Did you know that you can easily manage your diabetes just by engaging in exercise? There are exercises that have a good effect on the glucose levels of those suffering from type 2 diabetes. When you engage in exercise, you expend a lot of energy from the glucose found in your muscles. At first, the body simply uses up the glucose which is traced from your muscles glycogen. It is in your bloodstream where this glucose is found. Engaging in exercise means your blood glucose levels will not get lower. Additionally, your body also releases additional glucagon and hormones. These are important because they break down your liver’s stored fats, turning it into more glucose you can expend. Engaging in exercise means your body improves; it develops a better sensitivity when it comes to insulin, as well as allowing you to be more in control of your glycemic index.

Exercise indeed has a good effect on a patient’s glucose level. This is good news for people who have type 2 diabetes. A lot of research indicates that patients of diabetes gain more control over their glycemic as soon as they get used to a regular exercise program. On the other hand, people who do not engage in exercise find no improvement on their glycemic control. Since exercise improves your insulin sensitivity, you will also need less medicines in order to control the levels of your blood sugar.

There are, of course, people who become at risk for hypoglycemia due to the combined effects of their diabetes and engaging in high stress exercise. This happens during exercise and after it, too. If you think about it though, people can also be at risk for hyperglycemia simply for having poor control over their diabetes. Therefore, the leaders in this field recommend engaging in moderate exercise for a minimum of 2 hours and 30 minutes, or 90 minutes if they want to do vigorous exercise.

In light of this, the frequency of the routine is more important that the kinds of exercise one engages in. There are many researches wherein an abundance of benefits result from both weight training as well as aerobic activity.

Of course, sometimes patients should not engage in vigorous exercise especially when they have cardiac conditions or they are more prone to developing injuries as a result. It is better if they start of slow and get used to a light intensity program instead.

written by,  Sue R. Rollins (guest author)

© H.I.C. Digestive Health 2010

Diabetes can produce a lot of serious medical complications, and some of these short-term complications include hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Both medical conditions are dangerous and are caused by abnormal glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is an important ingredient for normal body functioning. They are the body’s main source of energy, and controlling proper levels is essential for a healthy body.

People with diabetes have a problem maintaining normal levels of glucose. When glucose levels are abnormally high, they are said to be suffering from hyperglycemia. However, diabetics may also suffer from low-blood glucose levels, or what is termed as hypoglycemia.

What is Hypoglycemia?

A few hours after taking your insulin, you feel weak, dizzy and your skin feels cool and clammy. You might also feel lightheaded and short of breath even after a few minutes of walking. If you are a diabetic and you feel these symptoms, then you might be suffering from a medical condition called hypoglycemia.

Also called low-blood sugar, hypoglycemia is a medical condition wherein a person is found to be suffering from abnormally low levels of glucose in the body. Glucose is the product of carbohydrates; the higher the amount of carbohydrates found in food, the greater the amount of glucose in your blood. The amount and type of food taken directly affects blood glucose levels. This is especially true for diabetics who have a hard time maintaining proper levels because of insufficient amounts of insulin

People who have hypoglycemia have low-blood glucose levels and as a result suffer from fatigue and hunger. Glucose is needed by the body for energy and fatigue sets in when there are not enough sources of energy. Hunger is the body’s natural reaction when energy levels are low, and food is eaten to compensate for the body’s energy needs.

Glucose

Glucose is like fuel which powers the cells of your body. Without it, cells starve and eventually weaken the body. Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose, and they come from a wide variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, sugars and grains. Depending on what type or amount of food eaten, the levels of carbohydrates directly affect the amount of glucose found in the body.

Are you at risk?

Hypoglycemia is not only found in people with diabetes, this is also a symptom of other digestive and metabolic disorders. This condition is commonly found in people with diabetes and could easily be treated or managed. Knowing the early signs of hypoglycemia is important to avoid its many complications and long-term effects.

