Technorati Tags: diabetes treatment, Insulin, Treatment For Diabetes

Technorati Tags: diabetes treatment, Grandmother, Risk

It is estimated that there are about 9.7 million women suffering from diabetes in the Unites States today, about one-third of whom are unaware that they have the condition.

Studies also show that women are just as likely as men to be recommended by their doctors for screening tests and to receive treatment for their diabetes. Numbers released recently by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality showed that the number of women receiving the recommended blood sugar, retinal and foot examinations for diabetes had risen from 37% in 2000 to 47% in 2003, which puts it only just behind men who came in at 49%. However, while the death rate from diabetes is dropping in men, it is actually rising in women.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the results of a survey which examined the health records of some 27,000 diabetes sufferers covering a 30 year period between 1971 and 2000. This study revealed that while the death rate amongst men had dropped during this time period from 4.3% to 2.4%, the death rate amongst women had risen from 1.8% to 2.6%. The study also noted that death rates from cardiovascular disease in particular were dropping in men, but remained steady in women.

So just what is causing this difference?

At the moment the simple answer is that we don’t know, although there are a number of theories being put forward. For example, perhaps the risk factors for heart disease in women have not declined in recent years as much as they have for men. Or perhaps women have not been receiving as comprehensive or as aggressive treatment as has been provided for men. This of course is purely speculative at this time but, whatever the reason, there is certainly no doubting the difference in the figures between men and women.

Clearly further investigation is going to be necessary to discover just why this disparity exists but, in the meantime, if you are a woman then you should certainly be checked for diabetes, if this has not already been done, and should insist that your doctor treats the condition aggressively.

Technorati Tags: diabetes in men, diabetes in women, diabetes treatment

Every year in the region of 10,000 people in the United States alone are diagnoses with type II diabetes and reactions to the diagnosis of this serious condition will vary widely. There are however a number of fairly common reactions and concerns and we will look at 5 of them here.

1. Anger. For many people their first reaction is one of anger that this disease should have entered their life and is threatening their future. A commonly heard comment is “why me?” This anger is also often turned against the disease and sufferers simply comment that they “hate this disease” and “want to have nothing to do with it”.

Anger can be an extremely destructive emotion but it can also be a powerful force for good and the secret is to understand your anger and then channel it into fighting diabetes rather than fighting against it.

2. Denial. One of the most common reactions to a diagnosis of diabetes is denial, particularly when the diagnosis is made early and symptoms are very mild.

As type 2 diabetes normally progresses quite slowly, initial denial isn’t really a problem and doctors will often allow patients time to “get used to the idea”. However, if a patient continues to deny the fact that there is anything wrong with them and to simply carry on regardless, then the failure to accept treatment can lead to serious complications. Diabetes, once diagnosed, isn’t simply going to disappear and it is vital that patients accept this fact and start to work with their doctor.

3. Depression. Living with diabetes can be difficult at times, particularly as the disease progresses and you begin to suffer some of the complications. There will also be times when it is difficult to keep your blood sugar levels under control and it is only natural for you to feel that you are fighting a losing battle.

If you do find yourself getting depressed then don’t simply bottle it up, but talk to your doctor. Often there may a simple physical cause for your depression which can be treated quickly and easily and, where this is not the case, then being able to talk through your feelings with somebody who understands your problem and can suggest a strategy to overcome your depression can be immensely helpful.

4. Sickness. We all get sick from time to time but, when you are suffering from diabetes, a simple cold or flu can quickly lead to greatly elevated blood sugar levels and you can find yourself in serious trouble very quickly.

It is very important therefore that you discuss this with your doctor and that you have a clear plan to cope with illness. It is important for example that you understand the effect that illness can have on your diabetes and understand how to monitor your blood sugar levels and when to call for assistance.

5. Becoming a prisoner of your condition. All too many diabetes sufferers become a prisoner of their condition and feel that they can no longer get out and about and, in particular, go away from home on holiday.

There is absolutely no reason at all why you should not continue to enjoy life to the full and that includes foreign travel. The important difference now is that you have to think about such things as where you are going, how you will be traveling, what you will be eating and a variety of other things and planning accordingly. This may make traveling a little more difficult, but it certainly doesn’t preclude travel.

