Category: Complications

Defining Neuropathy And How It Relates To Diabetes: Diabetics have to endure various medical conditions in conjunction with their diabetes. One such condition which may occur in diabetics is neuropathy, or nerve damage as it is more commonly known. In fact, approximately 50% of diabetics will experience some type of neuropathy. The following will discuss the condition of neuropathy and how it pertains to diabetics.

What Is Neuropathy
Neuropathy is damage which occurs to the various nerves within the body. When the nerve damage occurs as a result of the diabetes it is more specifically known as diabetic neuropathy. There are various types of neuropathy including sensorimotor neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy and focal neuropathy. Sensorimotor neuropathy is sometimes called peripheral neuropathy and can lead to tingling, pain, numbness and even weakness in the hands and feet. Autonomic neuropathy has symptoms which are a bit more serious and may consist of vomiting, bladder problems, diarrhea, digestive problems, elimination of low blood sugar warning signs, dizziness, sweat gland issues and changes in the eyes pertaining to reaction to light. As for the focal neuropathy, this type of nerve damage can lead to double vision, paralysis on the side of the face and pain throughout the body.

How Does Neuropathy Relate to Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by the frequent high blood sugar levels in the body. Those who have more episodes of high blood glucose levels will often be more likely to experience diabetic neuropathy. How much nerve damage one sustains will depend on various factors such as length of time being diabetic, severity of the diabetes and how old you are. Alcohol is another factor relating to diabetics becoming susceptible to neuropathy as those who drink a lot will be more likely to sustain nerve damage than those who have an occasional drink or do not drink at all.

Diagnosis Of Diabetic Neuropathy
If you are diabetic and wondering if neuropathy is an issue for you, there are a few ways in which doctors diagnose diabetic neuropathy. Simple tests such as sensitivity to touch and temperature will be performed. More clinical tests including having an electromyogram and nerve conduction studies performed will pinpoint whether any types of nerve damage have occurred. By discussing your individual symptoms with your doctor, it will make it easier for the medical health professional to diagnose the type of nerve damage and the severity thereof.

Prevention Of Diabetic Neuropathy
The main way to prevent the occurrence of diabetic neuropathy is to keep your blood sugar level in check. Always be sure to monitor your blood glucose level and take the insulin as soon as it is needed. Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in a reasonable amount of exercise will help to keep your blood glucose level steady. There are a wide array of diabetic cookbooks on the consumer market these days which can help with eating healthy and enjoying your meals at the same time. It is also imperative that diabetics keep a healthy and consistent weight as this too will help to keep blood glucose levels in target range.

Treatment Of Neuropathy Experienced By Diabetics
With regard to specific treatment methods, how the nerve damage is treated will depend on the symptoms which the diabetic is experiencing. For example, those who are experiencing pain may be given pain-relieving medications and those who have digestive problems may be prescribed medicines which treat such conditions. The treatment will be on a symptom-by-symptom basis as this is the best way to deal with any problems which may arise as a result of the neuropathy. As stated above, the doctor will recommend that the individual eat healthy, exercise and maintain a target weight to keep neuropathy and its accompanying symptoms at bay.

The complications associated with diabetes are widespread, and can span throughout the entire body. With more than 16 million Americans affected by this chronic illness, the concern and interest of its consequences have risen dramatically. People living with Diabetes are curious to learn about the background of this illness, and the problems it can ultimately cause its victims.

A Glimpse into the World of Diabetes
To truly understand diabetes mellitus and its projected complications, the background of the illness must first be addressed. It is common knowledge that our bodies need energy to function. This energy comes in the form of blood sugar, or glucose, which fuels our body cells and allows us to operate. Our bodies are extremely sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels, because the brain relies almost solely on this glucose for fuel. The body of a diabetic is unable to use the hormone insulin properly, which in turn results in extreme blood sugar levels. This in turn can result in several body changes, and in time, complications.

There are two forms of diabetes, Type I and Type II. The more serious of the forms, Type I diabetes usually occurs suddenly, typically in the childhood or adolescent years of life. Most cases of Type I diabetes will be diagnosed before the age of 30. Type I diabetes is unable to produce a suitable amount of insulin, due to pancreatic dysfunctions. Type I diabetes can lead to a potentially fatal condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Noted symptoms of Type I are: extreme thirst, excessive urination, fatigue, nausea, and weight loss. Those affected by Type I diabetes must inject insulin, or engage in insulin pump therapy.

