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)

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

© Hemorrhoid Information Center 2009

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

Every year thousands of Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. Although the cause of diabetes is unknown, studies show that unhealthy diets and lifestyles increases the chances of developing the disease. Diabetes is a medical condition which can cause a lot of serious complications. When left untreated, these complications could seriously affect a person’s quality of life or eventually be fatal.

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

Contrary to popular belief, diabetics can eat whatever they want. Ideally, a diabetic diet should not be different from that of a person without diabetes. It shouldn’t be far from a usual diet once you are prescribed to follow a diabetic regimen.

The Ideal Diabetic Diet

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.

• Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods

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 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 Hemorrhoid Information Center

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