These are just some of the problems that face many people when a diagnosis of diabetes is made but none of these problems are insurmountable and millions of people are living full and enjoyable lives despite suffering from diabetes.

Technorati Tags: cause of diabetes, Diabetes Test, diabetes treatment, Type 2 Diabetes

The key to any diabetes treatment plan is to keep a careful eye on your diabetes blood sugar level.

Your diabetes blood sugar level (or more accurately – glucose level) provides an important indication of whether or not treatment, whether for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, is working.

There are two different tests which are carried out to measure your blood glucose.

The A1C test is normally carried out at least twice a year by your doctor or a nurse on your health care team.

The SMBG (self-monitoring of blood glucose) test which you carry out yourself at home, often several times each day.

The A1C test, which is a simple laboratory test, is the best way to monitor your treatment over time and to tell your doctor whether or not your treatment plan is working. The test measures your average blood glucose levels over the past three months and will indicate whether or not your diabetes blood sugar levels have been close to normal or too high.

The A1C test will produce a test score and your goal is to try to keep this score below 7. In other words, a score of 6 or less is considered to be normal and 7 or above is too high.

When it comes to testing your own diabetes blood sugar level at home using the SMBG test it is a simple matter of taking a tiny sample of blood using a special needle (or lancet) and popping this onto a test strip and then into a meter to produce a reading.

Most modern home testing kits produce results in terms of plasma glucose and it is common to monitor these level by taking readings before and after meals and at bedtime.

You will of course need to discuss your goals with your healthcare team but, as a general guide a normal reading before meals or at bedtime would be between 90 and 130 and this should not rise above 180 within about two hours of eating.

By monitoring your own diabetes blood sugar level at home you can keep your diabetes under control by adjusting such things as your diet and exercise plan and quickly and easily monitor the results of changes to both as you do along.

Technorati Tags: diabetes blood sugar level, diabetes treatment, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes

People with diabetes are prone to a range of different skin complaints. Some of these including bacterial infections, fungal infections and itching are not specific to diabetes sufferers, although individuals with diabetes will normally experience these problems more frequently than the general population. There are however several skin complaints which are either seen most often, or only, in cases of diabetes. These include:

1. Diabetic dermopathy. Diabetes often causes changes to the minor blood vessels which, when these are close to the skin surface, can result in light brown, circular or oval, scaly patches. These patches, which often occur on the front of the legs and are easily mistaken for age spots, are quite harmless and do not require treatment.

2. NLD. NLD (necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum) which, like diabetic dermopathy is caused by changes to the minor blood vessels, produces similar spots although they tend to be both fewer in number and larger in size. The spots often appear as a dull red, raised area of skin which develops into a shiny scar with a violet colored border. On occasion spots can become itchy and even painful and can also break open, at which point treatment is required. This is a rare condition which is most likely to be seen in older women.

3. Diabetic blisters. In rare cases diabetes sufferers can suddenly encounter an eruption of blister, normally on the back of their fingers, hands, toes or feet. Very occasionally eruptions will also occur on the legs and forearms. Diabetic blisters are sometimes quite large and look like burn blisters but are painless and often disappear within a matter of two or three weeks. The only treatment for such blisters is to reduce blood sugar levels.

4. Eruptive xanthomatosis. Eruptive xanthomatosis appears as small, firm, yellow enlargements in the skin normally about the size of a pea. Each enlargement will normally have a reddish ring around it and may be quite itchy. Eruptions are most commonly seen on the back of the hands, arms, feet and legs, as well as on the buttocks, and occur most frequently in younger men suffering from type 1 diabetes. Once again the treatment is to reduce blood sugar levels.

5. Digital sclerosis. Digital sclerosis is the tightening and thickening of the skin on the back of the hands and can also occasionally be seen on the toes and forehead. The skin will also have a wax-like appearance and the joints of the finger become stiff. In rare cases stiffness may also be experiences in the ankles, knees and elbows. Again the only treatment is to lower blood sugar levels.

6. Acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by the presence of brown (often quite pale) raised areas of skin on the neck, armpits and groin and, occasionally, on the hands, elbows and knees. It is most often seen in people who are considerably overweight and the best treatment is to lose weight.

7. Disseminated granuloma annulare. This condition manifests itself as ring or arc-shaped raised areas of skin which are clearly defined, red, reddish-brown or skin colored and which appear on the extremities of the body such as the fingers or ears. This condition can often be treated with drugs and your doctor should be consulted.

