Causes of high blood sugar should be avoided at all costs. High sugar or also known as having an excessive amount of glucose in the bloodstream can lead to many complications. High levels of sugar in the blood can be caused by a number of medical conditions and other causes. Diabetes, oral contraceptives, chronic pancreatitis, gestational diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, Glucagonoma, Cystic fibrosis, are among the factors that contribute to too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. If not properly addressed, high sugar in blood can lead to complications and more serious medical conditions.
High blood glucose level in the morning should be properly and carefully paid attention to. More often than not, waking up energetic and having a sugar rush (high glucose levels in the morning) is caused by the inadequate or insufficient dosage of insulin during your sleep. The somogyi effect is said to be one of the main reasons why people wake up with high sugar levels. If you don't eat a snack at night or before bedtime, the blood sugar in the body drops causing the body to produce more hormones to counterpart the decreasing levels of blood sugar. The hormones do their job in your sleep, this result to having higher levels of sugar in the morning than you usually have.
When waking up with high sugar, be sure to spend the day doing something to stay away from diabetic sugar levels. For most people, the good levels of sugar in the body should be from 80 to 120 upon waking up and before having meals. After eating, the level of blood sugar normally goes up to 160 or less. Before ending the day and before going to bed, normal blood sugar levels range from 100 to 140. Of course, the normal sugar level may vary from person to person so it is still best to consult your doctor to make sure you know the right blood glucose range for you.
Blood sugar too high can be a serious problem is not assessed and addressed properly. In fact, one of the complications of having high sugar, diabetes, is becoming to be a common disease, affecting nearly 5% of the US. What's worst, some people with diabetes have been living with the condition without even knowing it. To maintain an average and good levels of sugar going around and supporting the cells of your body, make it a point to check blood sugar by using a blood glucose meter or by making an appointment with your doctor.
Aside from regular visits to your doctor and blood sugar watch, leading a healthy lifestyle and eating right are effective ways to lower blood glucose. To fight the causes of high blood sugar, make it a habit to have a light snack before going to bed. A small snack consisting of mostly protein can be healthy and will prevent your body to react in insulin production while you sleep. Also, exercising at night can also help maintain the level of morning blood sugar in a healthy range.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Diabetes and Your Vision - How to Prevent Damage to the Eyes
Diabetes can cause some serious effects on the eyesight of the diabetic person. In fact diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in America. Regardless of the type of diabetes, the elevated sugar levels in the blood of a person can cause serious damages to the nerves of the eyes. This may include these problems.
Retinopathy
Retinopathy means damage to the retina of eye because of diabetes. An estimate says that around 45 % of diabetic Americans suffer from Retinopathy. In this condition, the vessels supplying blood to the eyes are damaged, which causes vision loss or impairment. This condition may occur because of the blockage of the blood vessel supplying nourishment to the retina. The retina then gives a signal to the body to produce new vessels, so blocked ones can be replaced. This condition is termed diabetic retinopathy. The new blood vessels are the produced with the surface of the eye and retina, and are relatively brittle. As they are fragile, they may cause some leakage. This leakage causes blindness or blurred vision.
Macular Edema
Macular Edema is another form of diabetic retinopathy. The function of the macula in our eye is to make us see straight ahead. If the blood is leaked into the center of the eye it may cause swelling of macula. This swelling may cause distorted or blurred central vision.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the blurring of the tissues at the face of the eye. Diabetics are at the increased risk for developing cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which some liquids are building up in the eyes. This building up of liquids, cause the blood pressure of the diabetics to rise. This high blood pressure causes the injury to the optic nerves, which in turn causes headaches and loss of vision.
How to Prevent Damage to the Eyes
There are many safeguard measures which can be taken by diabetics to prevent these damages. The most important amongst them is to have a dilated eye examination once a year. This prevents the diabetics from those damages which do not have any symptoms before they actually take place, like diabetic retinopathy. The optician should examine the retina and the optic nerves for any damages like leakage or swelling.
The risk of vision impairment can reduce up to 95 % if people with proliferate diabetic retinopathy receive proper medical treatment. Keeping the glucose levels in the constant range is the best preventive measure for avoiding any damage to the eyes of diabetics. The diabetics can also reduce the risk of eye damage by quitting smoking and keeping the blood pressure in the normal range
Retinopathy
Retinopathy means damage to the retina of eye because of diabetes. An estimate says that around 45 % of diabetic Americans suffer from Retinopathy. In this condition, the vessels supplying blood to the eyes are damaged, which causes vision loss or impairment. This condition may occur because of the blockage of the blood vessel supplying nourishment to the retina. The retina then gives a signal to the body to produce new vessels, so blocked ones can be replaced. This condition is termed diabetic retinopathy. The new blood vessels are the produced with the surface of the eye and retina, and are relatively brittle. As they are fragile, they may cause some leakage. This leakage causes blindness or blurred vision.
