Diabetic Help Guide

Classified as a metabolic disorder, people with diabetes suffer from a disease in which their bodies do not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert foods into energy. While the causes of diabetes are somewhat mysterious, it is known that genetics, obesity and lack of exercise do play a major role in whether or not a person develops diabetes.

It is believed that nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States suffer with diabetes, (though nearly 1/3 of them are unaware that they have it). Too often, diabetics are unaware of the symptoms of diabetes, resulting in this disease often going undiagnosed.

Common symptoms of diabetes are:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision

Diabetes is a chronic disease, with no known cure, and left untreated can lead to serious consequences, even premature death. Diabetes is controllable with diet, exercise and medications, and persons with diabetes should keep track of their sugar levels throughout the course of their treatment to prevent some of the serious side affects that can accompany this disease.

Some of the serious complications that are associated with diabetes include:

• Heart Disease and Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• Blindness
• Kidney Disease
• Nervous System Damage
• Amputations
• Dental Disease
• Pregnancy Complications
• Sexual Dysfunction

Unfortunately, diabetes is the number one cause of preventable blindness in the United States. Proper eye care if you are diagnosed with diabetes is critical and any changes in your vision should be reported to your eye doctor immediately.

Many people have pre-conceived notions of what causes diabetes, and what they can and cannot do if they are diagnosed with diabetes. Too often, someone diagnosed with diabetes has misconceptions about diet, exercise and other issues associated with this disease.

How You Should Eat With Diabetes

People with diabetes should maintain a diet that would be healthy for any of us, but there is no need to exclude sweets, a diet that is low in fat (especially saturated and Trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Sweets (cake, ice cream and candy) are ok in moderation, but you should evaluate them with your meal plan to ensure you do not cause an increase in your blood sugar levels especially if you have had a high-carbohydrate meal. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right and whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber which contributes to your overall health.

People with diabetes are no more susceptible to colds or flu than those without diabetes, however most physicians do recommend flu shots to their patients who are diabetic to reduce risk of infection which can affect blood glucose levels.

In the past there have been concerns that insulin treatment for diabetics increased the risk of high blood pressure, obesity and arteriosclerosis. Various scientific studies have determined that the risk of these side affects is not significant enough to warrant discontinuing insulin treatments.

Long Terms Care Of Your Diabetes

Long term care of your diabetes may include not only your primary care physician, but may also include a nutritionist (to help manage your diet), a good eye doctor (to prevent complications), and any other specialists that your doctor determines may be beneficial to the care and management of your diabetes.

Be sure to educate yourself on all the risks associated with this disease and keep close watch on your blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor should you have any questions or concerns or if your blood sugar levels become elevated above the levels defined by your physician.

Each individual type of diabetes typically has its own causes. Unfortunately not much is known about why some individuals will develop diabetes and some will not.

Causes Of Type I Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes may be inherited, however it has been discovered that many people who develop Type 1 Diabetes have had no family history of this disease. It is believed that a certain group of viruses may cause Type 1 Diabetes (especially Coxsackie B infections), though it has also been scientifically proven that this was false for a period of time many thought specific vaccines may lead to Type 1 Diabetes.

Causes Of Type 2 Diabetes

The exact causes of Type 2 Diabetes are unknown. For some reason, the body stops properly using the insulin that it manufacturers or simply does not produce enough insulin. This is found to be true in both children and in adults, though in children it is believed that during puberty, the body may not produce enough insulin to 'keep up' with what the body needs and this could result in the development of diabetes. While there is no clear information on the causes, there are certain risk factors that may lead to Type 2 Diabetes.

Some of these risk factors may contribute to the likelihood of someone developing Type 2 Diabetes:

A) Family History: Many times, if a parent or sibling has diabetes you are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes

B) If you are over the age of 45, your chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes increases (and continues to increase with age)

C) The risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes is significantly higher in Hispanics, Blacks, Native Americans and Asians

D) If you have been diagnosed with Insulin Resistance Syndrome you may be at an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes

E) If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 25, you may be at a higher risk to develop Type 2 Diabetes.

F) Those with High Blood Pressure are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes

G) Another good reason to keep your 'good' cholesterol levels under 35 mg/dL and your triglyceride levels under 250 mg/dL is that those with levels higher than this may be at an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes

H) Women who have had a child weighing more than 9 lbs. or suffered from Gestational Diabetes may be at an increased risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

I) Women who have had a history of Polycystic Ovary Disease may be at an increased risk

J) Those who fail to get proper amounts of exercise may increase their risk

Causes Of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is caused when a pregnant woman's pancreas simply cannot produce enough insulin to maintain levels that are needed to prevent diabetes from forming. It is believed this is caused by the change in hormonal levels that occur naturally in pregnancy. While most women with gestational diabetes often do not require any treatment once they deliver the child, they do have an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

Too often, diabetes goes undiagnosed because the symptoms may be generic and not raise any warning bells.

There are a variety of symptoms that may be associated with diabetes, depending on the type

Type 1, Type 2 (in adults and children) and Gestational Diabetes share common symptoms including frequent urination (which may be more pronounced at night), extreme (or increased) thirst, as well as an increased appetite. In children, the increase in thirst may be less than it is in an adult, and increased urination could result in bedwetting. Gestational diabetes most often goes undiagnosed until a routine blood test is done and the blood sugar levels are consistent with diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms

Symptoms generally develop very quickly, and may often occur after a recent illness (causing the symptoms to be overlooked) and may include:

• Weight loss
• Flushed and dry skin
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain and vomiting
• Unusual rapid or deep breathing
• Difficulty waking up

Many of these symptoms are a result of diabetic ketoacidosis which is a life-threatening chemical imbalance due to the body using fat for energy (because the insulin is unavailable).

Type 2 diabetes symptoms

Type 2 Diabetes often is not diagnosed until other health complications such as heart disease have occurred. Often times Type 2 diabetes symptoms will include:

• Dry mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Headaches

Occasionally a person with Type 2 diabetes may lose consciousness. If you have slow healing cuts or sores, itchiness in the groin area, recent weight gain, changes in skin texture (specifically a velvety dark skin change in the neck, armpit or groin), numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, decreased vision you should contact your doctor as soon as possible and advise them of these symptoms.