The more common of the two forms, Type II diabetes is often called “adult onset diabetes,” and primarily occurs after the age of 30. In Type II diabetes, some insulin may be produced, but, the body has become resistant to the hormone, which in turn prevents glucose from entering body cells. Insulin resistence causes both insulin and blood sugar levels to increase. Type II diabetes is commonly attributed to obesity. High glucose levels in Type II diabetes can lead to symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, increased appetite, and loss of weight. Many Type II patients, however, do not exhibit any symptoms whatsoever. Type II diabetes can be controlled by a change in both diet and lifestyle.

What are the Complications in Type I and II Diabetes?
When diabetes is not properly managed, several complications can ultimately ensue. Some of the most notable complications are the following:

Cerebrovascular Disease affects the vessels that lead to the brain. If one of the more major vessels is blocked, a stroke can occur. This disease appears to develop earlier in a diabetes patient than in a non-diabetic individual.

A condition in which nerve fibers and endings are damaged, neuropathy is a common disorder in the diabetic patient. Diabetic neuropathy can be caused by either high or low blood sugar levels, as well as, insulin deficiency. Numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities are symptoms of neuropathy.

An eye problem known as retinopathy is also prevalent in diabetes cases. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when damage occurs to the tiny capillaries that provide nourishment to the retina. This damage can cause blood and fluid to seep into the small vessel walls. This condition is one of the leading causes of vision deterioration in the nation.

Coronary Artery Disease has been attributed to over half of all deaths in diabetic patients. Insulin resistence most encountered in Type II diabetes has been linked to this potentially fatal disease.

To avoid these potential complications, diabetics are advised to follow their suggested course of treatment and controlling methods. Whether through insulin-pump therapy, or diet overhauls, both types of diabetes can easily be managed by the patient committed to living a long, rewarding life.

One of the primary complications in diabetes is a condition called neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy refers to a group of nerve disorders caused by the disease, and is known to affect nerve fibers throughout the body. Hands and feet are the two body parts most commonly affected by neuropathy, however, numbness, tingling, and pain can occur in the arms and legs as well. The longer an individual has diabetes, the greater risk he or she has of developing neuropathy.

Common Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy
Approximately half of the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is inflicted with some type of neuropathy. Diabetics who have had the disease for more than 25 years have the highest risk of developing this condition. Neuropathy also occurs more frequently in those who have had trouble managing glucose levels. Finally, diabetes patients that are over 40 years of ages, and those who carry excess weight are more prone to this complication.

Diabetic neuropathy can be classified in four different forms, peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal. Each variety of neuropathy can affect the body in various ways. Peripheral neuropathy can cause discomfort or feeling loss in the hands and arms, in addition to the, feet, toes and legs. Changes in bowel and bladder function, digestion, and sexual reactions are defined as autonomic neuropathy. The third form of the condition, proximal neuropathy, causes pain in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, leading to weakness in the lower extremities. Virtually any body nerve can be affected may the last type of neuropathy. Focal neuropathy induces abrupt weakness in one or a bundle of nerve fibers, which results in both muscle pain and weakness. The causes of neuropathy depend of each distinct form, and nerve damage can occur because of a variety of factors and elements. Neurovascular and autoimmune factors can result in damage to the blood capillaries and cause inflammation in the nerves. Metabolic factors such as higher than normal glucose levels and lower levels of insulin can also contribute to diabetic neuropathy. Lifestyle elements are can affect neuropathy, as well. Alcohol use and smoking are also two factors that can contribute greatly to diabetic neuropathy.

Symptoms are Varied In Diabetic Neuropathy
The types of neuropathy present, and the nerves that are affected, are a contributing aspect to the symptoms involved. Many diabetics have no signs in the beginning, while others experience numbness and pain. Symptoms are very mild in the early stages of the disease, as nerve damage can take several years to develop. Signs and symptoms that do occur include: numbness, pain, and weakness in the upper and lower extremities, stomach problems such as, indigestion, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Because of the physical discomfort that neuropathy can cause, emotional stress can result in depression and weight loss.

