Diabetes

Question: Diabetes ? I have notice when I eat something with allot of sugar my blood sugar gets really low a few hours later. I get light headed, dizzy, nervous and irritable. I also get thirty and feel really hungry. I get headaches too. When I eat something mainly with allot of carbs it goes back up. If I eat more sugar it goes up, but then suddenly drops again. Could this be diabetes? If so what type? 31 and thin

Answer: It sounds like hypoglycemia to me. Your brains’ primary source of food is glucose and oxygen. We can’t store much of either so when your body feels it is low on glucose you get the fight or flight response. It’s basically your body saying, DO SOMETHING NOW!!! So when your blood sugar gets low you feel hungry, you get all nervous and shaky, start sweating, you can feel your heart pounding; you NEED food. If you don’t get that food, your brain starts getting starved, so it starts shutting down, some people more gradually than others. Some get sleepy, some just faint. This is an emergency, Call 911; get some juice, syrup, sugar, anything.But NEVER try to pour juice or food into the mouth of an unconscious person!! This could cause them to choke. Use syrup or sugar and rub into their cheek but call 911! Try eating small meals with (around) the same amounts of protein, fat and carbs. Aim for 6 small meals a day. Carry around some M&M's or other small candy so if you start to feel bad, you can eat a few while you try to get some "real" food. High blood sugar has symptoms of...Polyphagia (frequently hungry), Polyuria (frequently urinating), Polydipsia (frequently thirsty), Blurred vision, Fatigue, Weight loss, Poor wound healing, Dry mouth, Dry or itchy skin, Impotence, Recurrent infections. I would ask your MD for some blood work; a normal range for a non-diabetic person varies from lab to lab but a general guideline is 60-120. If you are going by the hemoglobin A1c test, a non-diabetic patient should be less than 8% and to reduce the risk of complications from heart disease, kidney disease or anything else, a diabetic patient should keep their level below 7%. The A1c can show your MD what your blood sugar has been running over the past 2-3 months. Good luck to you.

Question: How does Diabetes hurt the skin? & what are the signs of Diabetes? I read on the doctors wall where they have posters informing you of different diseases and they had one where diabetes can hurt your skin and said "Protect Your Skin" And I am just curious to know. How does diabetes hurt your skin? What would your skin look like when it is affected by diabetes? My concern is because my mom know has Diabetes type 2 and I am concern for myself and not sure if I have the signs. No health insurance.

Answer: A lot of times certain diabetic medicines make your skin more susceptible to burns when being in the sun, and when your diabetic it takes a lot longer for your blood to clot when you get a scratch or a sore. Since it takes longer for these things to heal you also become more open to infections and etc.

Question: What is the best diabetes supplements in the market ? I try to control my diet and do moderate exercise every alternate days for about 20 minutes. It is difficult to manage my diabetes, friends say having diabetes supplement is another way. Any suggestions.

Answer: My husband, Richard is a type 2 for the past 15 years. Due to his high BG and high blood pressure. The main concern is Bg which is at 200. After much pursuasion, I ask him to quit his highly stressful job as a hotelier. I help monitor his his diet, low carb, moderate exercise in the garden and reduce stress. It does not reduce his BG. Our friend, Joey suggested us to try as supplement, Dbethics which has helped many to reduce their BG. I was not interested but later decided to try. After about 10 days my BG drop to 105 and I went to see my endocrynologist who advised me to reduce my insulin by 5 units in the morning and another 5 units in the evening. After 2 months I did my HBA1C tests and was amazed that it has drop by 3 points. My doctor is equally surprised and has requested me to continue to monitor my Bg closely. Hope it can help you.

Question: Can low blood sugar lead to diabetes? Or can the symptoms be confused with one another? I have low blood sugar but recently I looked up symptoms of diabetes and I have: Blurry Vision Fatigue Irritation Increase hunger ---- Even if I don't have diabetes, how does it explain my blurry vision? Can low blood sugar lead to diabetes?

Answer: probally when your blood drops too low that can cause blurred vision. the symptoms are similar. this is the opposit fo diabetes. but yes it can turn into diabetes.

Question: How high are my risks for getting diabetes? My sister has type 1 diabetes, and she told me that I have a good chance of getting it too because our great grandfather and his mother had diabetes. A lot of other people in my family have it, on my mom's side. What are my chances of getting Type 1 diabetes?