People with poor-eating habits and unhealthy diets are also prone to episodes of hypoglycemia. When the body is starved of its energy requirements, this causes hypoglycemic episodes. Patients who secrete abnormally high amounts of insulin also cause glucose levels to drop. This depletes reserve levels of glucose leaving them with inadequate sources of energy. Tumors in the pancreas where insulin is produce may also cause high secretion of insulin to be released in the bloodstream.

What happens if I have low-blood sugar levels?

Of all the major organs in the body, the brain is most susceptible to low-glucose levels. Glucose is the brain’s only source of energy and long-term effects of low-glucose levels may cause permanent brain defects. The brain depends exclusively on this sugar and cannot produce its own glucose. When blood-sugar levels fall below normal, the senses also drop.

When blood-sugar levels drop below 50-60 mg/dl patients may experience most of these symptoms:

• Irritability
• Intense hunger
• Cold clammy skin
• Severe sweating
• Weakness
• Rapid heart beat
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Tremors
• Blurring of vision

It can lead to drowsiness, coma and seizures if you do not do something to raise your blood sugar.

Management and Immediate Treatment of Hypoglycemia

Emergency treatment of hypoglycemia includes restoring normal glucose levels in patients. This could be done by consuming four teaspoons of sugar which could be readily absorbed by the body. Patients are also advised to drink half a can of any juice or soda. Sports drinks like Gatorade could also be a good source of emergency sugars and can help restore glucose levels faster.

Eating cookies or other sweet pastries does not help in cases of hypoglycemia. These takes a long time before the body can convert the sugar and fats into glucose. Bouts of hypoglycemia require quick and immediate supplies of glucose.

When the episode has been controlled, a long-acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich is recommended.  This will maintain the body’s normal blood sugar levels.

In emergency cases where for some reason you can’t take anything by mouth, injection with glucagon is advised. If a glucagon injection is not available, patient should be immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for an intravenous administration of glucose.

When you have diabetes, you should always carry an identification bracelet or information in your wallet informing people about your condition. When you feel the early symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is recommended that you immediately consume emergency sources of glucose. Carrying a glucose source with you at all times can save your life. Diabetics are advised to manage their diet and medication in preparation for physical activity in order to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia.

Regular visits to a doctor are highly recommended, so that changes to diet and insulin adjustments can be made if you are experiencing recurrent hypoglycemia.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

Sources:

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 11, 2009 from MedicineNet.com:http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 13, 2009 from MedlinePlus:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hypoglycemia.html

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 13, 2009 from MayoClinic.com:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoglycemia/DS00198

What is Hyperglycemia ?

Hyperglycemia comes from the Greek words “hyper” or a high state, “glykys” or sweets and “haemia” or blood. This medical condition refers to the abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. This is a result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to utilize or store glucose. Diabetic patients are unable to produce enough insulin because of a dysfunctional pancreas.

What is Fasting Hyperglycemia ?

This is a medical condition wherein a patient is diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels after 8 hours of fasting. Normal blood sugar levels are within 90—130 mg/dl, when patients are diagnosed with hyperglycemia their blood sugar is found to be above these levels.

Patients are asked to fast for 8 hours to check if their bodies are able to regulate blood glucose levels. Glucose serves as energy for body functioning, and is utilized by the cells and converted into energy. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is also done by storing excess glucose. If a person is found to be suffering from elevated blood sugar levels even after 8 hours of fasting, they are found to be suffering from hyperglycemia or are candidates for diabetes.

After-meal Hyperglycemia

This medical condition is defined as abnormally high blood sugar levels 2 hours after a meal; blood glucose levels are found to be above 180 mg/dl. This is unusually high as normal blood sugar levels drop down to 140 mg/dl levels after meals.

It is not uncommon for people to register high blood sugar levels after eating heavy meals, but this condition is dangerous when patients are found to suffer from consistent high blood sugar levels. Patients found to be suffering from consistent high levels could indicate that they are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

How can Hyperglycemia occur?

