The Anemic Cycle of an Impaired Kidney

One of the problems most often associated with diabetes is a decrease in kidney function and disease that often accompanies kidney decline. It appears the kidneys may have more responsibility for good health than you may have thought.

The Anemic Cycle of an Impaired KidneyThe Anemic Cycle of an Impaired Kidney: One of the problems most often associated with diabetes is a decrease in kidney function and disease that often accompanies kidney decline. It appears the kidneys may have more responsibility for good health than you may have thought.

A recent report from the National Anemia Action Council suggests, “Persons with diabetes and hypertension are at risk for kidney disease which can be progressive, leading to reduced kidney function and even kidney failure. One of the consequences of reduced kidney function can be anemia and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and events.”

The Cycle

  • Weight. As we gain weight added stress is put on the kidneys – damage can then develop.
  • Erythropoietin Reduction. This hormone is created in the kidneys, but can be reduced dramatically as diabetes develops.  MedicineNet.com says, “The kidney cells that make erythropoietin are specialized so that they are sensitive to low oxygen levels in the blood that travels through the kidney. These cells make and release erythropoietin when the oxygen level is too low. The low oxygen level may indicate anemia, a diminished number of red blood cells, or hemoglobin molecules that carry oxygen through the body.”
  • Red Blood Cell Production. With a decrease in erythropoietin red blood cells are at risk. Erythropoietin is responsible for developing these cells with a destination of the bone marrow.
  • Anemia. As red blood cells decrease anemia can develop.
  • Heart Conditions. As anemia develops it can place a strain on your heart and other organs.

For those who don’t know what anemia is MedicineNet.com describes this as the, “Condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased.”

Anemia.org suggests, “There are several complications that can emerge over time with diabetes and the associated elevated blood sugar levels including CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease), hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy are prevalent in patients who have had diabetes for many years. Many complications, either directly or indirectly, may contribute to anemia and worsening of clinical outcomes for patients with diabetes.”

Essentially this cycle means that the kidneys become increasingly incapable of delivering the hormone that helps create adequate red blood cells. With a lack of those cells hypertension, heart issues and optical and kidney issues can become a problem for the diabetic. This is often why diabetics have an iron deficiency.

The good news is medical science can provide management goals that can work to keep red blood cells in balance, but this needs to be monitored in conjunction with your doctor.

If you are not diabetic you may be wondering how it is possible to determine if you may be at risk. Anemia.com offers the following checklist.

At-risk for Pre-diabetes & Diabetes

  • Family history of diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Overweight or obese state
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Latino/Hispanic, Non–Hispanic Black, Asian American, Native American, or
  • Pacific Islander ethnicity
  • Previously identified impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
  • Hypertension
  • Increased levels of triglycerides, low concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or both
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • History of delivery of an infant with a birth weight greater than 9 pounds
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Psychiatric illness (Source: Anemia.org)

If you are a diabetic and you just don’t feel like your normal self it is possible your red blood cell count is low. Check with your doctor to get the help you need to get back on track.

Diabetes, Depression and Retinopathy

Diabetes + depression = additional disease. That seems to be the multiplication of common denominators in the arena of diabetic care. Why is this so and what can you do about it?

Diabetes + depression = additional disease. That seems to be the multiplication of common denominators in the arena of diabetic care. Why is this so and what can you do about it?

According to EmaxHealth.com, “A new study finds that diabetics who are depressed have a thirty six percent higher chance of developing severe complications from the disease. Diabetics are already at high risk for microvascular disease that can destroy the kidneys, and also cause blindness from diabetic retinopathy.”

How acute is the concern regarding depression? EmaxHealth.com suggests, “Depression was found to increase the chances of kidney disease, blindness, heart attack and stroke risk for diabetics, even after adjusting for other factors. The chances of developing disease of the large blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke was by twenty five percent higher for diabetics with depression.”

Early in this millennium nearly 5,000 participants were followed to view their responses in medical data. In some cases more than 5 years of data was collected from patients. The EmaxHealth.com report suggests, “After making adjustments for weight, smoking, age, insulin use, and other medical conditions, the study still revealed increased risk of severe complications from diabetes among depressed patients. Depression and diabetes has also been found to increase mortality.”

There has been a recognized link between diabetes and depression, but this new study could go a long way in helping to determine why that link exists and how to break it.

Meanwhile, another new study may have some bearing on how diabetics can potentially avoid retinopathy related to their disease.

StateNews.com reports, “Susanne Mohr, an associate physiology professor at MSU (Michigan State University), spent more than two years working with E. Chepchumba Yego, a former graduate student at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, to find a way to treat retinopathy. The team’s research appeared in the Jan. 29 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.”

It is important to know exactly what happens to the eyes of a diabetic to result in vision loss. The StateNews.com article suggests, “cells surrounding the vascular die and leave the vascular unprotected with no support from the surrounding cells. Once the protecting cells are gone, different fluids from the brain leak into the retina, causing bruising.”

Current options for treatment are limited to shots in the eye or laser treatments. The trouble is both are uncomfortable and laser treatments are limited to 2-3 surgeries before blindness from the treatment is noted.

In Mohr’s research “the team found a way in which cell death is induced in a high glucose environment. The enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, or GAPDH, moves from its cytosolic environment to the cell’s nucleus to create energy, where cell death occurs.”

Once they figured out how cell death took place they were able to manipulate the siah-1, “to keep any cell death from occurring and therefore reducing the effects of retinopathy,” said StateNews.com.

Mohr is noted in the same article as saying, “About 5 million people have diabetic retinopathy, according to the World Health Organization. It is estimated that 80 percent of Type 2 diabetic patients progress into some stages of diabetic retinopathy, Mohr said. Type 2 diabetes patients are growing exponentially, which causes a much larger number with the disease, she said. Retinopathy develops five to 10 years after a person is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.”

The research will be ongoing, but to date the new study has helped identify causes and provide avenues of potential reductions in the incidence of retinopathy.

Making Contact With Fellow Diabetics

Being diagnosed with diabetes is often very unexpected and so many people know little or nothing about the disease to begin with. Your doctor will no doubt tell you the basics, show you how to control your disease, especially if you turn out to be insulin-dependent, and give you a food chart that lists what you can and can’t eat but where do you go for the answers to all those silly little questions that you have and are to embarrassed to ask the doctor?

Making Contact With Fellow Diabetics: Being diagnosed with diabetes is often very unexpected and so many people know little or nothing about the disease to begin with. Your doctor will no doubt tell you the basics, show you how to control your disease, especially if you turn out to be insulin-dependent, and give you a food chart that lists what you can and cannot eat but where do you go for the answers to all those silly little questions that you have and are to embarrassed to ask the doctor?

Support Groups
Most areas have special support groups that meet up regularly so that you can share your experiences with other diabetics. Occasionally these groups meet at the local hospital or clinic and so you should be able to find details regarding times and locations from your local clinic or surgery.

Not only can you sit and chat with friends, you can share new diabetic recipes or tell everyone about the new restaurant that serves proper diabetic meals. Really these groups are simply a great way to meet other people who suffer from the daily affliction of diabetes just as you do.

If you can’t find a support group in your local area you can always start one yourself as there are probably hundreds of people living nearby who have the same worries and questions as you.

Internet Forums
There are a number of forums on the internet dedicated to diabetes, such as Diabetic Discussion where people who have been living with the disease for years can help to answer any questions you have. You can also just talk to other sufferers, find out new recipes and cooking tips, get information about exercise and how it can affect your diabetes, find out about the future of diabetes and what is happening in the research labs around the world, and any number of other general bits of information.

Because diabetes is an illness that needs constant monitoring it can make you feel ostracized from your regular friends when you are first diagnosed, especially when you have to constantly watch what you eat and take your blood glucose level numerous times a day. Then there is the added pain of having to administer your insulin when you’re out and about and you may not feel up to going out to the local pub if you know you can’t drink alcohol like you used to!

Talking online with fellow sufferers can provide you with lots of handy tips and advice regarding everyday activities and how to continue leading a normal life, just as you did before you were diagnosed. Diabetes doesn’t have to ruin your life and by finding a group of people who can relate to what you are going through you can quickly get over the initial shock and settle down to a fulfilling life as a diabetic.

Advice For Those Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes

Those who are newly diagnosed with diabetes often experience a range of emotions in the first few days. There is often fear, doubt, depression, worry, and a lot of uncertainty. Make no mistake about it; a diagnosis of diabetes is a life altering event. Your lifestyle will never be exactly the same and you must be much more conscientious about your health choices than you were in the past. However, all is not lost. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, the disease is treatable. This article presents a few helpful hints to get you through those first few difficult weeks following your diagnosis.

Advice For Those Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes: Those who are newly diagnosed with diabetes often experience a range of emotions in the first few days. There is often fear, doubt, depression, worry, and a lot of uncertainty. Make no mistake about it; a diagnosis of diabetes is a life altering event. Your lifestyle will never be exactly the same and you must be much more conscientious about your health choices than you were in the past. However, all is not lost. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, the disease is treatable. This article presents a few helpful hints to get you through those first few difficult weeks following your diagnosis.

The most important thing to do after you receive your diagnosis is to better educate your self on the disease and its treatments. Pay particular attention to the techniques of glucose monitoring and dietary restrictions. By making sure that you are as knowledgeable as possible about the disease, you will find that much of your uncertainty vanishes. You will know what to expect and know what to do to effectively treat your disease and live an active and fulfilling life.

Seek out guide books that can educate you on dietary options for diabetics. You will find that, while some of your favorites foods are now taboo, that diabetics can still enjoy a rich and varied culinary life. There are many diabetic cookbooks that offer wonderful culinary options for those on a restricted diet.

Another important step that you can take to overcome anxiety during those first anxious weeks is to seek out a support group. A support group can help you learn the best way to cope with the disorder. You will also see that others who have this disease can and are having a great time enjoying all that life has to offer. While most cities will have local diabetes support groups, if you do not have such local resources, or simply do not wish to join one, there are many online communities that are devoted to diabetes issue. You will find many helpful and knowledgeable people in internet support groups that are more than willing to offer advice, inspiration, hope, or simply listen to your worries and fears.

One common reaction that people have when they are first diagnosed with diabetes is that they will think back on how, in times past, they did not take care of their body in the way that they should have. In this case, a diagnosis of diabetes represents not only a challenge, but an opportunity as well. The continuous monitoring of your condition will provide you with the feedback that you need to help you stay focused on living a more healthful lifestyle.

If you have any friends or family members who have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is a great idea to set aside some time to discuss your fears and concerns with them. Having a trusted support system is very important at this time. As time progresses, you will find that you will become more comfortable with your situation and better able to handle the emotions that are part and parcel of diabetes. However, during the early days, you will really value having a trusted voice to guide your thoughts.

Exercise is a necessary therapy for diabetes. Not only does it help control glucose levels, but exercise also releases endorphins (mood controlling chemicals) in the brain that help alleviate stress and depression. Exercising is a great way to control the symptoms of your disease, make your body more physically fit, and also make yourself feel better about your situation and your future.

A diagnosis of diabetes is not something that anyone wishes for. Nevertheless, such a diagnosis is not the end of the world. By keeping yourself informed and active, you can meet the disease head on and enjoy life to the fullest.

Can Diabetes Be A Sign Of Something More Serious

Diabetes in itself can be a very serious illness however occasionally the symptoms associated with diabetes can mask or cover up a much deeper medical problem which is only discovered later on.

Diabetes in itself can be a very serious illness however occasionally the symptoms associated with diabetes can mask or cover up a much deeper medical problem which is only
discovered later on.

The main symptoms of diabetes mellitus are:

Polyuria – excessive urine production due to the kidney’s inability to reabsorb water.
Polydipsia – excessive thirst.
Polyphagia – excessive eating.

However excessive urine production and excessive thirst are also common symptoms of diabetes insipidus, an illness that is commonly associated with an abnormality of the
posterior pituitary gland. This disorder is due to defects in the antidiuretic hormone receptors or an ability to secrete the actual hormone.

Either way, while diabetes insipidus may simply be due to the poor functioning of the posterior pituitary gland it can also show as a result of a brain tumour, a head trauma or
some viral infections, all of which can be life threatening illnesses.

Thus what may seem to be a simple case of diabetes mellitus can in fact be something much worse and totally unrelated to the pancreas and liver.

Type I diabetes is often caused by damage to the beta cells of the pancreas, either by injury or because of a disease that impairs insulin production. Viral infections and
autoimmune disorders can both be involved in the destruction of beta cells. In some cases there may be a hereditary tendency for beta cell degeneration and this can often be
initiated by some kind of viral infection or autoimmune disorder.

Thus the symptoms of type I diabetes may simply be masking a serious and potentially lethal viral infection or alternatively they may be the first visible signs of a chronic
autoimmune disorder.

Another potential underlying problem that may manifest itself as diabetes is impaired liver function. This is occasionally due to cancerous growths within the liver tissue or
within the ducts that join the liver and the pancreas. Occasionally metastases can move to the islets of Langerhans within the actual pancreas. These growths can stop the liver
from controlling the normal blood glucose levels which means that as the glucose levels in the blood increase, larger amounts of insulin are produced which, if left unchecked,
can lead to hyperinsulism. This is where excessive amounts of insulin are produced by the metastatic cancers and in some cases up to 1000grams of carbohydrate have to be
administered every 24 hours in order to prevent the individuals suffering from hypoglycaemia.

Impaired liver function can also be due to cirrhosis, especially if the individual has been a heavy drinker for much of their adult life and infections such as hepatitis.

Many of the disorders described above that can be hidden by the symptoms of diabetes will show up when the blood tests taken to confirm the patient does in fact have diabetes
are screened in a medical laboratory environment. Thus if the diabetes is a secondary illness caused by a separate underlying disorder this will quickly become apparent.

The Future For Diabetes

The underlying cause of diabetes is yet to be discovered however research today is slowly starting to develop novel new approaches to the disease’s treatment. It may be that a cure is found in the not to distant future but for now, a number of new therapies are being closely studied in many of the countries around the world.

The Future For Diabetes: The underlying cause of diabetes is yet to be discovered however research today is slowly starting to develop novel new approaches to the disease’s treatment. It may be that a cure is found in the not to distant future but for now, a number of new therapies are being closely studied in many of the countries around the world.

Advancements In Glucose Control
Recent advances have meant that patients can monitor their own blood glucose levels at home or indeed on the move but this requires the diabetic to prick their finger every time they need to take a reading. Is the next step an implantable glucose sensor that will give off some kind of signal when the glucose concentration rises or falls below the normal limits? Some researchers say it is and indeed a number of laboratories around the globe are working towards developing such a monitor.

Other research, that has been going on for years, involves shining a special light through the skin in order to establish a glucose reading however until these new types of monitors have been tried and tested over and over again, we will not be seeing them on the market as an incorrect glucose reading could ultimately end in disaster.

Advancements In Insulin Administration
According to recent reports, researchers have now developed an insulin pump that is actually implanted into the patient. This pump measures and monitors the concentration of glucose within the blood and if a rise or fall is recorded the exact amount of insulin required to bring the level back to normal can be administered, without the patient even knowing it.

In this way, the pump emulates the action of the natural beta cells in a non-diabetic person. Unfortunately however, prototypes have been plagued with problems including clogging and the detection of other bodily chemicals which affect the readings taken; hence the implantable insulin pump is still in the experimental stage.

Advancements In Surgery
The majority of the research involving surgical intervention centres on the pancreas and the beta cells for obvious reasons. Pancreas transplants are becoming a widely recognized possibility in cases of severe diabetes but the procedure is relatively difficult and is often combined with a kidney transplant. In addition, the pancreas is prone to rejection and so the patient is at risk from other illnesses while they are immunosupressed.

A second option that has gained widespread attention involves the transplant of beta cells by injecting them in such a way that they lodge in the liver. Unfortunately these cells are again prone to rejection as they are seen by the white blood cells as foreign bodies. Thus, researchers are now trying to develop a tube which protects the beta cells from the immune system but still allows insulin molecules produced by the implanted beta cells to pass out and into the blood stream.

Advancements In Genetics
Genetic manipulation research is at present focussing on reprogramming a normal body cell to become a beta cell so that it can produce insulin. Each cell within the human body
contains all of the genetic information needed to create the entire body however only specific sections of the DNA is ‘read’ in different types of cell, so for example a skin cell will read the section of DNA that says ‘you are a skin cell’.

Thus if a number of skin cells could be reprogrammed to read the section of DNA that says ‘you are a beta cell’ then they would act as a beta cell and produce insulin, just as normal beta cells do.

This research is still in the very early stages but if it did at some time in the future actually work, then it would eliminate the rejection problems encountered with transplants and put a stop to the need to self-administer insulin.

Insulin Reactions

A rapid drop in blood sugar can cause serious damage or even death. Even with preventive measures, a person may experience this type of problem. There are various methods in preventing this from happening as well as raising your blood sugar when a sudden strike occurs. It is vital to always test blood sugar levels throughout the day. This should be done before or after meals, near bedtime as well as when exertion of the body has been preformed. Several reasons may be presented that can explain a sudden drop in these levels. A person needs to be aware of the warning signs as well as proper maintenance during the day to stay active and vital.

Insulin Reactions: A rapid drop in blood sugar can cause serious damage or even death. Even with preventive measures, a person may experience this type of problem. There are various methods in preventing this from happening as well as raising your blood sugar when a sudden strike occurs. It is vital to always test blood sugar levels throughout the day. This should be done before or after meals, near bedtime as well as when exertion of the body has been preformed. Several reasons may be presented that can explain a sudden drop in these levels. A person needs to be aware of the warning signs as well as proper maintenance during the day to stay active and vital.

Causes for Sudden Blood Sugar Drops
A vigorous lifestyle or activities can be the main cause for this type of problem. Each day is different than the previous one. Preventive measures can control blood sugar levels. There are several methods that a person can take to assist in avoiding a sudden drop:

  1. Eat regularly. A person needs to maintain their food intake during the day. It is suggested that a person with diabetes needs to eat healthy and they cannot miss a meal or snack.
  2. Keep a notebook of insulin intake. Too much of this medicine can cause a drop in blood sugar quickly and can damage an individual’s body.
  3. When practicing an exercise regiment, check the levels before and after. Eating a small snack before you begin will assist in keeping the blood sugar at a steady amount.

Signs of Rapid Blood Sugar Drops
There are various signs that can assist a person or their loved ones to know when they are experiencing this problem. Levels can drop without any warning; however there are sure signs that are present when this has occurred. Diabetics as well as friends and family of diabetics should study and know the following warning signs:

  1. If an individual has not eaten in a while or is feeling stomach pains, this is a sure sign that their levels are dropping rapidly.
  2. The individual’s mood is a tell tale sign of this type of problem. A person that is usually happy and easy going may experience anger, aggravation or become upset.
  3. If a person is having troubles walking because of minimal leg movements, dizziness or falling over, this could be related to the drop in levels.
  4. Unnatural behavior for the individual can be another warning sign. If an individual is sweating for no other apparent reason, if they are shaking slightly or uncontrollably, their skin tones are lighter than normal, immediate action needs to take place.

What to do in case of Blood Sugar Drops
If the individual is unresponsive or unconscious seek a medical professional immediately. Do not give the person insulin. This medicine lowers blood sugar, it does not raise it. If they are able to communicate and understand what is being said, the following can be a quick method in restoring an individual’s blood sugar.

  1. Hard candy is the favorite among many. Various diabetics keep this on hand in their home, car or pocket in case a strike occurs.
  2. Sometimes hard candy is not present. Anything with a good amount of sugar can do the trick. Gum, mints and candy bars can assist in this matter. Remember, sugarless products, will not help.
  3. If the person can eat a meal, feed them immediately.
  4. When all of the options have been exhausted and the person is still feeling sick, seek medical advice immediately.

Medications For Diabetics

There are several methods that an individual can use to take insulin for their diabetic needs. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, each technique needs to be explored. These methods can include insulin shots, pills and insulin pumps. Other alternative devices are being perfected as well. A diabetic needs to know all the options available to them before they begin their regiment. There may be a simpler method that can assist them with less stress, pain and aggravation than they are accustom to. When insulin is taken properly along with a healthy eating and exercise routine, problems with the body are less likely to occur. These techniques need to be discussed with a health care provider. This will allow an individual to understand the perks as well as the drawbacks of each method in more detail.

Medications For Diabetics: There are several methods that an individual can use to take insulin for their diabetic needs. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, each technique needs to be explored. These methods can include insulin shots, pills and insulin pumps. Other alternative devices are being perfected as well. A diabetic needs to know all the options available to them before they begin their regiment. There may be a simpler method that can assist them with less stress, pain and aggravation than they are accustom to. When insulin is taken properly along with a healthy eating and exercise routine, problems with the body are less likely to occur. These techniques need to be discussed with a health care provider. This will allow an individual to understand the perks as well as the drawbacks of each method in more detail.

Insulin Injections
This method has been used for centuries. It is the most widely used form for type 1 diabetes as well as some cases of type 2. If an individual has type 2 diabetes and the pills that are prescribed are not controlling the insulin well, shots may be an alternative. At first, this procedure could be scary and intimidating. With the proper techniques and practice, the technique can become smooth. After a few tries, an individual will become more comfortable with giving themselves injections.

The correct method for giving a person with diabetes an injection is critical. Discuss with the doctor the appropriate amount of insulin that needs to be taken a day. This can be for the body’s needs as well as the lifestyle of an individual. Every area needs to be well cleaned so infections cannot occur. The syringe will have markings, be sure to know exactly how much is needed. Fatty places on the body are the best source for the injection. Arms, legs and the stomach region are the most common. The vain is not required, just place the needle under the skin and that is all that is necessary.

Diabetic Pills
This type of medication is only used for type 2 diabetes. It is not insulin; it is used when some insulin is released from the body naturally. This kind of medication helps control the blood sugar levels in the body. It maintains an even flow of the proper control that the body needs to survive.

These pills work to assist the body to discharge more insulin. They may also help in digesting food particles into glucose gradually as well as intensify the insulin that is present inside the body.

Alternative Devices
An insulin pump assists in controlling type 1 diabetes. It is attached to the body and releases insulin into the system as programmed. Several kinds of this device can be obtained. Some can be used with cartridges that have the insulin directly inside while others need to be filled manually. These are equipped with a read-out screen that can be used to know exactly how much insulin the body is taking in and when the cartridge needs to be replaced.

Insulin that can be inhaled is in production to assist diabetics for a simpler method. This kind of product is in the form of a spray as well as a dry powder. The technique is fairly simple. Two or three times a day, depending on the doctor’s requirements, a person can inhale their medicine. This method will allow individuals with hectic lifestyles to be able to take their medication without embarrassment or onlookers.

The artificial pancreas is in development. This technique will allow for children as well as adults to manage their insulin intake without the hassle. It is still in the practicing stage; however, this method may be the insulin choice of the future.

Diabetes Guidance

A diabetes diagnoses can be devastating for an individual and their families. With a doctor’s guidance and some helpful information, anyone can learn how to control this disease. Diabetic instructors can be found from hospitals as well as private companies. They will be able to assist in any question or concern one may be facing. Not only do they help the person that has been diagnosed, they can also assist family members and friends.

Diabetes Guidance: Diabetic Instructors
A diabetes diagnoses can be devastating for an individual and their families. With a doctor’s guidance and some helpful information, anyone can learn how to control this disease. Diabetic instructors can be found from hospitals as well as private companies. They will be able to assist in any question or concern one may be facing. Not only do they help the person that has been diagnosed, they can also assist family members and friends. Everyone should know how to spot signs of trouble, taking insulin and the correct diet as well as an exercise program. An individual’s doctor will enlighten a person on the basics, but they do not have the time to go into every detail of this disease. If an individual is new to the diabetes condition, it may be in their best interest to take at least one class.

Locating a Suitable Instructor
There are various resources available to locate a fantastic diabetic educator. An individual may be able to ask their doctor if they have any recommendations. The phone book, internet resources as well as newspaper ads can be an excellent place to begin the search. Nevertheless, word of mouth and recommendations may be the best choice. A person facing a major lifestyle change deserves to know they are receiving the best advice possible.

Hospitals usually are equipped with diabetes instructors. The doctor can provide their information and how to make an appointment. Before committing to one instructor, an individual may want to ask around and research the particular hospital as well as the educator.

Private companies have trained professionals that can offer advice and plans for someone struggling with diabetes. These places can be found through the internet or phone book. Asking the care provider their thoughts on the company in question can save time and energy.

If you are not financially able to pay for this instruction, contact an insurance company. Certain insurance providers may cover the cost of the classes. An individual may also be able to locate a non-profit organization that can assist in this matter.

What to Expect
After a person is diagnosed with diabetes, a lifestyle change occurs. With the correct diabetes educator a person will understand what they need to accomplish. There are various aspects that these professionals will cover for an individual overall care. These may include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Provides training for healthy eating and exercising regiments.
  2. They assist in the mental aspects of dealing with the disease. That could include depression, nervousness and anxiety.
  3. The specialized providers can offer warning signs of the most common as well as rare problems that may occur.
  4. Friends and family can be allowed to attend with the patient for support or must-know information.
  5. One-on-one or group counseling may be obtained.
  6. The diabetes instructor will assist in monitoring conditions that may be present.
  7. They will help you understand the insulin or other medication procedures. Explaining to the patient what the medication is exactly used for, how much needs to be taken and when the appropriate time may be. These dedicated individuals may also explain the safest and most effective method in giving shots of insulin.

Diabetes instructors are trained medical professionals that have acquired a certificate in diabetes management. This is obtained by a class that teaches every aspect of the diabetes disease. Everyone that is looking for this kind of assistance should view the certificates before committing. All trained educators should have this certificate on-hand. Understanding the lifestyle of a diabetic is vital for a long and enjoyable life.

Warning Signs Of High Blood Sugars

Controlling high blood sugar is vital for maintaining a diabetic’s lifestyle. This process may be difficult to achieve. When an individual is first introduced that they have a problem, they are then given medication and a basic tutorial on what do to. Nevertheless, maintaining a reasonable range in blood sugar levels can be a tricky process. Everyone experiencing this kind of disease should be aware of warning signs when their levels are extremely high as well as what to do if this should happen.

Warning Signs Of High Blood SugarsWarning Signs Of High Blood Sugars: Controlling high blood sugar is vital for maintaining a diabetic’s lifestyle. This process may be difficult to achieve. When an individual is first introduced that they have a problem, they are then given medication and a basic tutorial on what do to. Nevertheless, maintaining a reasonable range in blood sugar levels can be a tricky process. Everyone experiencing this kind of disease should be aware of warning signs when their levels are extremely high as well as what to do if this should happen. Every body type is different. Safe blood sugar levels in one individual may be better or worse in another. This will need to be determined by the health care provider. Every time an individual tests their blood sugar levels, it is required to be within a certain range. There are definite techniques that a person can use to know if their levels are too high and methods to rectify this situation.

Warning Signs
The signs for an individual’s high blood sugar are rather simple to spot. Depending on how high the levels are is determined on what type of treatment is vital. There are various warning that may be linked to other conditions. When a symptom is present, always check the blood sugar count with a tester before panic sets in. The warning signs are as follows:

  1. Unnatural fatigue. If an individual is tired all the time or feeling lethargic, testing the blood sugar levels is a must.
  2. Feet. The feet of a diabetic person can be a sign of a problem. This part of the body swells, can produce cracked or dry skin or discoloration of the toenails. Massive itching attacks can also be present with the dry skin.
  3. Desire of vast amounts of liquid. This sign is a fantastic technique to use if the levels are extremely high. When this is present, a person will not be able to get enough liquids to satisfy their thirst.
  4. Urination. When the blood sugar rises, the need for more liquid is present. This may be the reason why a person uses the bathroom more than normal. However, the necessity to urinate frequently may also be a warning sign.
  5. Hunger. If an individual feels unnaturally hungry, then a blood sugar test is in order. This is especially true if the person has just consumed a large meal and yet they feel like they have not eaten in days.
  6. Unable to see clearly. Sight is affected by different aspects of diabetes. If the levels are too high, a person may experience blurry or unstable vision. This could cause falling over, dizziness or clumsiness.

What To Do
Experiencing sudden rises in blood sugar levels can cause a panic. This is especially true for an individual that has never been through it before. It is vital to relax and follow the directed steps.

  1. Test the blood sugar levels. This step is important to know exactly how high it actually is as well as determining if it is another condition entirely.
  2. Verify that the prescribed medication has been taken. An individual may have missed their medicine. If this is the case, take the dose that was required. Wait for about 30 minutes then retest.
  3. Drink liquids. This will assist in replacing liquids in the body that are missing. Water is best for this step.

It is vital to keep calm during these moments. After an individual has tested their levels the second time and are still very high, seek a medical professional immediately. If a person is feeling tired and sleepy when they are experiencing this episode, it is vital to stay awake. Contact a friend or neighbor if you feel that you are losing consciousness. They can call 911 if the individual becomes unstable.