Preventing Diabetic Neuropathy
It is possible to prevent diabetic neuropathy by properly controlling your diabetes, and maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Those already affected by this debilitating condition should consult with their physician to devise the best possible care plan.

Foot care is crucial in the average diabetes patient. Every diabetic should make proper foot care a part of their everyday routine. There are a few tips to be taken into consideration when dealing with a foot care plan. First of all, a mild soap should be used to wash the entire foot, even between the toes, and then promptly pat dry. Cracked and dry skin should be repaired by using a moisturizing lotion or cream. Wearing properly fitting shoes and soft socks is a must for the diabetic to keep the feet comfortable and protected. If you noticed any redness, swelling, or wounds on your feet, your physician should be contacted at once. Preventing problems before they arise is a key component in keeping your feet healthy and fit.

Numbness and Diabetes: There are dozens of complications that come with having diabetes and none of them are easy. Some are just plain hard to deal with and some are just to full of pain to try and deal with. If you have diabetes then I don’t have to for warn you about the complications that come with it. However, maybe I can help to take some of that pain away by introducing some new medications that will help the pain of diabetes seem less depressing.

However, in this article I am referring to the complication that’s called Neuropathy. Some other names for Neuropathy that are commonly used is loss of sensation Again, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are feeling the signs and symptoms of Neuropathy then I don’t have to tell you about the pain and stressfulness that you are feeling, if fact you could probably tell me a thing or two. On the other hand, there are many who are unfamiliar with this complications so I will go over some of the finer details and the some medications that might help things to feel a bit better.

Diabetic Neuropathy effects nearly 60 percent of those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, this means there has been some form of damage to the nerves that has been caused by long term symptoms of diabetes. Some of the symptoms that might be hard to handle while going through Neuropathy is some tingling feeling in your arms and legs along with numbness, prickling and occasionally you may feel some cramping, burning or some sensitivity in touching things or being touched. When these symptoms first begin you will notice the pain more in your legs and feet and then it will travel through other parts of your body and then to your hands where it can be most tender at. Because you are always using your hands daily for different activities.

This complication has been observed by many scientists who are not sure of what is causing Neuropathy in individuals with diabetes. These factors however have also been observed in thinking they are the cause of this condition. Scientists believe that some damaged oxygen supply to the nerves that has been caused by the damage given to smaller blood vessels throughout the body. Some have described their pain as a feeling of a hand or foot going to sleep, except it never goes away. This is referred to as a compressed nerve.

Sometimes though, you have the feeling of numbness or tingling when you have a pinched nerve, this can very annoying and often painful. This condition is in reference to damage that has happened through injury of a nerve or a set of nerves. Sometimes a simple pinched nerve can cause other conditions like tennis elbow, neuropathy and carpal tunnel. Other causes of numbness and pain can be caused by nerve disorders, circulatory disorders and Parenthesis. Parenthesis is can have some of the same signs as Neuropathy such as a feeling of pins and needles running through-out your body, some prickling and burning may be felt also. Parenthesis simply means abnormal burning of the arms, legs, hands and feet. Causes of this condition can be Nerve entrapment, Nerve compression, stroke, traumatic nerve damage or even neuropathy. So it is extremely important to get your body checked to find out what it wrong and what condition you may have. Never try to diagnose yourself when having this “tingling” sensation going through-out your body.

When you have neuropathy you can try a number of things to help you regain some feeling back into your hands and feet. Number one that is always said by doctor is medication. However, there are many people who prefer a different method of healing rather then prescription drugs. If you are one of these people then you might want to try some physical therapy, this may help you find some relief in the pain that you feel.