Maintaining normal blood glucose levels is important for people suffering from diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurs when diabetes is not managed properly. Here are some factors which can cause episodes of hyperglycemia in diabetic patient:

• You forgot to take your hypoglycemic medications or insulin. Taking medications at prescribed times is important in helping your body break down glucose and maintaining normal levels. Skipping medications leaves you with insufficient levels of insulin increasing the levels of glucose in blood.

• You had too much food that the insulin was not enough to control your blood sugar. Doctors prescribe insulin to facilitate the breakdown of glucose and lower blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. Depending on the prescription, patients take specific amounts at different times to control blood sugar levels. If insulin medications are followed, patients may find themselves with high levels of blood sugar because the medication was not sufficient in controlling blood glucose.

• Too much physical activity forces the body to release glucose. This is done as a result of the body’s increased requirement for energy. Glucose provides the body with energy and insulin breaks this down into materials which the body’s tissues and cell could use. When there is insufficient level of insulin available to transform this glucose, patients are left with elevated blood sugar levels.

• No exercise leads to higher glucose levels. The body has less energy requirements in a sedentary lifestyle. This means that the glucose contained in your blood is not utilized, leaving patients with hyperglycemia.

Early Signs of Hyperglycemic Episodes

The body can use proteins and fats as a source of energy; the brain, however, only uses glucose as a source of energy. Without sufficient levels of insulin the brain is unable to use this energy source, and normal brain function is affected. Patients with hyperglycemia may also suffer from difficulties with vision, as blood circulation in the eyes is affected.

• Thirstier than usual
• Weakness
• Urinating more than usual
• Headache
• Confusion
• Blurring of vision

Long-term Effects of Hyperglycemia

• Slow healing of wounds
• Decreased vision
• Sensory destruction
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Erectile dysfunction
• Skin infections

Managing Hyperglycemic Episodes

While it is important that you recognize the early signs of hyperglycemia, testing your daily blood sugar levels daily is the most important thing to remember. When you find readings to be consistently high, always remember to consult your doctor as this may be early symptoms of hyperglycemia.

• Increase water intake. Thirst is a normal reaction that helps in getting rid of excess blood sugar through urination and to keeps you hydrated.
• Exercise. Physical activities help in decreasing the levels of glucose as this is transformed into energy which your body can use. However, if your blood glucose is beyond 240 mg/dL with ketones in your urine, do not exercise.  If you have type 2 diabetes and blood levels go beyond 300 mg/dL, discontinue physical activities.
• Follow your recommended diet. You should not ignore what your nutritionist has given you as a guide.  It will dramatically help you control your hyperglycemic episodes.
• Consult your health care provider. Adjusting medications by yourself is never recommended. Only a doctor can do this, and if necessary, he may change your prescription and dosage.

What can happen if Hyperglycemia is ignored?

When hyperglycemia is not treated immediately, patients may go into coma as a result of ketoacidosis.  This results when fats and protein are used for energy production producing large amounts of ketones. This is can lead to dangerous medical conditions. Below are signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis:

• Fruity breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Rapid and deep breathing

Simple steps in managing and avoiding Hyperglycemia

• Check your diet
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Check your blood glucose regularly
• Contact your doctor when your blood glucose readings are beyond normal levels

Modern medical science has yet to find a cure for diabetes. However, treating and managing the symptoms associated with diabetes is easy. Lifestyle changes and proper medication is important in managing and avoiding serious medical complications of diabetes. It is also important to remember that diabetics should always wear bracelets or identification cards to inform people that they are suffering from diabetes, and help emergency medical professionals give proper treatment.

written by Ronald Uy, RN

Sources:

What are the Causes of Hyperglycemia? Retrieved December 8, 2009 from LIVESTRONG.COM:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/16476-causes-hyperglycemia/

Living with Diabetes. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from American Diabetes Association:

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html

Definition of Hyperglycemia. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from MedicineNet.com:

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3836

The ideal diabetic diet is both simple and liberal. It is simple because the diet could be adapted by any diabetic; liberal because it could include all the food preferences of the patient. These principles may seem in conflict with many commonly held beliefs about medical and nutritional therapy. The problem with unhealthy diets is that they contain too much of a certain food group. A well-balanced diet is just eating the right amount and type of food.