Childrens Diabetes Symptoms

Children too often have no symptoms at all of diabetes, but may be increasingly tired, complain of nausea, complain of blurred vision, have mild weight loss or have cuts that will not heal. Often children may have diabetes for many years before it is diagnosed.

If you or a family member have any of these symptoms, and especially if there is a family history of diabetes, it is wise to check with your primary care physician to rule out diabetes. Remember that even pre-diabetes can cause serious health consequences, and your doctor can help you start an early treatment plan to prevent long term consequences.

Type 1 Diabetes is a disease that is caused by the bodies failure to produce insulin (specifically the pancreas), which prevents other cells in the body from getting the sugar they need and causing sugar to build up in the blood.

Juvenile Diabetes

Most commonly known as "Juvenile Diabetes" (since it typically starts in childhood), it is a disease with no known cure, though people live very long and healthy lives with Diabetes.

About 5% to 10% of people with Diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes.

• About 1 in every 400 children and adolescents has Type 1 Diabetes.
• Type 1 Diabetes most often develops in girls around 10 to 12 years of age and in boys around 12 to 14 years of age.
• The incidence of Type 1 Diabetes seems to be increasing, and there appears to be an increase among young children, especially from birth to age 4. It is not clear why this is occurring.
• White people have a higher rate of type 1 diabetes than other racial groups.

While it is true that some people have a predisposition to developing diabetes (because a parent, brother or sister has it), most people who develop Type 1 Diabetes have no family history of the disease.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include:

• Being very thirsty
• Urinating a lot
• Losing weight without trying
• Being hungrier than usual (sometimes)

Often symptoms appear over a few days or weeks and may be more noticeable after an illness, such as the flu. Unfortunately, they may think that the diabetes symptoms are because of the flu, and may not seek medical care.

Waiting too long to get proper medical care may result in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Symptoms of Diabetic ketoacidosis include:

• Flushed, hot, dry skin
• Not feeling hungry
• Belly pain
• Vomiting
• A strong, fruity breath odor
• Fast and shallow breathing
• Restlessness, drowsiness, or trouble waking up
• Confusion

Type 1 Diabetes is caused by the body's immune system destroying beta cells which produces insulin resulting in the person not being able to create their own supply of insulin to keep the body healthy. Enteroviruses, such as Coxsackie viruses and echoviruses, which live in the intestines of humans and other animals, may contribute to the possibility of developing Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Health Problems

If not controlled, diabetes can cause complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body, including:

The heart and blood vessels: Many studies show that controlling diabetes can prevent or stop the progression of heart and blood vessel disease in diabetics. Left uncontrolled, blood vessel damage can lead to a host of problems including potential amputation of the leg and foot (more than 60% of amputations are due to diabetes).

The eyes: The leading cause of blindness in the United States, Diabetes can cause glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Left untreated these diseases of the eye may potentially lead to blindness.

The kidneys: Typically treated with medications that would lower blood pressure (even if you don't have high blood pressure), Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure in the United States.

The nerves: High Blood Glucose levels can cause loss of feeling in the feet. Early symptoms of this type of damage is often a burning sensation in the feet; left unchecked diabetes can cause pain in the legs, arms, and hands, and can cause problems with digestion, going to the bathroom, or having sex.

The gums and teeth: It is unknown why people with Type 1 Diabetes have a higher risk for gum disease. This can be prevented by having a good oral care routine and seeing your dentist regularly.

If you or your child has any symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes it is highly recommended that you contact your physician to rule this disease out.

Citations
1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005). National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available online: http://www.diabetes.org/uedocuments/NationalDiabetesFactSheetRev.pdf.
2. Devendra D, et al. (2004). Type 1 diabetes: Recent developments. BMJ, 328(7442): 750-754.

Most often referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes affects between 90 and 95 percent of all the people who have diabetes (estimated to be 21 million people).

People with Type 2 Diabetes produce insulin naturally in their bodies (unlike Type 1) however, the body does not properly utilize the insulin which causes a buildup of glucose causing body cells to not work properly.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

There are many potential risks associated with Type 2 Diabetes including dehydration (since the kidneys are trying to eliminate the built up glucose causing increased urination), diabetic coma (caused by excessive dehydration), and damage to nerves and small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and heart and predispose a person to atherosclerosis (which can cause stroke or heart failure).

While anyone can get Type 2 Diabetes, those who are obese are at a greater risk than those who eat properly and get sufficient amounts of exercise. Women who have suffered with gestational diabetes, those who have a family history or those who have increased cholesterol levels are also at risk. Since the body becomes less tolerant of sugars as we age, this is also a factor in developing Type 2 Diabetes.

The symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes vary from person to person but may include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and occasionally vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Weak or feeling excessively tired
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet.
• Skin, urinary tract or vaginal yeast infections

Rarely, Type 2 Diabetes may not be diagnosed until a person lands in the hospital in a diabetic coma. A number of serious or life-threatening problems may occur with Type 2 Diabetes including Diabetic Retinopathy which is an abnormality in the eye that may develop. Typically any vision loss associated with this disease is typically not significant. The risk of kidney damage also increases and may cause not only kidney failure but heart disease as well. Type 2 Diabetics also need to be concerned with decreased blood circulation to the feet which can lead to increased infections, ulcers and may ultimately result in amputation. Other nerve damage can lead to digestive problems as well.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes Health Problems

Fortunately, there are several ways to manage the potential problems associated with Type 2 Diabetes, which may include reducing risks for heart disease or stroke (including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure), monitoring your legs and feet for swelling (also controlled by exercise and keeping the blood pressure lowered), reporting tingling, burning or numbness in your hands or feet immediately to your physician, keeping your sugar, your blood pressure and cholesterol at acceptable levels may help reduce your risk for diabetic retinopathy, keeping your blood glucose levels down to prevent Gastroparesis (damage to the nerves in the stomach), taking proper care of your skin to prevent breakdown, getting immediate treatment for bladder, kidneys, vagina, gums, feet, and skin infections and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to prevent potentially serious infections from developing in your mouth and gums.