When you are feeling numbness in both your hands and feet you always want to go into your doctor’s office and find out what it causing it. It can be something minor like a pinched nerve to as big as something that shows the first stages of being a diabetic. Similar things that could be causing the problems in both your hands and feet tingling are treatments of Cancers like breast cancer, lung cancer or even brain cancer some chemotherapy can bring the onset of numbness and tingling into your body which spreads to your arms and legs. Sometimes the numbness can be caused by a vitamin deficiency such as lack of vitamin b-12, vitamin b-6 or thiamine. That’s not is though, some tingling sensation can be brought on by underlying illnesses not ready to show themselves yet. Multiple Sclerosis, which is an auto-immune disorder, can cause adverse affects of numbness and tingling. So those are the reason it is so important to get checked out as soon as possible. You never want to take anything for granted.

Let’s talk about some herbs that might help you to feel better from the symptoms of Neuropathy. Most people know that when you take Vitamin E, you are taking just about one of the most important helpful vitamins there are out there. Vitamin E conquers so many health conditions, not to mention the conditions that it prevents. However, when it comes to Neuropathy and Vitamin E, you are getting another chance at life without the painful effects of Neuropathy. Granted, I would not highly recommend diagnosing yourself and then simply taking vitamin E. However, many people want to feel somewhat safer while taking medication for their conditions and herbal medication helps those people to achieve that. Vitamin E also helps to achieve help with Cystic Fibrosis and those who are having problems with their pancreas.

Other herbal remedies include Cayenne peppers or of course Cayenne flakes, Cayenne only helps to alleviate the pain but can never take it away. If you are taking the herb Cayenne repeatly then you will find that it helps the pain stay at a bare minimum at a very low amount it always helps to restore and heal damage that has been done to your nervous system.

There is not better cure probably then that of tea. There are so many teas out there for you to choose from that your options are endless. Most people like tea and the flavoring of most teas do not vary from one to the other unless you have a tea that contains fruit mixtures. You may find green tea to become one of your favorite teas right off the bat because of its reduction of weight. Though Black tea is considered to be the best tea that you can drink because you are absolutely getting the most out of it. Green tea on the other hand is more helpful for those who have diabetes, cancer and other conditions. Tea helps build your antioxidants back up which will help your immune system fight against all those harsh diseases your body has been prone to while under immune distress. Tea especially hot can be the number one cure for those who need a major herbal remedy.

Cardiovascular disease is a medical condition which can occur in both diabetics and non-diabetics. Although not all diabetics will be stricken with cardiovascular disease, they are more susceptible to such a condition. Therefore, it is important to provide a general overview of cardiovascular disease and highlight some treatment methods for such a medical condition.

What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease is the inclusive name for diseases such as coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease and congestive heart failure. It is highly noted that those who have diabetes are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease. The cardiovascular system includes a number of important bodily components including the heart, blood vessels, arteries and more. In addition, peripheral vascular disease is a type of cardiovascular disease which diabetics are at high risk of getting. This type of cardiovascular disease prevents blood flow to the arms and legs which can cause serious health problems for the individual. Once an individual has had their specific type of cardiovascular disease diagnosed, the next step in the process is to treat such an ailment.

How Is Cardiovascular Disease Treated?
The exact treatment which one receives for their cardiovascular disease will depend on the type of cardiovascular disease which it is. The first type of treatment starts with specific things which you can do to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Certain things which those who have cardiovascular disease may be able to do, so long as your doctor recommends it, include quitting smoking, exercising at least 30 minutes each day, eating a healthy diet aimed at heart health, establish and maintain a healthy weight and monitor various levels such as blood glucose level, cholesterol level and blood pressure. These are simple things which you can do in the comfort of your own home and will greatly help to treat cardiovascular disease and help to prevent future incidents from occurring.

With regard to medical treatment by a physician, the exact treatment which your doctor will prescribe will depend on your specific medical condition, your individual health history, your current health status and other items tailored specifically to your health. After enduring numerous tests to determine what your specific condition may be with regard to cardiovascular disease, the doctor may prescribe one of many different medications including ones which lower cholesterol, thin out the blood, are beta-blockers, strengthen the heartbeat, expand veins and arteries and more.

Treating Cardiovascular Disease by Eating a Healthy Diet
As mentioned above, eating healthy foods is a wonderful way to promote good cardiovascular health and get you back on the road to recovery from cardiovascular disease. This is important not only for those experiencing cardiovascular disease but to aid in keeping one’s diabetes in check as well. Certain items which must be on your healthy diet list include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and certain types of fat. Just be sure to choose foods which are in keeping with a recommended diet for individuals who have both cardiovascular disease and diabetes as it is important to eat well to help with both types of medical conditions.