Objective of a Diabetic Diet

The objective of any diabetic diet is to maintain normal blood glucose levels and prevent complication brought by elevated levels. Diabetics are at risk for developing serious medical conditions, including kidney and heart disease.

Limit Sweets or Take Sugar Substitutes

One important thing to remember is that sugar does not cause diabetes. Limiting sugar intake, however, is important for people who are found to be suffering from diabetes. The body produces insulin in response to increased sugar consumption. The problem with this is that people with diabetes don’t produce enough insulin to convert the sugar into usable energy. This leads to elevated blood-glucose levels and results in dangerous complications such as cardiovascular diseases.

Using artificial sweeteners is a good alternative in place of sugar. These provide the sweet taste in food without raising blood sugar levels. Sugars are naturally-occurring carbohydrates. They contain large amounts of calories and increase blood glucose levels. Artificial sweeteners are sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. Sugar alcohols contain about half the calorie content of sugars and have a separate type of carbohydrate composition. Other types of alternative sweeteners are “artificial” and contain no calories.

Diets rich in fiber improve the body’s reaction to other carbohydrates. Vegetables and fruits also have lesser amounts of carbohydrates. Fiber is listed as a carbohydrate, but it isn’t broken down during digestion and doesn’t increase calories or carbohydrates in the body. Diets rich in fiber are generally good for the body; they are not only good for diabetics, but are also good in preventing cancer and preventing digestive disorders.

Fiber helps in the digestive process; by improving the movement of food through the digestive system. Fiber helps stabilize blood-glucose levels by decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines. It also decreases blood-cholesterol levels by absorbing excess bile acids which could be converted into blood cholesterol.

Eating Tips for Diabetic Diet Patients

Eating at proper intervals is also as important as eating the proper type of diet. Diabetics should eat food before doing any type of strenuous activity, or when they expect their energy levels would go down.

People with diabetes have a difficult time converting glucose into available energy or storing it in the body. When people with diabetes eat large amounts of food, the body has a difficult time digesting, leaving them with elevated blood glucose levels. This is the main reason why doctors advice patients to eat small amounts of food at frequent intervals in order to give the body the time to digest adequately.

Diabetic Diet tips to remember when eating:

1. Eat slowly
2. Eat small frequent meals throughout the day
3. Eat light meals before bedtime
4. Take meals or snacks before engaging in strenuous activities
5. Eat a heavier meal during breakfast
6. Eat the same amount of food each day
7. Do not skip meals or snacks
8. Eat meals at about the same time each day

An ideal diabetic diet should keep blood glucose from rising too high or dropping too low. Eating too much could leave diabetic patients with dangerously elevated blood-glucose levels, which could leave them having a dangerous medical condition called hyperglycemia. Eat too little and these leaves them with hypoglycemia.

The best method of insuring that a patient complies with a diet is when these are discussed and the patient is consulted with what types of food they prefer. If you are diabetic and are formulating a good diabetic diet, you should always consult your doctor or dietitian. These medical professionals can help you develop a diabetic diet which is best suited for you and explain why it is important to follow your diabetic diet.

written by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2009  H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

Diabetes Diets and Food Tips. Retrieved December 2, 2009 from HELPGUIDE.org: http://helpguide.org

Glucose Control – Diabetic Diet. Retrieved December 2, 2009 from lifeclinic: http://www.lifeclinic.com

Diabetes Diet. Retrieved December 2, 2009 from MyDiabetesCentral.com: http://www.healthcentral.com

Complications associated with Diabetes, every year millions of Americans suffer from them . Left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can damage major organs of the body. Dangerous complications caused by diabetes include blindness, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and nerve damage.