Answer: In both the types of diabetes, signs and symptoms are more likely to be similar as the blood sugar is high, either due to less production of insulin, or no production or insulin resistance. In any of the case if there is inadequate glucose in the cells, it can be identified through certain signs and symptoms. These symptoms are quickly relieved once the Diabetes is treated and also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems. Diabetes Type 1: In type 1, the pancreas stop producing insulin, due to autuimmune response or possibly viral attack on pancreas. In absence of insulin, body cells does not get glucose for producing ATP (Adenosin Triphosphate) units which results into primary symptom in the form of nausea and vomiting. In latter stage which leads to ketoacidosis in which body starts breaking down muscle tissue and fat for energy, there is consequently fast weight loss. Dehydration is also usually observed due to electrolyte disturbance. In advance stages even coma and death, are being witnessed. Diabetes Type 2: Increased fatigue : Due to inefficiency of cell to metabolise glucose, reserve fat of body is metabolised to gain energy. When fat is broken down in the body, it uses more energy as compared to glucose, hence body goes in negative calorie effect, which results in fatigue. Polydipsia : As the concentration of glucose increases in the blood, brain receives signal for diluting it and in its counteraction we feel thirsty. Polyuria: Increase in urine production is the result seen when excess of glucose is present in body. Body tries to get rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it through the urine. This can also lead to dehydration because excreting the sugar which carries a large amount of water out of the body along with it. Polyphegia : The hormone insulin is also responsible for stimulating hunger. In order to cope up with high sugar levels in blood, body produces insulin which leads to increased hunger. Weight flactuation : Factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to loss of weight. Few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite. Blurry vision : Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of eye, which affects the ability of lenses to focus resulting in blurry vision. Irritability : It is one of the sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient supply of glucose to brain and other body organs, which makes us feel tired and uneasy. Infections : Certain signals from the body is given whenever there is fluctuation of blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by frequent infections of fungal or bacterial like skin infection or UTI (urinary tract infection). Poor wound healing : High blood sugar resists the flourishing of WBC, (white blood cell) which are responsible for body immune system. When these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which may affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.

Question: What happens if you have diabetes and eat before a blood test? Diabetes runs in my family and I'm probably going to get it any time now. My job gives annual physicals and if I'm found to have diabetes, I'll be fired. Would eating before a blood test stabilize my sugar level if I get it, or just mess everything up?

Answer: Eating before the blood test will cause your blood sugar to go higher. So for many people they'll eat breakfast and have honey, sugar in the coffee, etc and test borderline for diabetes - then have to go back and re-do it as a fasting blood sugar to get a better reading. So if I were you would not eat before it at all -- or if you have to have very low carbs, sugar, etc. Also, if you WERE to have diabetes, it is against the law to fire you for this. You would be covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). So try not to worry about that. Good luck!

Question: How do you deal with Diabetes on a daily basis? is there a routine wihich you have to follow? I am a high school student doing a project on Diabetes. Part of the project consists of asking a few questions to people with Diabetes.

Answer: My eleven year old daughter has type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed at the age of 8. She has been on the insulin pump for 2 1/2 years. Her daily routine starts with testing when she first awakens (about 6:30), followed by breakfast. She enters her blood glucose (BG) and the number of carbs she will eat into the pump and it calculates how much insulin she needs to cover these. At 10:00am she tests again to see if her number is good and either corrects (through the pump) or has a snack to elevate her BG if she is a little low. She tests again at lunchtime (about 11:45) and repeats the process from breakfast. She tests a 4th time after school, (3:00ish) to see where her BG is. If she is participating in an after school sport she will need a snack to keep her BG up with the extra activity. At dinner time (roughly 6:00) she will repeat the testing and enter into the pump her BG and carbs. She tests for the 6th and last time (usually) at bedtime. The pump holds insulin in a tube called a resevoir and delivers the insulin through a tube to a canula called an infusion set that is inserted under the skin of her abdomen area. The infusion set and resevoir need to be changed every 2-3 days and is done at home by me. She sees her pediatric endocronoligist every 3 months for an HbA1c test, height/weight etc and to monitor how well she is managing her BG. This is our typical daily routine. Which is subject to change at any time as her BG is affected by: an increase in physical activity, illness, stress, problem with the pump or set, etc etc

Question: Is having diabetes and insulin dependent considered a disability legally? I have a friend who was told her can't get his driving permit or license untill he goes 2 or 2 whole years w/o a seizure from his diabetes. He is almost 18 now. He is insulin dependant. He has to take it after EVERYTHING he eats. I understand people will say "diabetes is a disease not a disability" but I beg to differ. A disease such as diabetes can also be a disability in alot of cases! I just need some other opinions on this.