Keeping Weight Down
Maintaining a good weight is also essential for those who suffer from both cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Moderate amounts of exercise will help to keep one in shape when used in conjunction with a healthy diet. Before exercising always check with your doctor to ensure that you are doing the proper types of exercise as you want to stay in shape but not overdo it too much. Keeping your weight down will help you to promote heart health as well as keep your diabetes manageable. Not only is losing weight good for you health wise but it is mentally good for you as well as it promotes stress relief and you will undoubtedly feel good after a workout.

Treating Glaucoma: Diabetics in addition to maintaining their blood glucose level on a daily basis in order to keep their diabetes in check must also be on the lookout for certain other medical conditions which may arise due to their diabetic condition. One type of medical condition which diabetics may face is that of glaucoma. In fact, diabetics are 40% more likely than non-diabetics to get glaucoma. The risk of getting glaucoma will increase both with age as well as with the time in which one has diabetes. Therefore, the older an individual is and the longer they have had diabetes the more likely they are to have glaucoma.

What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when there is a pressure which builds up in the eye. It is this pressure which causes aqueous humor drainage to slow down which in turn causes a build up in the anterior chamber region. The pressure which is felt by the individual is what leads to the pinching of the blood vessels. Since it is these blood vessels which are responsible for carrying blood to the two important areas of the eye, the retina and optic nerve, the pinching of the blood vessels causes the blood flow to be hindered and results in gradual vision loss. The vision loss is the result of the damage to the retina and optic nerve areas.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?
The type of treatment which is prescribed for individuals suffering from glaucoma will vary depending on the severity of the glaucoma and what is in the best interest of the patient. In general, various treatment methods may include glaucoma medications, eye drops and/or surgical procedures. Since glaucoma is unable to be treated completely by restoring one’s eyesight to their pre-glaucoma perfect vision, the medical health professional will do his/her best to preserve the eyesight which exists upon diagnosis. Doctors will usually start by prescribing medications to the individual who suffers from glaucoma and if these do not work or side effects are an issue then one of two surgical procedures may be necessary.

Medications Used to Treat Glaucoma
If you suffer from the condition of glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe one of many different medications. These medications are often used to reduce pressure in the eye and/or prevent optic nerve damage. The physician will take into effect your diabetic condition so that the medications prescribed will not adversely interact with you current diabetes treatment methods. Some of the common medications prescribed to treat glaucoma include adrenergic, beta blockers, cholinergic, prostaglandin analogs, alpha agonist, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or a combination of these medications. When considering which medications to prescribe your doctor will look at potential side effects, best treatment plans and any possibilities of interactions with current medications being taken. It may be necessary to switch medications from time to time per your doctor’s advice if the current medications are not working or produce unwanted side effects.

Surgical Procedures Used for Glaucoma Patients
In some more severe cases of glaucoma, surgery may be necessary to preserve the remainder of the patient’s eyesight. Surgery is often prescribed when medications are not working to relieve pressure in the eye. Two commonly performed surgical procedures include laser surgery and filtering microsurgery. Laser surgery will often be prescribed before filtering microsurgery.

The laser surgery procedure involves a laser making small scars in the trabecular meshwork of the eye, which is essentially the eye’s drainage system. Doing this will help the fluid to flow out of the eye. The filtering microsurgery consists of creating a drainage hole by using a surgical tool. This is recommended when laser surgery is unsuccessful in relieving pressure in the eye.

The medical condition known as ketoacidosis is a serious occurrence for diabetics to be aware of and prevent from occurring. This type of condition is what may lead to diabetic coma in certain cases and is life threatening in nature. Ketoacidosis occurs in type 1 diabetics but is very rare for type 2 diabetics. The following will provide some information on ketoacidosis including how this medical condition in diabetics is treated.

What Is Ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis is a dangerously high level of ketones within the body. Ketones are the acids which build up in the individual’s blood. When one doesn’t have enough insulin, these ketones will appear in the urine of the person. The ketones are poison to the body and a true sign that one’s diabetes is no longer under control. Stopping the ketoacidosis is essential for the recovery of the diabetic.