Diabetes is a lifelong disease; it can only be managed. Managing diabetes does not only include taking in medicines to lower blood pressure, but a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The danger for people who suffer from diabetes is that they ignore their medical condition and only seek help when major complications set in.

Diabetes - Kidney Damage

Kidney damage is one of the major complications of diabetes. Research shows that three out of ten diabetic patients will suffer from kidney disease. The kidney functions for filtering blood and removes waste from the bloodstream.

Because of the high levels of blood sugar, blood vessels are exposed to greater pressures, thus damaging them in the process. People who suffer from diabetes often develop kidney disease without knowing it, as the disease may progress for years before symptoms appear.

Diabetes - Cardiovascular Diseases

Diabetics also face greater risks of cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that the incidents of CVD are two to three times higher in people with diabetes. CVD continues to be the leading cause of death and hospitalization in diabetics, and symptoms of CVD are seen during initial diagnosis.

High levels of blood sugars lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, blocking normal blood supply to the major organs of the body. Overtime these deposits block blood passages, decreasing oxygen and nutrient supplies to tissues. This also increases blood pressures as blood is forced to flow through narrow blood vessels.

Diabetes -Nerve damage

The incidence and severity of nerve damage in diabetic patients are due to long-time exposure to the disease. Nerve damage is common, and around 60 to 70 percent of diabetic patients suffer from this. Diabetics may display symptoms such as tingling, numbness and pain in the hands, arms, legs and feet. Long-time loss of blood supply and nerve damage to the penis can also cause impotence.

Diabetes - Blindness

Major changes in the body occur for people suffering from diabetes. Changes include narrowing, hemorrhaging, hardening and severing of the veins and capillaries of the retina. This condition is also known as retinopathy which left untreated leads to blindness. Early changes include diminished vision, depth perception, narrowing visual fields and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, this leads to hemorrhages and retinal detachment, eventually leading to permanent blindness.

It usually takes between 10-13 years for diabetic retinopathy to develop, and it is present in some degree in most diabetics who have had the disease for 20 years. In only about half of the diabetics who develop it, however, is vision markedly impaired, and blindness occurs in only about 6%. Still, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults 20 to 74 years old, and is estimated to cause from 12,000 to 24,000 new cases each year. Two other complications of diabetes, cataracts and glaucoma, can also lead to loss of vision

Symptoms gradually develop after a couple of years and are only reported during their later stages. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, and thousands of new cases are reported each year. Other eye complications associated with diabetes are cataracts and glaucoma, which can also lead to loss of vision.

Digestive Disorders

Diabetes also increases the risk of developing digestive disorders, like peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gallstones and irritable bowel symptoms. Changes in blood composition and blood supply to the digestive organs affects their normal functions leading to the different digestive conditions.

Poor wound healing

Patients with diabetes often have wounds which are difficult to heal. The main cause for poor wound healing is inadequate blood circulation. The blood contains both red and white blood cells which are responsible for nutrition and immune functions. Wound healing and normal immune functions are impeded with poor-blood circulation. This leads to longer periods of infection which may lead to major health complications.

Wound healing in patients with diabetes is poor because nutrients are unable to reach tissues. This is why diabetics are often advised to take great care not to get cut or expose themselves to risky activities. Smaller blood vessels often found in the extremities suffer first from poor blood circulation. Tissue degeneration and death occurs in the hands and feet because of poor nutrition and lack of oxygen. If this occurs, diabetics are sometimes amputated to stop the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Simple guidelines for diabetic patients

1. Follow religiously the diet plan which your doctor and dietician give you.
2. Take your medicines as prescribed, taking note of the proper time and dosage of each medication.
3. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major complications for patients suffering from diabetes; be sure to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
4. Check and record your daily blood glucose levels.
5. Check your feet everyday for blisters, cuts, redness and sores.
6. Live healthy, avoid smoking and maintain an active lifestyle. Do regular and daily exercises, but consult with your doctor first before taking any serious physical activities.