Macular Edema
Macular Edema is another form of diabetic retinopathy. The function of the macula in our eye is to make us see straight ahead. If the blood is leaked into the center of the eye it may cause swelling of macula. This swelling may cause distorted or blurred central vision.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the blurring of the tissues at the face of the eye. Diabetics are at the increased risk for developing cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which some liquids are building up in the eyes. This building up of liquids, cause the blood pressure of the diabetics to rise. This high blood pressure causes the injury to the optic nerves, which in turn causes headaches and loss of vision.
How to Prevent Damage to the Eyes
There are many safeguard measures which can be taken by diabetics to prevent these damages. The most important amongst them is to have a dilated eye examination once a year. This prevents the diabetics from those damages which do not have any symptoms before they actually take place, like diabetic retinopathy. The optician should examine the retina and the optic nerves for any damages like leakage or swelling.
The risk of vision impairment can reduce up to 95 % if people with proliferate diabetic retinopathy receive proper medical treatment. Keeping the glucose levels in the constant range is the best preventive measure for avoiding any damage to the eyes of diabetics. The diabetics can also reduce the risk of eye damage by quitting smoking and keeping the blood pressure in the normal range
Diabetes Sufferers - How to Take Care of Yourself
Is the USA facing a diabetes epidemic? The sad answer is 'yes' and it's down to many factors, but amongst them is the rise in obesity, especially amongst the young. Put that down to the decrease in outdoor activities, the rise of television and video games, instead of playing energetic games outside. Put it down to our hectic stress-filled lives, our love of fast-food, but wherever the blame lies, the sad fact remains that it is an ever-increasing illness.
I was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes in September 2004, but I had been expecting it. Both my parents were diabetics and three of my four grandparents were too, and it certainly is an hereditary disease. When I was told the news I had expected for years I was about 28 pounds overweight and my diet was not good - yes, I know, as a man who was almost certain to get the disease at some time, that was not very sensible of me. I never claimed to be smart!
Now, over 4 years later, my diabetes is well under control and my doctor compliments me each time I see him. I changed my eating habits and now eat much more healthily and I walk one and a half miles around the local lake 5 times a week. I have lost 20 pounds and the disease is being held at bay for now.
I take my blood-sugar levels every day without fail and most days the figures are in the 100-120 range, and it's a good, but rare, day for me when they are in the 90s. I read books about diabetes, I attended free classes arranged by the local hospital, to find out how to take care of myself, what to eat - what NOT to eat, what aids to use - blood pressure monitors, blood sugar monitors, exercise tips etc.
If I can do it, anyone can, so if you find yourself with this ailment, then don't panic, take advice wherever you can, exercise regularly, change your eating habits and be prepared to live a long and healthy life.
I was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes in September 2004, but I had been expecting it. Both my parents were diabetics and three of my four grandparents were too, and it certainly is an hereditary disease. When I was told the news I had expected for years I was about 28 pounds overweight and my diet was not good - yes, I know, as a man who was almost certain to get the disease at some time, that was not very sensible of me. I never claimed to be smart!
Now, over 4 years later, my diabetes is well under control and my doctor compliments me each time I see him. I changed my eating habits and now eat much more healthily and I walk one and a half miles around the local lake 5 times a week. I have lost 20 pounds and the disease is being held at bay for now.
I take my blood-sugar levels every day without fail and most days the figures are in the 100-120 range, and it's a good, but rare, day for me when they are in the 90s. I read books about diabetes, I attended free classes arranged by the local hospital, to find out how to take care of myself, what to eat - what NOT to eat, what aids to use - blood pressure monitors, blood sugar monitors, exercise tips etc.
If I can do it, anyone can, so if you find yourself with this ailment, then don't panic, take advice wherever you can, exercise regularly, change your eating habits and be prepared to live a long and healthy life.
What Are the Warning Signs of Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition of metabolism disorder that results in hyperglycemia, or the state in which disproportionate amount of glucose move around the blood plasma. The warning signs of diabetes are:
Too much thirst - One of the symptoms of diabetes is excessive thirst. This warning usually goes with repeated urination during the day. The extreme thirst you are feeling is due to the extra water withdrawn by the body from your blood and the recurrent trips you have to the bathroom. These dehydrate you and cause you to feel thirsty every time. You drink more liquid to replenish the water you lost.
Recurrent toilet trips - If you think you have been visiting the bathroom more than the usual and it seems that you have been urinating the whole day, you may be victim of diabetes. Excessive amounts of glucose in the blood makes urination more numerous. Because of the absence or ineffectiveness of insulin, the kidneys are not able to filter the glucose. Because of these, kidneys pull additional water off your blood to reduce the glucose. This case makes your bladder always full and causes you to have frequent toilet trips.