Characterized by high blood glucose levels found in the blood during pregnancy, between three and five percent of all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. Caused by increased hormone production (made in the placenta) that interferes with the body's ability to manage insulin.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes may include:

• Being overweight prior to becoming pregnant (if you are 20% or more over your ideal body weight)
• Family history of diabetes (if your parents or siblings have diabetes)
• Being over age 25
• Previously giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds
• Previously giving birth to a stillborn baby
• Having gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy
• Having too much amniotic fluid (a condition called polyhydramnios)

More than half of all women who develop gestational diabetes have no risk factors. Insulin resistance typically develops between the 24th and 28th week of gestation, and while not known to cause any specific birth defects or issues during labor and delivery, may result in the newborn having low blood sugar (treated at birth with a sugar water mix) and monitoring for low blood sugar. There is also a slight increase in risk that your newborn may develop jaundice which is easily treated by special lighting.

Newborns are not at an increased risk of developing diabetes if the mother has gestational diabetes.
Typically for most women, once they give birth and hormone levels return to normal, they no longer have diabetes concerns. However, there is an increased risk for these women to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life, and also a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes with subsequent pregnancies.

Gestational Diabetes Diet

Eating healthy meals is always important when you are pregnant, however if you have developed gestational diabetes, your diet will be even more important. If you have gestational diabetes you should:

• Eat three small meals and two or three snacks at regular times every day.
• Do not skip meals or snacks.
• Eat less carbohydrate at breakfast than at other meals because this is when insulin resistance is the greatest.
• Try to eat a consistent amount of carbohydrate during each meal and snack.
• If you have morning sickness, eat 1-2 servings of crackers, cereal or pretzels before getting out of bed.
• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and avoid fatty, fried and greasy foods. If you take insulin and have morning sickness, make sure you know how to treat low blood sugar.
• Choose foods high in fiber such as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables.
• Eat foods with less sugar and fat.
• Drink at least 8 cups (or 64 ounces) of liquids per day.
• Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals in your daily diet.

Ask your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement to meet the nutritional needs of your pregnancy. Depending on your blood glucose levels, your physician may prescribe insulin while you are pregnant. Insulin is administered by a needle and your physician will explain how to do this. It is important that if you have any questions or concerns while you are pregnant and treating your diabetes that you contact your physician immediately.

Once you have been diagnosed with Diabetes, regardless of the type, you will need to work closely with your physician to develop a proper treatment plan which may include injected insulin, oral medications or other alternative methods of treatment which you have agreed on.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Type 1 Diabetes is insulin dependent diabetes and while you can help control your diabetes with proper diet and exercise chances are that your doctor will prescribe injected insulin to help regulate your blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

The majority of Type 2 Diabetes sufferers will be able to control their diabetes with oral medications which combined with proper diet and careful monitoring will be sufficient to assist the body in using the insulin that it produces to care for other cells in the body. Unfortunately in Type 2 Diabetes, over time, the body may no longer be able to release the produced insulin resulting in the need to switch to insulin injections alone or in conjunction with oral medications. Studies show that some oral diabetes medications may help prevent diabetes and diabetes-related complications and may reduce a person's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes such as a proper diet and regular exercise program.

Side Effects Of Diabetes Treatment

Side affects of some oral medications may include low blood glucose, upset stomach, skin rashes or itchiness, weight gain, upset stomach, metal taste in mouth, liver failure, respiratory infections, headaches, fluid retention. All oral medications for treating diabetes should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician.

Alternative Diabetes Treatment

Alternative treatments may include Chromium, Magnesium or Vanadium, though these have not been approved for the treatment of diabetes. Before taking any of these types of supplements, you should check with your doctor. Foods which have been known to assist in the management of diabetes are Brewer's yeast, buckwheat, broccoli (and other similar greens), okra, peas and sage. Most plant foods, since they are rich in fiber are beneficial for controlling blood sugar.

Some people depend on alternative therapy to treat their diabetes. While some of them may be effective, others can be ineffective or harmful. If you are considering an alternative therapy such as chromium (reported to be an effective weight loss drug), ginseng, acupuncture or biofeedback, you should discuss these therapies with your doctor. If you and your doctor agree that these alternative therapies might be beneficial to you it is critical that you keep close track of your blood glucose levels to prevent unwanted complications.

When you are dealing with diabetes you should ensure you eat a balanced diet high in fiber and low in fats which can help you lose weight as well. Your meal plan should in part be determined by the medication you take and when you take it. When planning meals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats should all play a role, with special attention paid to carbohydrates since they play a significant role in blood sugar levels.

Meeting Your Individual Diabetic Needs

In order to meet your individual needs, chances are that your diabetes management routine will change over time. The focus of your diabetes management plan will always be to manage your blood sugar levels and keep them as near normal as possible to prevent possible complications. While your physician can help you with guidelines, medications, and meal plans, you will be the most important manager of your diabetes. Learn as much as you can about your diabetes and work with your doctor too create a plan for treatment which will improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of complications.

All of us know that a healthy diet helps contribute to proper weight management, our health as well our overall sense of well-being. If you have been diagnosed with any type of diabetes, a meal plan is a must for you. A carefully thought out meal plan will not only help control your weight (a critical factor for those dealing with diabetes) but will also assist you in maintaining your glucose levels at normal or nearly normal levels. Your overall meal plan should also take into consideration factors such as your activity levels, when you take your diabetes medications and what your weight goals might be (whether that is gaining or losing weight).

As a general rule, your meals plans should be based on the following guidelines:

• Grains, beans, and starchy vegetables: 6 or more servings/day. One serving: 1 slice bread; 1/2 small bagel; 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, rice; 3/4 cup ready-to-eat cereal; 1/2 cup cooked beans, corn, peas
• Fruits: 2-4 servings daily. One serving: 1 medium-size fresh fruit; 1/2 cup canned fruit; 1/2 cup fruit juice
• Vegetables: 3-5 servings a day. One serving: 1 cup raw vegetable; 1/2 cup vegetable juice
• Meat, Fish, Cheese: 2-3 servings/day. One serving: 2-3 ounces cooked lean meat, skinless poultry, or fish; I egg; 2 tablespoons peanut butter; 2-3 ounces cheese.
• Milk and Yogurt: 2-3 servings daily. One serving: 1 cup (8 ounces) milk or yogurt
• Fats, Sweets, and Alcohol: eaten in small amounts. One serving: 1 teaspoon butter, margarine, or mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon cream cheese or salad dressing; 1/2 cup ice cream

People with diabetes should follow these alcohol consumption guidelines:

• Do not drink more than two drinks of alcohol in a one-day period. (Example: one alcoholic drink = 5-ounce glass of wine, 1 1/2-ounce "shot" of liquor or 12-ounce beer)
• Drink alcohol only with food
• Drink slowly
• Avoid "sugary" mixed drinks, sweet wines, or cordials
• Mix liquor with water or diet soft drinks
• While moderate amount of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level causing it to drop into dangerous levels.
• Beer and sweet wine contain carbohydrates and may raise blood sugar
• Alcohol stimulates your appetite, which can cause you to overeat and may affect your blood sugar control
• Alcohol can interfere with the positive effects of oral diabetes medicines or insulin
• Alcohol may increase triglyceride levels
• Alcohol may increase blood pressure
• Alcohol can cause flushing, nausea, increased heart rate, and slurred speech

It is important to maintain a well balanced diet which should include whole grains, lean meat, fish, and vegetables which will not only control your blood sugar and but will also reduce your risk for possible complications from diabetes. It is important that you include all three major nutrient groups (carbohydrates, protein and fat) in your diet, but it is very important to the management of your diabetes that you have the right amounts of carbohydrates spread out evenly over the day because of the effects they have on your blood sugar levels.

Most often people with diabetes do not require any special foods so you can plan your family meals to enjoy the same foods the rest of your family enjoys. If you provide variety in your meals and be sure to test your blood sugar levels after meals (to see what effect varied foods have on your blood sugar) that will help you stick with your food plan.

There is no known cure for diabetes. Presently there are various studies ongoing which show some promise but have suffered from some setbacks as well. Some of them are:

Harvard Diabetes Research

Harvard researchers were involved in a landmark study which produced a permanent cure for Type 1 Diabetes in mice. This was accomplished by injecting the mice with a combination of a protein which controlled the immune system and an injection of spleen cells. Since Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, the spleen cells acted as stem cells and produced new pancreatic cells in the mice. Soon, they were producing their own insulin and had normal blood sugar levels without the need for further treatment. Another test was done using only the auto-immune drugs and it was found that the pancreas still regenerated, just at a slower rate. If this treatment will work in humans, it may also be used to cure other autoimmune diseases.

University Of Washington Diabetes Research

Ake Lernmark, PhD, of the University of Washington in Seattle and Lund University in Malmo, Sweden may have identified an anti-self immune response (i.e. pancreatic enzyme GAD), led to the development of a vaccine called Diamyd which incorporates an artificial GAD protein. Although immune tolerance is a natural process, it is very difficult to induce. If a person is exposed to the right amounts, it may help the immune system to recognize it as normal, however if too little is used, nothing will happen and using too much can cause harm. Early clinical trials show that the vaccine may be able to stop autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells safely and effectively. Recent trials unfortunately needed to be stopped when there was a mix up in the doses of the vaccine and a placebo.

Industry Diabetes Research

A revolutionary technique for transplanting insulin-making pancreas cells from cadavers to desperately ill diabetes patients called the Edmonton Protocol invented James Shapiro, MD, PhD, and some of his colleagues is not today a cure for diabetes, but shows some promise. The patients receive insulin-making islet cells from brain-dead organ donors as well as immune-suppressing drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells. Clinical trials were limited to 36 adult subjects at an average age of 41 all with poorly controlled long term (more than 25 years) diabetes. During the study, 58% of the patients no longer needed insulin injections although three out of four of these patients needed insulin within two years of the testing, though some no longer needed insulin treatments. While this may not be available immediately for wide-spread use because of the limited success, it opens doors to additional islet cell research.

Managing your diabetes while researchers continue to search for a cure for this chronic disease is the most important thing you can do for yourself. Carefully monitor your blood glucose levels and contact your doctor immediately if you have any issues that might lead to complications.

You and your team of caregivers should determine based on the factors that are specific to you particular case what your routine should be for treating your diabetes.

Some people will find that control of blood glucose levels may be accomplished by merely adhering to the regimen of medications that have been prescribed by your physician. However, others will find that only with a strict diet and exercise routine in combination with medications can they control their blood glucose.

Foods That Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Certain foods will facilitate a reduction in blood sugar levels such as Garlic, onions, cumin, and fenugreek seeds most of which can be added easily to your diet. Other foods include high-fiber food comprised of whole-grain cereals, vegetables and legumes in which 60 percent of the calories are in the form of carbohydrates and not more than 25% of the calories come from fat, with at least 50 grams of fiber. Not only will these types of food help you feel full faster (resulting in you eating less and therefore typically losing weight) but they are good ways to help keep blood sugars level.

Healthy eating is a cornerstone of any diabetes management plan. But it's not just what you eat that affects your blood sugar level. How much you eat and when you eat matters, too.

Time Management And Blood Glucose Regulation

You should keep in mind that blood sugar levels are at their highest one to two hours after eating and once this happens they then tend to begin decreasing. If you eat about the same amounts of food at approximately the same times daily, you will be able to control your blood sugar levels much easier. When including carbohydrates in your diet you should keep about the same amount at each meal, (they have a higher impact on blood sugar levels than proteins or fats) which allows your blood sugar levels to remain about the same through the day. Work with your health care team to determine when in comparison to meals you should be taking your medications since too much food comparable to medication can create high blood sugar levels while too little food can create low blood sugar levels. Both of these conditions can cause serious repercussions.

Blood Glucose And Exercise

Keep in mind when you are planning your exercise program that exercise (even being on your feet for too long) lowers your blood glucose levels. Be certain to discuss your current (or planned) exercise regimen with your caregiver to determine if your diabetes medications need to be altered to maintain your blood glucose levels. Drink plenty of fluids while you work out and, stop exercising if you experience any warning signs, such as severe shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pain. You should check sugar levels before and after exercising.

Common Ailments And Glucose Regulation

Colds, flu and other common ailments can also affect your blood sugar levels since your body produces normal hormones to fight them off. Be sure to discuss with your doctor before you get sick what changes you might need to make in your current medication program should you come down with a cold or flu. Most over the counter cold medications contain some amounts of sugar and will affect how your body processes your diabetes medications.

Factors such as alcohol consumption, stress and others will also affect your blood glucose levels. Speak with your caregiver about how to handle these situations prior to having a problem. Preplanning will allow you to maintain a healthy blood glucose level in all types of situations and allow you to continue living a healthy life with diabetes.

Though complications from diabetes can change your life, there is no reason to give up. People with health problems developed as a result of diabetes continue to live full lives. You may want to consider joining a diabetes support group or getting counseling if you find yourself unable to cope with the ongoing complications.

Complications From Diabetes

Complications range from circulation problems which may result in skin color changes, loss of feelings in the legs and feet (as well as leg cramps), and more severe complication such as atherosclerosis (which can cause coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, or diabetic neuropathy.

Treatment for the complications that are associated with Diabetes will vary depending on your particular circumstances but may include surgery, medications or other therapies.

Reducing Complications From Diabetes

You can do a number of things yourself to not only prevent complications from developing, but ease the symptoms of the complications by:

A) Quitting smoking which raises your risk of cardio-vascular complications;
B) taking proper care of your feet;
having regular checkups and contacting your doctor if you develop any unusual symptoms;
C) taking your medications as directed;
D) controlling your weight;
E) getting the proper amount of exercise;
F) and most importantly, controlling your blood sugar levels.

Managing Your Diabetes

Managing your diabetes will help prevent additional complications, but once you have developed any of the other health complications that are inherent to those who suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, it is imperative that you get the proper care enabling you to manage not only your diabetes but the health consequences that you might develop as your disease progresses.

Regardless of the type of complications you may develop, new and improved medications can help you maintain a high quality of life in spite of the fact that you may be dealing with health issues that range from mild to severe. Working with your health care team can not only insure that your diabetes remains under tight control but can help you deal with the complications.

Regular medical, eye, and podiatrist treatments may be needed as you age to ensure that your daily routines are not being affected any more than necessary.

For the 21 million diabetics in the United States, they find that controlling their diabetes takes up many hours of their time on a daily basis. The importance of maintaining blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible requires proper maintenance, testing and eating foods which assist in the ultimate goal of controlling diabetes.

For most diabetes patients, keeping blood sugar and diabetes under control meant a daily routine of glucose tests, insulin injections and painful finger sticking.

New Diabetic Research Advances

In discussing new research advances and technological advances to allow diabetics to monitor and treat their glucose problems, Aaron Kowalski, PhD. Director of strategic research projects at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, himself a type 1 diabetes patient says: "We think there are some new technologies that hold tremendous promise," he says. "It's an exciting time."

The Typical Diabetic

Most Diabetics spend less than thirty percent of their day with blood sugar levels at or near normal levels. Finger sticking (an extremely painful process) is normally done at least twice a day, but in those with severe diabetes may be as often as nine times daily. A new Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) may help. Developed by Medtronics, this unit allows a diabetic to get continuous readings throughout the day, allowing them to make a decision immediately about responding to that reading. Currently (until confirmations on the accuracy of the CGM's) those who feel they need to respond with additional insulin will still have to use the finger stick method to confirm the reading of the CGM, though in early testing, those using the device are slightly more than 25% more likely to have normal readings inter-day.

FDA Approval Of Diabetic Devices

In April 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Medtronic's MiniMed Paradigm REAL-Time, the first combination CGM and insulin pump. the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has hailed it as a "significant step" toward one of its major research priorities: That is development of an external, artificial pancreas that could someday automatically measure glucose and deliver insulin -- much like the real thing (taken from WebMd). This unit not only monitors the blood glucose levels, but with interaction from the user can dose the patient with a specified amount of insulin to react to adverse readings.

Diabetes Information Management

With technology constantly changing, it is no wonder that we have specialized software for the management of Diabetes. Diabetes Information Management Software allows the user to upload information that they obtain from their blood glucose monitors and the software automatically analyzes the readings. This allows the user to figure out what times of the day that the blood glucose levels were at or near normal and allows them to determine what trends (if any) caused the blood glucose levels to be increased. It's been proven that patients with access to this type of information have better control over their diabetes simply because they have more information available to them.

Omnipod Insulin Management System

Omnipod Insulin Management System is a small, disposable pump that is worn directly under the clothing and directly on the skin. When it first hit the market in 2005, it was hailed as the newest generation in diabetes pumps. Omnipods may be placed on the lower back, the arm, the stomach (or other sites) and eliminates tubing. Insulin is delivered through a small cannula which is inserted under the skin. The diabetes patient controls the insulin dose through a small handheld device (wireless) when it's needed. Omnipods are generally worn for three days before being replaced.

As technology continues with new advances, caring for Diabetes and keeping blood glucose levels under control (minimizing the potential for complications) continues to become easier.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that is caused by diabetes which often affects people who have high blood sugar levels which damage the nerves throughout the body.

3 Types Of Diabetic Neuropathy

There are three basic types of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy affects muscle strength and often the nerves in the feet and lower legs are affected - this type of neuropathy can lead to serious foot problems over time; autonomic neuropathy affects heartbeat, blood pressure, digestion and urination and focal neuropathy affects a single nerve (such as the wrist, back and chest or those that control eye muscles) and typically happens suddenly.

If you are diabetic, especially as you age you are at a higher risk for developing neuropathy and this can be more common in those who consume alcohol on a regular basis. About half of all diabetics have some form of neuropathy.

Symptoms Of Diabetic Neuropathy

Symptoms of neuropathy include problems with digestion (bloating, constipation, stomach pain), body temperature problems (night sweats), difficulty urinating, sexual problems (erectile dysfunction in men, vaginal dryness in women), poor circulation (causing dizziness, weakness or fainting) and difficulty in sensing low blood sugar.

If your doctor suspects you are suffering from neuropathy, tests such as electromyogram and nerve conduction studies may be done to confirm the diagnosis, and other tests might be done to determine which type of neuropathy you have to help plan treatment.