Diabetes is a lifelong disease and can only be managed. Talking about the complications and understanding how diabetes can cause them is the first step of living with the disease. Diabetes does not need to stop us from living a full and active lifestyle.

There are many serious health complications associated with diabetes. Like many other diseases, early diagnosis and following your doctor’s health guidelines could go a long way in avoiding these health problems. A person’s lifestyle continues to be the main reason why people develop diabetes. Living a healthy and active lifestyle is still a decision for everyone to make, even for people suffering from diabetes.

by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

Diabetes. Retrieved November 19, 2009 from Department of Health:  http://www.doh.gov.ph/ Long-Term Complications of Diabetes. Retrieved November 20, 2009 from TeensHealth: http://kidshealth.org/ Diabetes, Nutrition and Wound Healing. Retrieved November 21, 2009 from Health Care Industry: http://findarticles.com

Have you wanted to eat more often than a normal person would do?  Are you always thirsty?  Do you feel like you are urinating more than a litre every time to you go to the bathroom? Do you always feel tired more than the usual?  If the answers to these questions are “yes”, then maybe it is time to visit your doctor because you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

What is Diabetes Mellitus ?

Diabetes mellitus or simply known as diabetes is a disease in the metabolism wherein the blood contains sugar that is either higher or lower than normal levels.  In the old days, they correlated the disease with “sweet urine” and muscle wasting or muscle loss.  “Sweet urine” is when there is too much glucose or sugar in the blood, the glucose goes into the urine.Blood sugar is controlled by insulin.  Insulin is a type of hormone that is produced by the pancreas.  The pancreas is the gland organ which is long and irregularly shaped that is located behind the stomach.   The body is made up of different kinds of cells.  The cells needs glucose to produce energy.  In order for the glucose to go inside the cell, the insulin secreted by the pancreas acts as a key.  When insulin secretion is defective, the insulin stays in the blood.  This is why there is a high level of sugar in the blood which is termed as hyperglycemia.  When there is too much insulin in the blood, it is termed as hypoglycemia.

Complication of Diabetes

Having diabetes can lead to many complications such as blindness, kidney failure and damages to the nerve.  Arteries will harden and it makes it narrow for the blood to pass which can lead to heart diseases such as coronary heart disease and strokes.  Diabetes is one of the leading cause of death in the world.  In the United States, it ranks third after heart related diseases and cancer.

Types and Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

The cause of diabetes is associated with the absence or insufficient secretion of insulin, or the production of insulin that are already ineffective, or it can also be the defective cells which can no longer use insulin properly.  When this happens, the cells of the muscle and fats will later reject the insulin.  This is what they call “insulin resistance.”There are two types of diabetes mellitus, called the Type I or the Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus and the Type II otherwise known as the Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM).  In Type I, the pancreas goes into a process of destroying itself  making insulin production inefficient.  In this type of diabetes, you must continually inject insulin in order to survive and maintain blood sugar.

In type II diabetes, otherwise known also as adult onset diabetes mellitus, you’s body is still capable of producing insulin.  However, it is no longer enough for the body’s needs especially if the body is already rejecting the insulin most especially in the fat and muscle cells.With type II diabetes, it occurs to people who are past their 30 years of age and today, there are already patients who are only in their teenage years.  They may be the result of poor eating habits, obesity or excessive body weight, and lack of exercise.

How will you know if you have diabetes?

In evaluating a person if he or she has Diabetes Mellitus, there are symptoms that can be seen.

♦ Dehydration, which means there is the increased thirst and water drinking (Polydipsia).  This happens because of the too much sugar in the blood leading to a high urine output (Polyuria).