Weight loss - If you lose weight without even trying to do so, you may have one of the warning signs of diabetes. This indicator is normally more obvious with Type 1 diabetes. In this type, the pancreas discontinues to produce insulin due to viral infection or the attack of cells producing insulin. Because the body needs a source of energy for cells that do not get glucose, it begins to tear down fat and muscle tissue for energy source.
Fatigue - Fatigue is due to the idea that diabetes is sometimes felt like a viral infection accompanied by weakness and fatigue and appetite loss. This is because the glucose that cells use for energy production is kept out of the cells because insulin is absent or the cells do not respond to insulin anymore. This makes the cells in the bloodstream starved of energy. The effect of this is weakness and a tired feeling.
Numbness - diabetes and foot problems are linked since numbness of feet is a sign of diabetes. This symptom is called neuropathy. This is a gradual occurrence where in constant high levels of glucose harm your nervous system.
Blurred vision - Even the tissues of the lenses of your eyes are victims of the pulling of fluid of elevated levels of blood sugar. This has an effect on your focusing abilities and vision. Once sugar level drops, your diabetes eye problems should improve. However, diabetes poses a serious threat of blindness for some cases.
Warning signs of diabetes are almost the same in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, there are still slight differences.
The following are the symptoms for Type One diabetes:
Irritability
Weakness and Fatigue
Extreme hunger and thirst.
Repeated urination
Weight loss
Blurry vision
Type Two diabetes symptoms include the following:
Slow-healing wounds
Itchy, irritated skin
Dehydration
Dry Mouth
Too much thirst
Pain in legs
Numbness of hands and feet
Too much thirst - One of the symptoms of diabetes is excessive thirst. This warning usually goes with repeated urination during the day. The extreme thirst you are feeling is due to the extra water withdrawn by the body from your blood and the recurrent trips you have to the bathroom. These dehydrate you and cause you to feel thirsty every time. You drink more liquid to replenish the water you lost.
Recurrent toilet trips - If you think you have been visiting the bathroom more than the usual and it seems that you have been urinating the whole day, you may be victim of diabetes. Excessive amounts of glucose in the blood makes urination more numerous. Because of the absence or ineffectiveness of insulin, the kidneys are not able to filter the glucose. Because of these, kidneys pull additional water off your blood to reduce the glucose. This case makes your bladder always full and causes you to have frequent toilet trips.
Weight loss - If you lose weight without even trying to do so, you may have one of the warning signs of diabetes. This indicator is normally more obvious with Type 1 diabetes. In this type, the pancreas discontinues to produce insulin due to viral infection or the attack of cells producing insulin. Because the body needs a source of energy for cells that do not get glucose, it begins to tear down fat and muscle tissue for energy source.
Fatigue - Fatigue is due to the idea that diabetes is sometimes felt like a viral infection accompanied by weakness and fatigue and appetite loss. This is because the glucose that cells use for energy production is kept out of the cells because insulin is absent or the cells do not respond to insulin anymore. This makes the cells in the bloodstream starved of energy. The effect of this is weakness and a tired feeling.
Numbness - diabetes and foot problems are linked since numbness of feet is a sign of diabetes. This symptom is called neuropathy. This is a gradual occurrence where in constant high levels of glucose harm your nervous system.
Blurred vision - Even the tissues of the lenses of your eyes are victims of the pulling of fluid of elevated levels of blood sugar. This has an effect on your focusing abilities and vision. Once sugar level drops, your diabetes eye problems should improve. However, diabetes poses a serious threat of blindness for some cases.
Warning signs of diabetes are almost the same in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, there are still slight differences.
The following are the symptoms for Type One diabetes:
Irritability
Weakness and Fatigue
Extreme hunger and thirst.
Repeated urination
Weight loss
Blurry vision
Type Two diabetes symptoms include the following:
Slow-healing wounds
Itchy, irritated skin
Dehydration
Dry Mouth
Too much thirst
Pain in legs
Numbness of hands and feet
the best cure for diabetes
When I was growing up, my mother feared that I had diabetes, I was one of the lucky ones and it passed me by, however my mother was smart to watch for diabetes symptoms.
Diabetes Statistics: Approximately 8% of the population in the United States has diabetes. This has increased by over 13% from 2005 to 2007; we must recognize the diabetes symptoms if we're going to gain the upper hand on diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset, occurs when the body own immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells. These are the body's only mechanism to generate insulin naturally and regulate our blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes, previously known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset, is the largest section of diabetes suffers, account for over 90% of all cases. This type of diabetes occurs when our body begins to develop a resistance to insulin.
This type of diabetes is closely associated with.
Older age
Obesity
Family history
Physical inactivity, and
Race/ethnicity
Speaking in general terms, diabetes is what happens when there are high levels of glucose in your bloodstream. In someone who has a normal and healthy pancreas, insulin is produced naturally, allowing the body's blood sugars to be properly regulated. Conversely, if the pancreas does not operate effectively, the body does not generate enough insulin, and the body may develop diabetes.