Treatment of diabetic neuropathy may include:

• Pain may be treated with medicines.
• Digestive system problems or blood vessel problems may be treated with medicines.
• Blood pressure problems may be treated with medicines and by wearing elastic stockings.
• Sexual problems may be helped with medicines or devices to improve erections or with lubricating creams that help vaginal dryness.
• A splint or brace may be used for a pinched nerve.

It is important to remember that since neuropathy reduces awareness of your feet, you are more susceptible to extensive injury-related damage to your feet.

Risk factors for diabetic foot problems include:

• If your blood sugar levels are persistently above the safe range, you are more likely to have foot problems.
• Your risk increases with your age
• Males are at higher risk.
• African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are at higher risk.
• The longer you are diabetic, the greater your risk.
• Other complications due to diabetes including small blood vessel disease, atherosclerosis of large vessels
• Smoking
• Peripheral neuropathy which may result in poor sensation in your extremities, increasing your likelihood of having foot problems.

Your feet may be damaged in the following ways:

• You may have a blister and not realize it because you do not feel any associated pain or see the blister. Without treatment, this injury may progress to infection
  
• If you have an abnormal gait, neuropathy can increase your chances of getting pressure-related injuries, such as calluses and blisters.

Caring for your feet can be done when you are bathing and getting ready for bed and wearing properly fitted shoes and socks at all times.

These steps can help keep your feet healthy:

• Examine your feet daily, and have your doctor examine your feet during every visit;
  
• Check shoes for any loose objects or rough edges;
  
• Make foot care a part of your regular routine;
  
• Never use home remedies to treat foot problems;
  
• Get early treatment for any foot problem, even if you think it's minor.

Whatever treatment plan you and your doctor decide on, be sure to advise them regularly what is working to help you feel better and what is not so that you can try other types of programs until you find the one that works best for you.
Neuropathy may be prevented by keeping blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible, maintaining a healthy weight and maintaining a healthy diet and proper exercise routine.

Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal disease that affects many diabetics. The retina is the portion of your eye (a nerve layer) that actually sees images and sends those images to the brain; it is the most common kind of retinopathy. Typically once you are diagnosed with retinopathy, it will get worse over time. Retinopathy starts out as blood vessels weakening in the eyes which may lead to blood and other fluids leaking into the retina which can lead to poor vision and if left untreated, to blindness.

Causes Of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar which damages the tiny blood vessels in the eye and causes clouding of the vision. Typically the disease has no symptoms until you notice a change in your vision. Unfortunately once this happens, chances are the retinopathy is already severe. You should have your eyes checked annually so that retinopathy can be caught early and treated which will help prevent vision loss. Changes may include blurry vision, pain in your eye, floaters or difficulty in reading.

Detecting Diabetic Retinopathy

An ophthalmologist or an optometrist can detect diabetic retinopathy using a number of tests including visual acuity (which measures the eyes ability to focus and see details at both close and far distances), a slit lamp (or ophthalmoscope) exam which allows the doctor to see the back of the eye, a gonioscopy which is used to determine where fluid is training from your eye (used typically if there is a suspicion you have glaucoma), or a tonometer which measures the pressure inside your eye (also for glaucoma). A fluorescein angiogram may be used to locate leaking blood vessels if you have symptoms such as blurred vision or distorted vision which may suggest damage to or swelling of the retina. In addition to being at higher risk for diabetic retinopathy, you are also at an increased risk for glaucoma if you are diabetic and regular eye exams can not only help detect these diseases early but may prevent or delay any vision loss associated with them.

Should You Get Tested For Diabetic Retinopathy

Anyone over the age of 10 who has Type 1 Diabetes should have an eye exam within 3 - 5 years of being diagnosed and then should have annual eye exams, those with Type 2 Diabetes should have an exam as soon as they are diagnosed and then once a year. If your doctor does not feel you are at high risk for vision damage (that is you have no other issues such as high blood pressure or cholesterol) your doctor may recommend these exams every two years. Women who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should consider an eye exam before they become pregnant and then before the end of the first trimester (3 months) of the pregnancy. Your eye doctor will then determine if you need further screening for retinopathy during your pregnancy.

How To Lower Your Risk For Diabetic Retinopathy

You can lower your risk of developing retinopathy by keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. You should also keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and if you smoke, you should be quitting. If you quit smoking, keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels at as near normal levels as possible, your risk of developing retinopathy decrease.

Retinopathy may not require any treatment but if it should, there are various medications, surgery and laser treatments that can help slow the vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Gastroparesis is simply defined as a partial paralysis of the stomach caused by damage to the vagus nerve which can be caused by Parkinson's disease, Diabetes or stroke and in some instance by medications such as calcium channel blockers, certain narcotics or antidepressants.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis may include:

• A feeling of fullness after only a few bites of food.
  
• Frequent bloated feeling.
  
• Belching and hiccups.
  
• Heartburn or vague stomach pain.
  
• Nausea or vomiting.
  
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.

Everyone has different symptoms, ranging from extremely mild to extremely severe. Severe symptoms are often treated with motility agents (such as domperidone, metoclopramide or erythromycin) and if this fails, a feeding tube may be placed in the small intestine.

For diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, getting the blood sugar levels back to normal may help with the symptoms of Gastroparesis. For those who have symptoms, your doctor will most likely conduct a radioisotope gastric emptying scan where you will eat or drink something containing a radioactive substance that will show up in an image allowing your doctor to determine how quickly the food (or liquid) leaves your stomach.

Controlling Diabetic Gastroparesis

For those who are diabetic, Gastroparesis can make blood glucose levels much more difficult to control because the food that remains in the stomach is absorbed into the small intestine causing blood glucose levels to rise. Because Gastroparesis makes digestion unpredictable, this can create issues with diabetes medication schedules. For diabetics, with Gastroparesis who need to control blood glucose, they may need to:

• 
  take insulin more often or change the type of insulin taken


• take insulin after eating instead of before
  
• Check blood glucose levels frequently after eating and administer insulin as needed.

If you are diagnosed with Gastroparesis and are diabetic, discuss your need with your doctor who will be able to give you more specific directions.

Treatment for Gastroparesis may include:

• Not eating three large meals, but several smaller ones;
• Low fat and fiber meals;
• a motility treatment;
• In severe cases, a feeding tube being placed in the intestine.