Fortunately, this range of skin conditions is largely preventable and, when the conditions do appear, they can often be treated quite easily.

Technorati Tags: cause of diabetes, diabetes treatment, skin problems, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, which was previously known as adult-onset diabetes, can creep up on you quite slowly and often you can be suffering from type 2 diabetes for a considerable period of time before it is diagnosed.

Type 2 diabetes has now reached epidemic proportions according to the Center for Disease Control and that means that there are literally million of people walking around today not just with type II diabetes but, more importantly, with as yet undiagnosed diabetes or diabetes which is in its early stages of development.

This early stage type 2 diabetes, during which blood sugar levels are elevated but not raised sufficiently to warrant a diagnosis of diabetes, is known as pre-diabetes and, although it may not appear to be of serious concern, studies show that, even at this early stage, permanent long-term damage is being done, especially to the circulatory system and to the heart. Pre-diabetes currently affects over 50 million Americans.

Because pre-diabetes does not present any symptoms, the only way to tell whether or not you are suffering from it is to ask your doctor to test for the presence of the disease. Now, since we can’t start testing the whole population this leads to the question of just who is most likely to be at risk from pre-diabetes. Well, in simple terms, if you are over the age of 45 and are overweight (and this mean not just grossly overweight but even modestly overweight) then you should consider asking to be tested. If you are under the age of 45 and are again overweight then testing may also be advisable but, in this case, you should discuss this with your doctor and be guided by him.

Testing is a fairly simple process using one of two standard tests – a fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. These tests will indicate whether your blood glucose levels are normal, pre-diabetic or diabetic.

The good news is that, if your test reveals that you are pre-diabetic then bringing your blood glucose levels back down to normal and returning your body to a good state of health and forestalling the onset of diabetes is generally quite simple.

Although medication can be used to correct pre-diabetes, tests have shown that a simple program of diet and exercise, combined if necessary with a relatively modest weight loss, can often return blood glucose levels to normal quite quickly and, as long as you maintain a healthy diet and an exercise program, there is no reason at all why your blood glucose level should not remain at normal levels for a considerable period of time. This does not of course mean that you will eliminate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes altogether, but it does mean that you can delay its onset and prevent early and irreparable damage to your circulatory system and heart.

When we talk about a program of weight loss and exercise here we are not talking about anything too drastic and a reduction in weight of as little as 5% to 10% and a light exercise program of say 30 minutes of brisk walking 5 times a week can be sufficient.

Pre-diabetes is a serious problem which is both easy to detect and simple to treat. All that we are really lacking at the moment is sufficient publicly available pre-diabetic information.

Technorati Tags: cause of diabetes, Diabetes Test, diabetes treatment, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes

Despite advances in modern medicine, many people believe strongly in the use of both complementary and alternative medicine and this is no less true in the case of diabetes than it is for many other conditions.

Complementary and alternative medicine involves the use of a range of practices and products that are not currently considered to be part of the mainstream system of healthcare and the principal difference between the two is that complementary medicine is used alongside conventional treatment while alternative medicine is used instead of it.

Many forms of complimentary and alternative medicine are believed to produce beneficial effects but others can be extremely harmful and, in the case of potentially serious conditions such as diabetes, neither should be used without the knowledge of your physician. Indeed, you should consult your doctor about all forms of complimentary or alternative medicine which you wish to try so that he at least has the opportunity to offer his opinion and advise you of the possible medical consequences of such treatment.

There are many different forms of complimentary and alternative therapy for diabetes including:

1. Acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into various parts of the body and is often used to trigger the release of natural chemical painkillers. It can therefore be particularly useful for people suffering from often painful nerve damage (neuropathy) as a result of diabetes.

2. Guided Imagery. Guided imagery is relaxation technique which uses peaceful images to relax the mind and body and to develop an awareness of, and an ability to deal with, the body’s response to pain. Again, this can be useful for people suffering from nerve damage as a result of diabetes.

3. Magnesium. The precise role of magnesium in controlling diabetes is not well understood but it is known that magnesium (a mineral contained in green leaf vegetables, whole grain foods and nuts) plays an important role in many functions within the body including functions of the heart, muscles, bones and nerves. It also plays a role in the body’s handling of glucose and low levels of magnesium are often seen in people with diabetes. For this reason, magnesium is frequently taken as a dietary supplement by diabetes sufferers.