How Is Ketoacidosis Treated?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated in a quick manner in order to help the patient recovery as quickly and fully as possible. The treatment methods are varied and these are often used in conjunction with one another. The first step for treating ketoacidosis is replenishment of fluids. Those who experience ketoacidosis will lose large amounts of fluids so it is extremely important to rehydrate the individual. This is done via IVs or by mouth if possible. Rehydrating the patient will also help to dilute the high blood glucose levels.

The next step after rehydration is to replace the electrolytes within the body. These are minerals in the blood which carry an electric charge and include sodium, potassium and chloride, to name a few. Having enough electrolytes within the body is crucial as these are the items which keep the heart, muscles and nerve cells working properly. It is the lack of insulin which causes these electrolytes to be negatively affected. During the replacement of these electrolytes your doctor will monitor the levels and may even monitor the heart to ensure that it is in proper working order.

The individual diagnosed with ketoacidosis may likely need to obtain insulin therapy via IV. The insulin is what will help the cells take the glucose and use it for energy. The insulin will lower the concentration of glucose in your body and level out the blood glucose range. IV insulin therapy will stop once the blood is not acidic anymore and then you can resume normal insulin treatment.

How to Prevent Ketoacidosis
The best possible treatment method for ketoacidosis is preventing it from occurring in the first place. There are quite a few ways to keep your blood glucose level in check and prevent an episode of this serious medical condition from ever happening. One of the best prevention methods is to constantly monitor your blood glucose levels and ketone levels. Take note that certain occurrences can cause your levels to be altered greatly and some of these include trauma, infections, pregnancy and excessive amounts of stress. Excessive blood sugar levels could mean high ketone levels so constantly monitor both if your blood glucose levels seem extremely high.

Also consider if you are taking your insulin when you should and in the proper dosage amounts. If your insulin treatments are off then ketoacidosis may be the result. It is crucial to keep insulin at a stable level. With that said you should know the symptoms associated with low insulin levels and know what to do when these symptoms occur.

Lastly, preventing serious injury or death as a result of ketoacidosis can be related to the length of time in which it takes you to obtain treatment. Therefore, get medical attention immediately should something seem not right or seem to be one of the various symptoms of ketoacidosis. Quick treatment is a necessity with this type of medical condition.

Treating Kidney Disease: One of the medical conditions which diabetics may suffer from in addition to their diabetes is nephropathy, or kidney disease as it is more commonly known. Diabetes can sometimes cause the kidneys to stop functioning correctly and lead to kidney disease and multiple health problems associated with such a disorder. High levels of blood glucose can cause kidneys to filter too much blood and produce a leak in this waste disposal system which is the kidneys main responsibility. If kidney disease is diagnosed early on, the good news is that there are many treatment methods available to help in correcting the problem. However, when kidney disease is diagnosed after a good period of time has passed, the treatment options tend to be fewer in number.

Treatment Options for Those Suffering From Kidney Disease
One of the main ways to treat kidney disease is to keep one’s blood glucose levels and blood pressure at a stable level. For diabetics, keeping the glucose levels stable is a high priority to begin with. Blood pressure should be checked constantly as rises in blood pressure can cause the progression of kidney disease to increase. Keeping your blood pressure down can be accomplished by maintaining a good weight, lowering salt intake, try not to drink or smoke and exercise regularly. All of these things will help keep your blood pressure at a good level and in turn prevent kidney disease from worsening.

Another treatment option for those suffering from kidney disease involves taking certain medications. Medications may include blood pressure medicine and ACE inhibitors. Diabetics may be prescribed ACE inhibitors as opposed to other types of blood pressure medications as it will not interfere with their diabetes treatment. ACE inhibitors often slow kidney disease progression as well as lower one’s blood pressure.

A low-protein diet is another way to treat less serious forms of kidney disease, or kidney disease which is caught early on. Your doctor will often put you on a diet low in proteins which will prevent the kidneys from having to work as hard to keep your body in tiptop shape. In addition, diets which are low in protein will decrease protein loss and increase protein levels. Always consult your doctor before starting this type of diet to ensure that doing so will not adversely affect your diabetes treatment.