Another potential danger is that the food staying in the stomach can cause a bacterial growth that turns into masses called 'bezoars' which can cause not only nausea and vomiting but may also cause an obstruction in the stomach and can block food from entering the small intestine.

Things To Remember With Gastroparesis:

• Gastroparesis is caused by damage to the vagus nerve and causes food to be retained in the stomach
• People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes may suffer this more often due to damage caused by high glucose levels
• If you suffer ongoing symptoms such as fullness (in spite of eating small quantities of food) gastroesopageal reflux, lack of appetite and weight loss, accompanied by other symptoms of Gastroparesis - contact your doctor immediately

Treatment may include: dietary changes, oral medications, adjustments in insulin injections for people with diabetes, a jejunostomy tube, parenteral nutrition, gastric neurostimulators, or Botulinum toxin.

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose (the body's main fuel source) drops too low (60 mg (milligrams) to 120mg) depending on when you last eat. Blood sugars that are below 45 are almost always considered a serious abnormality.

Impact Of Hormones

Blood sugar levels are affected by normal hormones in the body (cortisol, growth hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine). Blood sugar typically rises after eating when the beta cells release insulin. Insulin then allows glucose to enter the cells, however if blood sugar levels drop too low, they secrete glucagons.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can be associated with other conditions that have nothing to do with blood sugar, or example, unusual stress and anxiety can cause excess production of catecholamines.

Hypoglycemia Unawareness

It is typical for users of insulin (for both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes) to have hypoglycemia and they may also have hypoglycemia 'unawareness' (that is difficulty recognizing symptoms) - this can be reduced or prevented by monitoring blood sugar levels frequently and learning to recognize the symptoms and triggers of hypoglycemia.

Diabetics can bring on hypoglycemic attacks by missing or delaying meals, drinking too much alcohol, exercising too much or taking too much insulin in comparison too food. In diabetics hypoglycemia is also known as an insulin reaction.

Symptoms Of Hypoglycemia

Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include feeling weak, drowsy, hungry, dizzy and may be accompanied by paleness, a headache, irritability and trembling (other symptoms may also be present).

To diagnose hypoglycemia in people who do not have diabetes, the doctor looks for the following three conditions:

• The patient complains of symptoms of hypoglycemia
  
• Blood glucose levels found to be 45 mg/dL or less in a woman or 55 mg/dL or less in a man
  
• The symptoms are promptly relieved upon ingestion of sugar
  

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

For many years, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to diagnose hypoglycemia although it has been determined that this test can actually trigger hypoglycemic symptoms in people with no signs of the disorder therefore it is now recommend that blood sugar be tested at the same time a person is experiencing the hypoglycemic symptoms.

In rare cases, some cancers such as breast cancer and adrenal cancer may cause hypoglycemia through secretion of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor II. The treatment is removal of the tumor, if possible.

The term "metabolic syndrome" dates back to at least the late 1950s, but came into common usage in the late 1970s to describe various associations of risk factors with diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Factors Of Metabolic Syndrome

The factors are different in both men and woman and include the 'apple shaped' waistline, high blood pressure and high 'lousy' (LDL) cholesterol levels. Believed to be primarily caused by lifestyle choices, metabolic syndrome is generally treated in a combination of manners, but always includes an increase in activity and a change in diet. Various medications may be used to control blood pressure and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

The things that make you more likely to develop metabolic syndrome include:

• insulin resistance
• abdominal obesity
• age
• lack of exercise
• hormone imbalances
• family history of Type 2 Diabetes
• weight gain associated with foods with saturated and trans fats and sugar

Smoking, eating fatty foods and a lack of exercise are commonly blamed for this syndrome as is aging. Since we can do little about getting older, then the only option for prevention is to eat a healthier diet, quit smoking (if you're a smoker) and get at least thirty minutes of exercise daily which is said to decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Getting Help With Metabolic Syndrome

If you have any of the risk factors that make it likely for you to develop metabolic syndrome, it would be in your best interest to work closely with your health care professional to discuss your options for controlling your risk factors as failure to do so can create health issues including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels (which can contribute to coronary artery disease). Metabolic syndrome is generally identified by the presence of three or more of these components:

• Central obesity as measured by waist circumference:
• Men -- Greater than or equal to 40 inches
• Women -- Greater than or equal to 35 inches
• Fasting blood triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL
• Blood HDL cholesterol:
• Men -- Less than 40 mg/dL
• Women -- Less than 50 mg/dL
• Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg
• Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 100 mg/d

Generally people who suffer from Type 2 diabetes have metabolic disorder and in these cases it is believed that they should manage metabolic disorder by

• Routinely monitor body weight (especially the index for central obesity), blood glucose, lipoproteins and blood pressure
• Treat individual risk factors (hyperlipidemia, hypertension and high blood glucose) according to established guidelines
• Carefully choose anti-hypertensive drugs because different agents have different effects on insulin sensitivity.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance (pre-diabetes) typically has no symptoms though is nearly always present before someone develops Type 2 Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that some fifty four million people in the United States have pre-diabetes (in populations over age 20). This means that blood glucose levels may be higher than normal but are not generally high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

Treatment Of Pre-Diabetes

Treatment of pre-diabetes may prevent serious health problems if it is diagnosed and treated early. It may help prevent kidney disease, eye disease, heart and blood vessel disease which may be present prior to any diagnosis of diabetes being made. If you have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes, are a woman who has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome or have had gestational diabetes (or a baby over 9 lbs), belong to one of the minority groups that have been highly affected by diabetes (i.e. African American, Native American, Latino or Pacific Islander), are obese (especially around the abdomen), suffer from high cholesterol (especially high LDL cholesterol), are inactive most of the time, or are of an age when your body is less able to process glucose, you may be at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

When To Get Tested For Pre-Diabetes

If you are suffering a frequent urge to urinate, have blurred vision, extreme fatigue or unusual thirst, you may already have pre-diabetes. You should consider testing if you are over the age of 45, have other risk factors (listed above), have a Body Mass Index of over 25, or have had previous abnormal glucose tolerance testing, or other metabolic syndromes.