♦ Unexplainable weight loss because the inability of the insulin to do its function will affect the protein, fat and carbohydrate consumption of the body.

♦ Patients will want to eat as often as he likes (Polyphagia).

♦ Complaints of being too tired, nausea and vomiting.

♦ Blurring of vision because of inconsistent blood sugar levels.  When there is too much of the blood glucose, it can lead to coma or death.

In the laboratory test, there are number of procedures done and they are

• FBS procedure or the Fasting Blood Sugar test to diagnose the disease.  You will fast for at least 8 hours overnight.  After that, in the morning, a blood is drawn for the test.  In normal fasting, the level should be lesser that 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).  When the level is more that 126 mg/dl on two or more occasions, this means that you has diabetes.
• Random blood glucose test.  The blood can be drawn anytime without fasting.  When the level of the blood sugar is at 200 mg/dl or more, this indicates that you have diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test used to diagnose type II diabetes.  You will also fast overnight of at least 8 hours but not more than 16 hour.  After the fasting stage then tested.  After testing, You will be given 75 grams of glucose, then the test is done again.  Normally a person with normal blood glucose is is with lesser than 140 mg/dl after 2 hours.  If on two or more occasions, it is higher than 200 mg/dl, then you have diabetes.
• At home, there is the blood sugar testing kit.  You will prick the fingertip using a lancing device.  The blood is applied to a glucometer and the value is read.  The normal range is between 70 to 120 mg/dl before meals and below 140 mg/dl after eating.

When you have diabetes, it is best to know which kind of test you are using and to know the values by heart to know if your blood sugar level is within the normal level or not because it is impossible that you can go into comatose.

How do you manage diabetes?

In managing diabetes, it requires a lot of sacrifice, especially in religiously following a medication regimen and keeping a quality diabetic diet.In nutrition, you are provided with a diabetic exchange list. You can ask for this list from your health care provider.  The foods on the list are in amounts that contain equal caloric number and protein, fat, and carbohydrates in grams.In terms of insulin management, you are taught how to monitor blood sugar levels and how to self inject insulin.  You must know what are oral hypoglycemic agents to improve the tissue response to insulin.  There is what they call the Sick Day Rules.  This is the process that is used by diabetics to manage their insulin levels.  The rules are:

♦ The insulin ordered, either oral or inject able must be followed.

♦ Blood glucose and urine ketones are to be checked every three to four hours.

♦ When the glucose levels change from the normal levels, it needs consultation to the physician.

♦ If there is sickness, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult the physician.

Skin and foot care is to be observed.  You must inspect your feet daily.  Most patients who have lost their feet or legs are those that already have had injuries but failed to notice them.  Injuries can cause infection.  People with diabetes have a hard time recovering from wounds and injuries.  You are advised to wear well-fitting shoes.  It is wise to always buy shoes in the late afternoon rather than in the morning and break them in slowly. Avoid walking without comfortable foot wear.  Feet heating pads are not to be used because this will lead to wounds and injuries.  The toenails should be trimmed always in a straight across manner.  The corners should not be rounded.

Exercise is an essential part of the therapeutic regimen for people with diabetes. When you exercise, the blood sugar level goes down.  However, a medical advise should be done first because too much exercise may lower the sugar below normal levels leading to hypoglycemia.  The diabetic should practice foot care and must not exercise in an environment that is too hot or cold.

Diabetes is a lifetime disease but it can be controlled and managed.  There is no cure that can bring the insulin levels and blood sugar levels back the way it used to be without the use of medications and proper diet.  So it is wise that when you have diabetes, you have to be concerned with your health to avoid devastating complications later on.

written by, Ronald Uy

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

Diabetes Milletus. Retrieved Sept 1, 2009 from Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org

Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved Sept 1, 2009 from About.com: http://diabetes.about.com

Diabetes. Retrieved Sept 2, 2009 from Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov