very important that after being diagnosetc. can be prevented, or at least their progression hastened if the affected person strictly follows the doctor recommended therapeutic guidelines. Therefore, you should religiously follow the strict blood sugar level control guidelines given to you by your physician. Regular checking of your blood sugar by portable devices also helps in monitoring the control of blood glucose. Furthermore, you should not skip your medications and/or insulin.

Always remember, if you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar in not being monitored or controlled, then quickly you will likely start developing the many of the complications of diabetes, and with someone has poor blood sugar control, it is typically a vicious cycle with a downhill course. However you can end this cycle by monitoring blood sugar levels within the appropriate range. Lastly, it has been observed that diabetic patients who also smoke and drink alcohol are at greater risk of developing the neuropathy. So, while it is a good idea for everyone to stop smoking and drink responsibly, if you have been diagnosed as a diabetic you should avoid smoking and alcohol even more so as it increases the likelihood of diabetic neuropathy.

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Is Diabetes Reversible?

Posted on March 21, 2012 by OrlandoDiabetes

First, let’s draw the line between reversible and curable. Diabetes Mellitus is a reversible disease, but it is not curable. Diabetes is a medical condition of elevated blood sugar causing different signs and symptoms affecting the cardiovascular system, kidneys, nerves, liver, and other important organs of the body. It becomes reversible when a person is known to be at risk of acquiring the disease but then does not end up having the disease because he was able to manage his risk factors. If you have been identified to have a family history of diabetes, obese, from Hispanic descent, a woman, and other risk factors for diabetes, you still can reverse diabetes.

Below are some key points to consider if you believe you have or at risk of having type 2 diabetes:

  • Have regular blood sugar tests. Normal blood sugar is 70-80 mg/dl before meals and below 120 mg/dl one or two hours after a meal. There are different tests to measure blood sugar levels, but the most definitive test for diabetes is the hemoglobin A1C Test.
  • Regularly consume a healthy diet. A diet low in carbohydrates is commonly prescribed for patients with high risk for diabetes. The logic is pretty simple, carbohydrates is broken down into glucose or sugar. High risk individuals should eat more of green leafy vegetables, poultry meat rather than red meat, fish, and high fiber breads.
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise helps in utilizing sugar in the body and prevents them from accumulating in the blood. It also helps in stimulating insulin sensitivity so the cells can effectively use sugar for energy production.
  • Lose Weight. If your weight is above normal, it’s time to shed some pounds. Engage yourself in a weight management program.
  • Avoid unhealthy habits. Alcoholism, smoking, and drugs can aggravate your risk factor for diabetes. These unhealthy habits will help in acquiring diabetes faster.

If you are constantly watching out for your blood sugar levels and doing everything to keep it within normal ranges, you won’t have any problem on reversing diabetes. Risk factors just mean that you have more chances of having the disease. It doesn’t mean that you already have the disease, and you still can do something about it.

So when does diabetes become irreversible? When you start to feel any of the signs and symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet, blurring of vision, and skin dryness, that’s the time. Remember that diabetes is an incurable disease. So, don’t wait for diabetes to become irreversible. Reverse it when you still can.

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Learn More about Your Diabetic Medications

Posted on March 21, 2012 by OrlandoDiabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of deaths all over the world, affecting people of all ages, sex, religion, and walks of life. Given this, it is very important to know that diabetes is a manageable disease especially with the correct choice of diabetic medications. Diabetes is a condition caused by extremely elevated blood sugar levels. That’s why diabetic drugs are primarily aimed at lowering the high blood sugar levels. Some of the drugs are also aimed at preventing the different complications of diabetes affecting the eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. Listed below are the common classifications of diabetic medications prescribed for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

  1. Insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows blood sugar to enter the cells to be used for energy production. It is also the most commonly used diabetic medication. Insulin is usually prescribed for Type 1 or the Insulin Dependent Diabetes. Type 2 diabetics also use insulin when they do not respond well to oral diabetic medications. Insulin is available in injections or insulin pump. Insulin are of different types, based on its duration of action (short acting, intermediate acting, rapid acting, long acting, and very long acting).
  2. Sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas are drugs that stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin. These drugs are often the first diabetic medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Common sulfonylureas include Glibenclamide, Gliquidone, and Glipizide. These oral drugs are relatively safe, but diabetics have to watch out for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
  3. Biguanides. Metformin is the most commonly prescribed biguanide. Biguanides act on the liver to reduce glucose or sugar production. These diabetes drugs are used in cases of Type 2 diabetes, especially for obese patients. Biguanides are generally safe for use in prescribed dosage. Undirected use of biguanides can lead to lactic acidosis, a fatal condition in which the body produces lactic acid more than it can eliminate.
  4. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors work by interfering with carbohydrate digestion in the small intestines to lessen the glucose transported into the bloodstream. The most common alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in the market are acarbose and miglitol.
  5. Meglitinides. Meglitinides act like sulphonylureas but for a shorter period. These medicines are prescribed to be taken at least half an hour before eating. Since meglitinides acts for shorter time, the risk for hypoglycemia is unlikely.

Sometimes, these diabetic medications are combined to get faster and effective effects on blood sugar levels. Prescription of diabetic medication depends on the type of diabetes and other existing health conditions. Healthy diet, regular exercise, and alcohol and cigarette restriction can help these drugs be more effective. Combining diabetic medications and healthy lifestyle changes are the best way to manage diabetes.

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Is Your Diabetes Causing You Problems In The Bedroom?

Posted on March 7, 2012 by OrlandoDiabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a disease that can interfere in achieving satisfactory sexual relationships in both men and women. The high blood sugar levels in diabetes damage these nerves and blood vessels, causing different sexual problems. Although often stimulated by intimate movies and magazines, sexual desire and sexual responses are involuntary. Autonomic nerves which control the internal organs in the body are also responsible for stimulating sexual desire and generating response to sexual stimuli. When these nerves are damaged, it cannot transmit the autonomic signals that trigger the increased blood flow in the blood vessels to the muscles in the penis for erection and the vagina for lubrication. Damage to the autonomic nerves is further aggravated with blood vessel damage.

Sexual Problems from Diabetes in Men

Erectile Dysfunction.This problem refers to the inability to achieve and sustain an erection during a sexual intercourse. According to statistics, 20 to 70 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Low Testosterone Production. Low levels of testosterone occur with ageing but there is early onset in men with diabetes. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for creating muscles, hair growth, and libido.

Retrograde ejaculation. It is a defect in which some of the semen goes to the bladder instead in the tip of the penis during ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is not harmful. The semen that goes to the bladder is discharged during urination.

Sexual Problems from Diabetes in Women

Vaginal dryness.The nerve and blood vessels damage associated with diabetes causes decreased vaginal lubrication or vaginal dryness in women. Failure of the vagina to lubricate causes pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Failure to achieve an Orgasm.Women find it hard to achieve an orgasm than men, and it is even harder for diabetic women. Decrease blood supply to the clitoris and nerve damage causes failure to reach orgasm, even with manual stimulation.

No interest in Sex.Physical changes, symptoms of diabetes, and taking medications are all contributing factors for diabetic women to lose interest in sex. The stress of having an incurable disease like diabetes can also add to these factors.

Eating healthy, lifestyle changes, and consulting your doctor may help you regain sexual health. Sexual health is very important for couples, even when one or both of them have libido-diminishing disease like diabetes. But, sexual satisfaction is subjective and couples can still find new ways to achieve a fulfilling sexual relationship.

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Diabetes and the Adrenal Glands

Posted on March 7, 2012 by OrlandoDiabetes

Diabetes Mellitus or simply diabetes is a medical condition caused by extremely high blood sugar in the body. The elevation of blood sugar in diabetics occurs either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or there is an ineffective usage of insulin in the cells. There are two main types of diabetes, Type I or the Insulin Dependent Diabetes (IDD) and Type II diabetes or the Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes (NIDD). Of these types, Type 2 diabetes is the most common, affecting 90% of diabetics worldwide. Common symptoms of diabetes are known as the 3 Ps of diabetes including polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia (extreme hunger). Diabetes is often a result of multiple conditions, one of which is hormonal imbalance in the adrenal glands.

Adrenal glands or suprarenal glands are hormone releasing (endocrine) glands located on top of both kidneys. The functions of the adrenal glands are influenced by the hypothalamus and the pituitary “master” gland situated under the brain. These glands are composed of two main parts, the adrenal medulla or the inner section, and the adrenal cortex or the outer section. Each section produces specific hormones essential to life and total wellness. The adrenal cortex produces cortisol, aldosterone, and androgen hormones while the adrenal medulla manufactures adrenaline and noradrenaline. Of all the adrenal hormones, cortisol is implicated in diabetes as it is involved in the production of blood sugar.

Overproduction of cortisol, a condition known as Cushing’s syndrome can lead to diabetes. Cortisol increases blood sugar because it stimulates the metabolic pathway called gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is a process that takes place mainly in the liver in which non-carbohydrate substances, more often from protein and amino acids are converted into glucose. The glucose produced in the liver then goes to the blood circulation and supplied to the cells. To correct the overproduction of cortisol and the resulting diabetes, cushing syndrome must be treated. Treatment options for cushing’s disease include surgery and medications. Surgery is aimed at removing tumors in the adrenal cortex causing the cortisol imbalance. Medications for cushing’s syndrome are designed to lower cortisol in the body. Drug treatment for cushing syndrome usually includes ketoconazole, metyrapone, and mitotane.