Details Of Pre-Diabetes Testing

Pre-diabetes testing is done generally by either an oral glucose tolerance test or a fasting plasma glucose test to see if your body is metabolizing glucose correctly. If you can identify the signs of pre-diabetes before you develop diabetes, you may be able to prevent Type 2 Diabetes from developing and lower your risk of the complications associate with Type 2 Diabetes. Medical studies have shown that minor lifestyle changes including exercise, weight loss, and treatment can decrease the chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes as much as 60%. Lifestyle changes are more effective than medications in reducing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, and with early intervention, you can actually maintain blood glucose levels at normal ranges.

Successful treatment of pre-diabetes generally includes a heart healthy diet, weight loss, exercise (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week), quitting smoking and successful treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes may from time to time have issues with high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which can be triggered from having a common cold.
Recognizing and managing high and low blood sugar levels is critical to avoid medical emergencies such as dehydration and other even more severe issues, and mostly this can be done from home by following your health care professionals instructions.

Recognizing Blood Sugar Levels

If you are taking your medication as directed, following your diet and exercise plan and managing your blood sugar levels, chances are that they remain in the range you and your doctor have determined is best for you. However, if you have any other health issues, it is important that you do regular blood sugar testing to ensure that you do not allow your blood sugar to fall below normal levels or climb too high.

High blood sugar occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in your blood rises above normal. Eating too many calories, missing medicines (insulin or pills), or having an infection or illness, injury, surgery, or emotional stress can cause your blood sugar to rise.

Causes Of High Blood Sugar

Elevated blood sugar levels can be brought on by consuming too many calories, a delay in taking your diabetes medications, any type of infection or injury or even emotional stress. Typically high blood sugar doesn't occur instantly (unless caused by missing a dose of insulin), instead it develops over several hours or several days. If your blood sugar levels are just above the 'safe' level, you may simply feel a little more tired than normal or feel thirsty. if your blood sugar levels stay at that level (even a higher than normal level) for an extended period of time, you tend to have fewer symptoms.

High blood sugar levels are easy to treat, and the easiest way to avoid them are regularly testing to see if your levels are elevated, contacting your doctor if your levels are consistently elevated and drinking extra water (or de-caffeinated/sugar free beverages) to prevent dehydration. If left unchecked, high sugar levels can cause complications including those associated with eye, heart and kidney diseases.

Symptoms Of Low Blood Sugar

When your blood sugar levels drop below normal from failure to eat properly, over medicating or too much exercise, it is considered to be hypoglycemia. A slight drop in the 'low' range can cause you to feel tired, sweaty, and increase your heart rate. If you eat something sugary, the symptoms may go away. For those who are diabetic, symptoms may not be so obvious (hypoglycemic unawareness) and since this change can happen quickly, it may cause a loss of consciousness or seizure. Symptoms of low blood sugar can come on as rapidly as fifteen minutes, and if your sugar tends to go from a very high level to a closer to normal level you may exhibit symptoms that are similar to hypoglycemia.

Treatment Of High Blood Sugar

The symptoms of hypoglycemia can be corrected quickly by consuming 'high sugar' foods such as 1 tablespoon of sugar, ½ cup of fruit juice, 1 cup of fat free milk, 3 pieces of hard candy or ½ of a tube of glucose gel. If you find that you are prone to hypoglycemia you may consider carrying life savers (8 will help reverse the effects) or hard candy (3 pieces will help) or glucose tablets (3 will reverse the effects of hypoglycemia) with you when you are away from home.

Ongoing issues with hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia should be discussed with your health care professional.

What is it like to live with diabetes?

Managing your blood sugar levels is the most important thing you can do when you are living with diabetes. Eating a balanced diet, reducing caloric intake (helping you lose weight), working closely with a dietician to decide which diet is best for you will help you maintain control over your diabetes. In addition, regular exercise (which can help reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure), taking all of your medications as directed and checking blood sugar levels also are also part of your daily routine. Your goal should always be to keep your blood sugar levels where you and your doctor determine they need to be. This will help reduce your risk of dealing with other complications of diabetes.

What are high and low blood sugar symptoms?

Those who have poorly controlled diabetes may be subject to suffering with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Symptoms may be mild to severe and often include increased thirst and urination, warm dry skin, dizziness or weakness, gradual blurring of vision, difficulty waking up and increased weakness. It is critical that if you begin suffering any new symptoms that you check your blood sugar levels and get them as close back to normal as possible as quickly as possible. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) symptoms may range from confusion, hunger, headaches, anxiety, irritable feelings, and numbness in the mouth or tongue, trembling or passing out. Treatment will help prevent more serious symptoms (and complications associated with them) from developing.

What are the symptoms of diabetic complications?

Symptoms of complications will vary with the complication but may include chest pain or shortness of breath when exerting yourself (signifying blood vessel complications), pain, numbness or swelling in the feet and hands (which may indicate diabetic neuropathy), double vision may indicate eye nerve complications, wounds that do not heal may indicate interrupted blood supply, floaters or pain in the eye could indicate diabetic retinopathy, bloating, frequent belching and other gastric disorders that occur frequently may indicate Gastroparesis. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include profuse (or significantly reduced) sweating, dizziness when sitting or standing suddenly or hypoglycemia unawareness. Swelling in the feet, legs or other parts of the body may be early signs of diabetic nephropathy.

What increases my risk for diabetic complications?

If you already have other risk factors such as smoking, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, have a family history of diabetic complications, have had diabetes for a long period of time (even if well controlled), or have persistently high blood sugar over time, you are at greater risk for developing other complications.

How does treatment change over the years?

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes will change as your individual needs change. The focus of your treatment will always be keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Working with your health care professional to create a plan for treating your diabetes will improve your quality of life and help prevent complications associated with Type 2 Diabetes.

What medicines do I need to take?

If you are diabetic and over the age of 30, your doctor may prescribe a low dose aspirin therapy to help prevent heart attacks and stroke, you may take medication that will increase insulin production, or that may decrease insulin resistance.

Other medications may be prescribed that help slow absorption of carbohydrates, insulin, medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and medications to control proteins in your urine. Working closely with your health care professional will assist in determining the medications that are best suited to your particular treatment plan.