While this is not a definitive list, a very short list of diabetes symptoms would be...
An overwhelming hunger, coupled with an almost debilitating thirst The urge to urinate quite frequently Being very tired or fatigue for no apparent reason
If you're experiencing any of these diabetes symptoms that doesn't necessarily mean you've contracted diabetes, it does mean you should consult with your doctor or health care professional and take a glucose tolerance test, which should indicate conclusively whether you have diabetes. Remember that diabetes symptoms are an indication, not necessarily a statement that you have diabetes.
For the purposes of this article will assume someone has Type 1 diabetes and that you've consulted your doctor. Normally this treated with a strict dietary regimen, regular exercise and suggested weight loss, coupled with insulin prescribed by your doctor.
Type 2 diabetes is in most cases less severe, can often be treated with a sound dietary regimen, exercise and weight loss without the need for insulin. While initially that may seem much the same as Type 1, insulin is normally not required. This type of diabetes is also known as Late-Onset Diabetes, possibly because it normally occurs in those of middle or elderly age.
If you're a parent and have a child showing diabetes symptoms, they could be experiencing juvenile onset diabetes, and an immediate doctor's visit is strongly recommended.
WHEN DIABETES SYMPTONS INDICATE A CALL TO YOUR DOCTOR:
You feel very thirsty and find yourself urinating, much more often than normally. You become nauseous, for no apparent reason, and this happens more than once. Weight loss has become an issue, and you're unsure why you've lost weight. Your breathing has changed, and you notice your breathing deeper and more rapidly than before. Your breath smells very strange, and even brushing your teeth are gargling with mouthwash, it's only a temporary solution. You find that your vision has become blurred, possibly you feel weak and tired, and you're thinking is not as clear as it should be. You notice that your coordination is not as good as it should be. You have a small cut that simply won't heal.
People can and do live with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, however early detection is the key to health and longevity. If you or someone close has been displaying diabetes symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes Statistics: Approximately 8% of the population in the United States has diabetes. This has increased by over 13% from 2005 to 2007; we must recognize the diabetes symptoms if we're going to gain the upper hand on diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset, occurs when the body own immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells. These are the body's only mechanism to generate insulin naturally and regulate our blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes, previously known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset, is the largest section of diabetes suffers, account for over 90% of all cases. This type of diabetes occurs when our body begins to develop a resistance to insulin.
This type of diabetes is closely associated with.
Older age
Obesity
Family history
Physical inactivity, and
Race/ethnicity
Speaking in general terms, diabetes is what happens when there are high levels of glucose in your bloodstream. In someone who has a normal and healthy pancreas, insulin is produced naturally, allowing the body's blood sugars to be properly regulated. Conversely, if the pancreas does not operate effectively, the body does not generate enough insulin, and the body may develop diabetes.
While this is not a definitive list, a very short list of diabetes symptoms would be...
An overwhelming hunger, coupled with an almost debilitating thirst The urge to urinate quite frequently Being very tired or fatigue for no apparent reason
If you're experiencing any of these diabetes symptoms that doesn't necessarily mean you've contracted diabetes, it does mean you should consult with your doctor or health care professional and take a glucose tolerance test, which should indicate conclusively whether you have diabetes. Remember that diabetes symptoms are an indication, not necessarily a statement that you have diabetes.
For the purposes of this article will assume someone has Type 1 diabetes and that you've consulted your doctor. Normally this treated with a strict dietary regimen, regular exercise and suggested weight loss, coupled with insulin prescribed by your doctor.
Type 2 diabetes is in most cases less severe, can often be treated with a sound dietary regimen, exercise and weight loss without the need for insulin. While initially that may seem much the same as Type 1, insulin is normally not required. This type of diabetes is also known as Late-Onset Diabetes, possibly because it normally occurs in those of middle or elderly age.
If you're a parent and have a child showing diabetes symptoms, they could be experiencing juvenile onset diabetes, and an immediate doctor's visit is strongly recommended.
WHEN DIABETES SYMPTONS INDICATE A CALL TO YOUR DOCTOR:
You feel very thirsty and find yourself urinating, much more often than normally. You become nauseous, for no apparent reason, and this happens more than once. Weight loss has become an issue, and you're unsure why you've lost weight. Your breathing has changed, and you notice your breathing deeper and more rapidly than before. Your breath smells very strange, and even brushing your teeth are gargling with mouthwash, it's only a temporary solution. You find that your vision has become blurred, possibly you feel weak and tired, and you're thinking is not as clear as it should be. You notice that your coordination is not as good as it should be. You have a small cut that simply won't heal.
People can and do live with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, however early detection is the key to health and longevity. If you or someone close has been displaying diabetes symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
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