Answer: Actually, diabetes is a disability. I only got diagnosed a few weeks ago with Type One and my mum had to fill out a Care plan and everything because it is seen as a disability. The only reason that is though is because you have to buy stuff that you wouldn't normally have to if you didn't have it. it doesn't actually mean that he is disabled.

Question: How to gain weight without fear of getting diabetes? I am underweight and wish to gain adequate mass. But the most common suggestion is to increase calorie intake. Question is how increased calories cannot cause diabetes or does it? We all know that taking more calories than what is needed by the body can cause diabetes in the long run. Please let me know how I can gain weight without the risk of progressing to diabetes.

Answer: Diabetes, Will only occur if the body consumes far too much carbohydrates and high sugar foods, that the Insulin becomes immune to the glucose or sugar meaning it wont work and convert the glucose into energy this happens when for long periods of time high sugar foods are consumed and not a short term issue. I suspect it is the Media that has raised this concern with you, if you are "underweight" im sure this will not be a concern to you as long as you plan to put on weight with a varied yet healthy diet and do not binge out on individual food groups. Also check with a doctor or GP for the best way to put on weight. Good Luck :)

Question: What do chiropractors believe about diabetes control? I know that they are an alternative medicine type doctor, and that they can't write prescriptions, which for a doctor sounds a little suspicious to me, but wondered specifically what a chiropractor doctor believed about diabetes control? Do they believe/ support insulin for treatment or have the belief that diabetes can be controlled with back adjustments and a better diet?

Answer: They are not Drs they are just certified drs given the title because their profession lobbied for it. Not all Chiros believe in alternative and even if they do believe in alternative meds they may not be doing it properly, most chiros that I have worked with are into the money more than they are getting people well.....well at least not until their insurance visits run out.

Question: What type of diabetes happens during pregnancy? Like the question states, what type of diabetes happens during pregnancy. More importantly, why does the head of most babies are usually abnormally large after such a pregnancy? I am more looking for an answer on why there heads are usually large after such a pregnancy. It is a question my teacher has been asking and he wants to know why.

Answer: There is a slight increased risk of the fetus or newborn dying when the mother has gestational diabetes, but this risk is lowered with effective treatment and careful watching of the mother and fetus. High blood glucose levels often go back to normal after delivery. However, women with gestational diabetes should be watched closely after giving birth and at regular intervals to detect diabetes early. Up to 40% of women with gestational diabetes develop full-blown diabetes within 5-10 years after delivery. The risk may be increased in obese women. Please see the web pages for more details on Gestational diabetes.

Question: What are the odds of having diabetes if nobody in your immediate family is known to have it? In other words, is it likely to have prediabetes or diabetes if nobody in your family has it? While I'm at it, is prediabetes/diabetes common in teenagers?

Answer: Type 1 you developes in childhood and you would probably have known by now. Type 2 developes in obese people, and it does not matter in there is not history. You could still get it, so get tested if you are concerned.

Question: What precautions can we take for the onset of Diabetes? How to tackle the early stages of Diabetes? My mother (65 years old) has been diagnosed with blood sugar which is slightly above the normal. Doctor has not given medicines but some diet restrictions. How can she lead a normal life without getting affected by Diabetes? She has a very active & healthy life so far, I wish to protect her from any unwanted troubles due to this onset of Diabetes. Please advise.

Answer: If diabetes could be described as having a personality, it most surely would be temperamental. It has volatile mood swings and easily flies out of control. It presents constant challenges, demanding discipline, restraint, and planning. With good self-management, you can enjoy a healthy life and minimize your chances of developing complications. Essential Steps for Keeping Healthy Practice good blood sugar control. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Have a glycosylated hemoglobin test every three to six months, or more often if you're pregnant. Eat a healthy, varied diet, sticking to foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and limit "concentrated" sweets like candy. Exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight. Schedule regular visits with your doctor. Have your blood pressure and feet checked at all visits. Your doctor should test your blood lipids and kidney function regularly and do an annual EKG. Have an annual eye exam by an ophthalmologist. This should be done from the time of diagnosis in people with type 2 diabetes, and starting five years after diagnosis in people with type 1 diabetes. To avoid illness, stay up-to-date on your immunizations. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against the flu, pneumococcal disease (such as pneumonia and meningitis), hepatitis, tetanus, and diphtheria. Practice good foot and skin care. Visit a dentist regularly. Avoid risky behaviors, such as smoking or drug or alcohol abuse. Learn as much as you can about diabetes, and educate others close to you. For more info visit my free website http://www.reddiabetes.com

Question: Whats the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2? Hi everyone. My boss just found out her 16 year old daughter has type 1 diabetes. We were all very sad to hear the news. Apparently she will be taking medication everyday for the rest of her life and she has a strict diet to follow. What's the difference between type 1 and type 2? Also, do people with diabetes have a tendency to be thin and lose a lot of weight because of their diet? Apparently before she was diagnosed, she lost 10 pounds within a month. Thanks!

Answer: Type one is usually diagnosed early in life, from birth to around the age of 30. There are many theories on why and what happens to the pancreas in type 1. It is thought to be a viruse that attacks it at some point. There are more cases of type 1 in states that have cold weather. These people are always insulin dependent and must inject insulin sometimes up to 6 times a day. The pancreas does not make any (or very little) insulin. In type 2, it is usually diagnosed after the age of 35, but can develop earlier. With this type there are 2 things that can happen. The pancreas can be making lots of insulin but the body is not using it correctly (this is insulin resistance) or the pancreas is not making enough insulin. People with type 2 usually have to take some type or oral meds, but some take insulin, and some take both. There are some type 2's that can control their disease with diet and exercise for many years. Both types of diabetes can be genetic. Both types are caused by malfunctions of the pancreas and are not caused by the wrong diet, or being overweight. Both types of diabetics need to get daily exercise and watch their diets.

Question: What causes people with Type 1 diabetes to get bad headaches and migraines? My little brother has type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed with it at 12 months old and he sometimes get bad migraines. What causes migraines and bad headaches when you have type 1 diabetes? He is 17 years old and is a big part of me. If something ever happened to him, damn I don't know what I'd do. I need some responses here guys. Thank Tralee, but he already has an insulin pump as do most people with type 1.

Answer: I have had type 1 since I was 16 yrs old and have had migraines as well . It is because your sugar goes too high and puts excess pressure on your brain cells causing exspansion of them and that is what causes the migraines . I got this info from my dr and also I got a prescription for sumatriptan and it does help but makes you very drowsy and you cannot do anything after that .

Question: What are the differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes? I know type one is deadlier. But symptom wise, what are the differences between the 2 types of diabetes?

Answer: Basically, type 1 is an autoimmune deficiency- meaning that your body starts fighting against itself, and eventually, someone with type 1 diabetes will stop producing insulin (the protein that regulates your blood sugar levels and enables your body to produce energy). This happens very quickly once it's triggered. As for symptoms... well, it depends what you mean. Before I was diagnosed, I was drinking about ten plus glasses of water and going to the bathroom a completely insane number of times a day. My mouth smelled like dried fruit. Once I even got a migraine during gym class, but I have no idea if that's related. I felt tired all the time and snapped at people a lot more than usual, too. People diagnosed with type 1 are usually otherwise completely healthy human beings (but I do happen to know that they're more susceptible to certain kinds of warts and gum disease.) And once you have type 1, you're stuck with it for the rest of your life- there's no cure. Insulin injections are just life support. Type 2 diabetes isn't quite the same. When someone has type 2, it means that they're still producing insulin, but their bodies have developed a resistance to it. It's also very likely that they're overweight. (The more overweight you are, the less effective your insulin becomes.) The symptoms are much the same as for type 1, but type 2 is a bit more dangerous. Because it is more slow to develop - sometimes taking as much as ten, twenty-some years before a person is properly diagnosed - the high blood sugar has more time to inflict permanent damage to your liver, nerves and general circulation. Unlike type 1, type 2 diabetes can sometimes be cured by losing weight around the belly and putting a more healthy diet into place. You can also take pills that will make your insulin stronger to help you regulate your blood sugars. So, basically... they have the same symptoms, only type 2 will be slower to develop and likely won't be caught until the person has had diabetes for quite some time. Type 2 also has the issue of loss of circulation. That's actually one of the best ways to differentiate between the two.