4. Chromium. Like magnesium, chromium (an essential trace mineral found in meat, fish and whole wheat and rye breads) is often taken as a dietary supplement by diabetes sufferers. In this case however the link between chromium and diabetes is far less clear and there is considerable debate about its use. The theory is that chromium helps improve the action of insulin, but there is no good scientific evidence to support this.

5. Ginseng. Ginseng has grown in popularity in recent years for a whole range of different conditions and is widely marketed. There is some evidence from studies using American ginseng that it can lower glucose levels, but there is still insufficient evidence at this stage to say just how effective it is as a form of therapy. One problem with ginseng is that there is a huge variety of different forms and strengths of ginseng available and the amount or strength needed to produce a therapeutic effect has yet to be determined.

These are just some of a wide range of complimentary and alternative medicines which might be considered for the treatment of diabetes and the list goes on to include commonly know items such as garlic and less well known compounds such as vanadium.

Whatever form of complimentary or alternative medicine you wish to try the important thing to remember is that you are dealing with a serious and potentially life-threatening condition and that you should therefore not use any form of therapy without the full knowledge of your doctor.

Technorati Tags: alternative medicine, diabetes treatment, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for some 90% to 95% of all cases of diabetes, is seen mainly in adults over the age of 40, although it is increasingly being seen today at younger ages, and even in quite young children.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms are often very mild in the early stages of the condition and you could well find that you are suffering from type 2 diabetes for many years before it is eventually diagnosed.

In order to function correctly your body requires energy which it gets in large part by converting the food which you eat into glucose, which is then transported around your body and delivered to your body’s cells through the bloodstream.

The transfer of glucose from the blood and into your cells requires the presence of insulin and, in the case of type 2 diabetes your body becomes resistant to insulin and, as a result, glucose begins to build up in your bloodstream.

It is this excess of glucose in the blood which leads to the common type 2 diabetes symptoms of:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Tiredness
• Increased urination – especially during the night
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Sores which do not heal

If these type 2 diabetes symptoms are present but you do not seek treatment then serious complications can follow including such things as blindness, renal failure and coronary artery disease.

Technorati Tags: cause of diabetes, Diabetes Test, diabetes treatment, Type 2 Diabetes

Although in rare cases type 1 diabetes can present quite suddenly, type 1 diabetes symptoms will normally develop quite slowly over several weeks, months or even years.

In order for your body to function the cells of your body require glucose which is transferred to the cells from the blood.

This transfer requires the presence of insulin within your bloodstream but, in the case of type 1 diabetes your body is either unable to produce insulin or can only produce it is relatively small quantities.

This failure of your body to produce insulin results in a build up of glucose in your blood and it is this excess of glucose which gives rise to a wide range of symptoms.

The first signs of type 1 diabetes are often an inability to regulate water within your body which means that become unusually thirsty and frequently need the toilet. At the same time, because your body cannot take up the glucose that it needs to provide you with energy, the brain triggers the need to eat and you feel very hungry. Additional symptoms caused as a direct result of your body not receiving sufficient energy are a feeling of tiredness, as well as nausea and blurred vision.

Along with these symptoms you should also look out for muscle cramps, which are often caused by an electrolyte imbalance and numbness or tingling in both your hands and feet.

You may also find that you are losing weight as your body burns fat to replace its lost source of glucose energy and as the water levels in your body drop. As it is unusual to experience both an increased appetite and a loss in weight at the same time this is often a good indication of the presence of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes will often creep up on you slowly and, by the time the symptoms are severe enough for you to visit your doctor you will often find that he can trace the start of your diabetes back several weeks or even months.

In rare cases type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly as an emergency and will require a visit to your local hospital emergency room. In this case you will experience nausea, vomiting and severe stomach pains and, without treatment, you can soon start to experience breathing difficulties and even lapse into a coma and die.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms are often seen in children but can easily be mistaken for the symptoms of any one of a range of common childhood illnesses. For this reason, it is especially important to watch for the signs and to talk to your doctor if you are in any doubt.

Technorati Tags: cause of diabetes, Diabetes Test, diabetes treatment, Type 1 Diabetes