Clearly, diabetes is a complication of disorders in the adrenal glands. Thus, healthy adrenal functioning is equivocal to diabetes prevention and wellness. Eating foods with high vitamin and fiber content, normal salt intake, effective stress management, and regular exercise all contribute to healthy adrenal glands, normal cortisol production, and normal blood sugar levels.

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Importance of Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on February 1, 2012 by OrlandoDiabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people on annual basis. This condition occurs because the body has problems regulating its blood sugar level, or it may not produce sufficient insulin that the body needs. When the body cannot regulate its insulin properly, glucose cannot reach the body’s cell. Thus, the body cells do not function properly. Since the cells and muscles cannot absorb glucose, the blood sugar level increases creating this illness. Managing Type 2 Diabetes is essential to avoid symptoms such as weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, or vision impairment as well as others.

It is important to know that there is no cure for diabetes, and there is also no known reasons why people develop this condition. Many medical professionals attribute this condition to excess weight, genetics, fat distribution and inactivity. Regardless to the reason or reasons for this condition, your best option is to learn ways to manage type 2 diabetes. Not knowing how to properly manage this illness can result in death.

There are many ways of managing Type 2 Diabetes. The first and best way to manage it is by changing your diet. Eat foods rich with carbohydrates such as whole grain, vegetables and legumes. These types of foods will give the body the energy it needs allowing the glucose to absorb without increasing the need for extra insulin. Consider eating a diet rich in fiber because fiber helps the digestive system and helps glucose regulate properly. Avoid eating foods loaded with sugars such as sodas, candy and other sugary products. Reduce your saturated fat intake, saturated fats in high quantity creates high cholesterol. Individuals with type 2 diabetes will benefit more from eating nuts and fish such as salmon and tuna to give them the Omega fats the body needs than saturated fats.

Exercise is also an important part of managing type 2 diabetes as well when combined with dietary changes. It goes a long way in using glucose effectively while improving the way the body uses insulin and lower blood sugar levels. Exercise helps in managing weight, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and heart strengthening.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes requires regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, if you want to manage your illness. Thus, if you are diagnosed with this condition, you should take the necessary steps to manage your condition after consultation with your health care provider.

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Losing Weight With Diabetes

Posted on December 21, 2011 by OrlandoDiabetes

Diabetic weight loss is much more difficult than many people think. Losing weight when you are diabetic takes much more dedication and perseverance because you need to keep track of your blood sugar levels and insulin in addition to adapting to a new diet and exercise routine. Many diabetics are able to keep track of their blood sugar but are not able to properly regulate it when they are attempting to diet.

Before starting any diabetic weight loss regimen it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Your doctor should be able to give you some guidance that will help you to be able to properly regulate your insulin. You need to make sure to eat foods that will help you maintain your blood sugar at healthy levels, and test these levels as you normally would. You do not want your blood sugar to spike or drop too quickly. The doctor will be able to give you some guidance that will help you be able to lose the weight that you want to lose while keeping your body as healthy as it can possibly be.

When dieting it is important to be conscientious about what you are eating. You should eat vegetables and fruits in moderation. It is important to make sure that the foods you are eating do not make your blood sugar levels spike. There are some foods that you can eat that will slowly digest and will allow you to maintain your levels while also being able to lose weight. Work with your doctor to develop a healthy balance of low-calorie, low-fat meals that will make sure you get the proper balance of nutrients and vitamins.

Exercise is also important when it comes to diabetic weight loss. Cardio is an especially important part of the exercise regime. You want to elevate your heart rate to a level that will help exercise this important muscle and burn fat. If you push yourself too hard there is a chance that you could pass out and become injured, so be cautious. If you notice that you are starting to feel overly lightheaded while exercising, you should take a few moments to allow your body to regulate itself. You will be able to know if you are hurting your body or if the lightheaded feeling is from exercising or if it is from your diabetes. If the lightheaded feeling does not pass it is important to check your blood sugar levels and contact your doctor right away so that you can be sure that your body is okay and that you can continue your workout.

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Celiac.com’s Best Ever Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe

Posted on November 21, 2011 by OrlandoDiabetes

Just in time for the holidays, this great gluten-free stuffing recipe will fill your holiday table as well as your family’s bellies!