If the kidneys have failed, then dialysis will often be necessary. While going through dialysis treatments, it is usually time to contemplate a kidney transplant. Obtaining a kidney transplant is a serious decision and one which should be given much thought. Consult with your doctor first and foremost as well as family, friends and any other medical health professional whose advice will come in handy. Make sure that you know all that a kidney transplant will entail from start to finish prior to making a final decision.

Preventing Kidney Disease
One of the best ways to prevent diabetic kidney disease is to keep your blood glucose levels within the desired target range. Individuals who keep their blood glucose levels at favorable degrees can in fact reduce their chances of getting microalbuminuria, or the first stage of kidney disease, by 1/3. For those who have already been diagnosed with microalbuminuria, keeping track of your blood glucose levels will reduce your chances of getting macroalbuminuria, the later stage of kidney disease, by 1/2. To go even a bit further, there is even a possibility of reversing the occurrence of microalbuminuria via tight blood sugar control. Diabetic individuals have enough to worry about with their current diabetes diagnosis that preventing additional medical conditions from occurring is well worth keeping an even closer eye on the blood sugar levels on a daily basis.

Treating Retinopathy: Individuals who suffer from diabetes not only have to worry about keeping their blood glucose level in check but also have to be cautious about various side effects which may occur as a result of the diabetes. One such side effect of having diabetes which some individuals experience is the medical condition known as retinopathy. Retinopathy is generally disorders of the retina which are caused by diabetes. There are two main types of retinopathy which are proliferative and nonproliferative.

Proliferative retinopathy is the more serious type of retinopathy which is the result of many years of having retinopathy. Those who experience this type of retinopathy can experience a vitreous hemorrhage or a retinal detachment. Fortunately, proliferative retinopathy is the less common type. The more common form of retinopathy, or nonproliferative retinopathy, is the blockage of blood vessels which can cause vision impairment, or macula edema. The good news is that this type of retinopathy can be stopped and perhaps even some vision regained if the diabetic gets medical attention quick enough.

How Is Retinopathy Treated?
Perhaps the most important thing one should know about retinopathy is that it can be treated if caught early on. In order to diagnose retinopathy the diabetic must have regular eye exams as this is the way for your doctor to take notice of any possible retinopathy conditions and work to repair vision loss while preventing future vision impairment. There are a few different ways in which retinopathy is treated and these include scatter photocoagulation, focal photocoagulation and vitrectomy.

The general purpose of photocoagulation is to restore vision by making a series of small burns on the retina with a laser. The laser is used to seal the blood vessels and prevent further leakage. With scatter photocoagulation, the doctor will use the laser to burn a couple hundred dots on the retina. Such treatment is often performed at least two times in order to produce effective results. This treatment method is used when vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment have started to occur but can only usually be successful so long as the hemorrhage or detachment is not fully complete nor has it progressed too far. There are only a couple of side effects currently known to be associated with scatter photocoagulation and these include blurred vision for a few days post-treatment and potential loss of peripheral vision.

As for the focal photocoagulation, this type of treatment consists of a laser being used to treat the macula directly. This type of treatment will not reverse prior vision loss but it is a way to help prevent future vision loss from occurring. This is often used in the case of macular edema associated with nonproliferative retinopathy.

For the more serious type of vision loss associated with retinopathy, a vitrectomy is required. This is used when neither type of photocoagulation will aid in restoring or preventing vision loss. This procedure is used in the case of complete retinal detachment or extreme leakage of blood into the eye. A vitrectomy is the removal of the scar tissue and cloudy fluid from inside of the eye. Removal of the excess blood will usually be successful however the success rate of retinal reattachment is often only 50% in many cases.

Determining Which Treatment Method is Required
The main way to know which treatment method for retinopathy may be required is to consult your medical health professional. Your eye specialist will examine the eye(s), diagnose the medical condition and offer you proposed treatment solutions. No matter what your condition is and which treatment method is proposed, always be sure to thoroughly understand both the condition and treatment procedure. Ask your doctor any questions which you have so that you may better understand what the problem is and how you can best fix it.