 

5-6 cups gluten-free bread (~2 loaves), cut into 1″ cubes, toasted and cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups celery

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

1-2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1-2 cups gluten-free chicken broth

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

 

Instructions:

1. Sautee onion and celery in olive oil on medium-low heat until translucent.

2. Stir in rosemary, sage and thyme. Cook another one to two minutes until the aroma of the herbs fills the air.

3. Bring the chicken stock to a boil on high heat. Place the egg yolk in a medium sized bown and carefully spoon two or three ounces of the chicken stock into the egg yolk, slowly, while whisking the mixture.

4. Add the rest of the chicken stock to the egg mixture. (Note: blending a small amount of the stock into the egg yolk first will prevent scrambled eggs.)

5. Add the cooled celery, onion and herb mixture into the stock and egg mixture. Toss the bread cubes into this mixture and coat thoroughly.

6. Add the salt and pepper, and toss the bread mixture a bit more.

7. Place all of this into the stock and egg mixture. Toss the bread crumbs into this mixture and coat thoroughly.

8. Place in a 400 degree oven for 40-50 min, covering as needed with aluminum foil until done. Insert a toothpick into the stuffing to check doneness. If it comes out clean, the stuffing is done. If not, bake until the toothpick comes out clean.

Note: If you want to cook the stuffing inside the bird only add 1 cup of chicken broth.

Recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on their appetite for stuffing!

 

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Insulin and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on September 23, 2011 by OrlandoDiabetes

The Type 2 form of Diabetes is more common than Type 1. In America alone, there are millions of people affected, and there are plenty that don’t even realize how high their chances of getting it are. There are groups that are at a much higher risk of getting the disease than others, and they include Asian Americans, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, and Latinos. As you get older, your chances of getting it increase as well. The disease involves your body not producing a sufficient amount of Insulin. It could also be that your cells are ignoring what your body does create.

Insulin is the hormone your body needs to use glucose, or sugar, for energy. It regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism in your body. Your body breaks down food when you eat it, and turns starches and sugar into glucose.Insulin causes cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood, storing it as glycogen in the liver and muscle.

This is the fuel that your body uses for cells. Insulin then takes the sugar in your blood to your cells. If it continues to build in your blood rather than getting distributed throughout the body, diabetes complications usually ensue. Those that have Type 2 diabetes need to be especially careful to monitor their blood sugar levels for that very reason.

If you do have type 2 diabetes, then you need to learn how to live with it. You will need to monitor your diet and get a sufficient amount of exercise daily. Things like aerobic activity are necessary, because in addition to helping your Insulin function more efficiently, it increases the strength of your bones and heart and relieves stress. By losing weight, you can also improve your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. You can help your body even further by having a healthy diet of whole grains, vegetables, healthy fats, non-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fruits. You also need to practice excellent portion control and space your meals throughout the day.

Overall, living with type 2 diabetes is something that only seems difficult to do. Adjustments to your life need to be made, including a strict diet and moderate amount of daily exercise, which you can realistically stick to. The steps you take to change your life to live with your new diagnosis is really something everyone should be doing, as it would benefit their hearts and bodies a great deal.

 

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Type 2 Diabetes – Check Your Blood Sugar

Posted on September 6, 2011 by OrlandoDiabetes

Experts believe that everyone with type 2 diabetes will benefit if they regularly check their blood sugar levels. According to the ADA, or American Diabetes Association, it is recommended that you check your blood glucose if you are diabetic and taking Insulin or pregnant, having severely low levels of blood glucose, or if you are having difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels. And though doing these routine checks can be cumbersome, they are what will allow you to continue to control your type 2 diabetes.

So how can you check your blood sugar levels? You will need a blood sugar meter or monitor and a testing strip.  The first thing that you need to do is wash your hands. After that, you can put a testing strip into the meter. Next, you need to take the lancing device and use it on your finger to get the blood you need. You will then gently massage or squeeze that finger until you get the drop of blood necessary for your meter. Hold the test strip’s edge onto the blood drop, and wait until the result comes out. The meter will then display the level of your blood glucose. Keep in mind that different meters work differently, so make sure you are using yours properly.

There are additional tips that you can follow in order to check your blood sugar levels. With some of the meters, for example, you can lance your thigh, hand, or forearm to get the blood you need. If you struggle to do the lancing part, consider getting the spring loaded ones that do it for you. It is also smart to try to prick your fingertip on the side or near the top so you won’t get sore on the most frequently used area of the finger. The actual target levels for blood glucose levels vary based on things like your age and life expectancy, your comorbid conditions, the length of time you have had diabetes, and hypoglycemia unawareness.

So if you want to be able to keep your type 2 diabetes in control, and are taking Insulin pills, then you should check your blood sugar levels regularly. Plus, by keeping track of your results, your doctor will be able to more accurately help you when you need it.  So, set a schedule, monitor your sugar levels regularly and chart your statistics.

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