Type Two Diabetes - Diabetic Coma - Are You At Risk

For so many with Type 2 Diabetes, the thought of ending up in a diabetic coma is a worst case scenario. There is no question. Such a coma is a very serious situation. This often occurs as a result of one of three different causes: severe diabetic hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis in combination with other symptoms or hyperosmolar nonketonic coma. Each one involves different causes. The medical term diabetic coma is a general term used when someone comes up unconscious with diabetes. Modern medical staff knows what to look for to figure out what is causing the problem. It is critical for you to recognize early medical symptoms in yourself to avoid losing consciousness. Let's look at each type and then what may happen with each.



The first one is severe diabetic hypoglycemia. That long medical term means that your glucose levels have plummeted too low. It often occurs if a patient takes too much insulin or something else causes the blood glucose to drop unexpectedly. People with Type Diabetes 2 will likely deal with some periods of hypoglycemia off and on. It is actually very uncommon for levels to fall so low as to induce a coma. If coma happens, the paramedics or hospital will give the patient intravenous glucose or glucagon to stimulate glucose release. This will elevate glucose levels in the blood stream.



The next type to consider is a coma caused by diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis begins when the body runs out of insulin. To get the much needed energy energy, the human body starts converting fat deposits of the person's body into energy. This action causes the build-up of ketones in the blood stream. The ketone buildup may result in many severe medical and health symptoms besides loss of consciousness. Vomiting, dehydration, confusion, and shallow irregular breathing are common. People with type 2 diabetes get this form of diabetic coma less often than the first one. Treatment involves rehydration and giving insulin to stop the generation of more ketones.



The last type of diabetic coma is one referred to as hyperosmolar nonketonic coma. This type of coma develops as a combination of severe hyperglycemia and dehydration. Hyperglycemia is the term for elevated levels of circulating glucose in the blood stream. When high levels of sugar combine with severe loss of fluids, the patient may then fall into a coma very rapidly. This form of coma is the most deadly in the type 2 diabetes community. It only begins to be seen as lethargy. Without overt symptoms, so many people fall into a coma without any warning. Treatment includes gradual rehydration and insulin introduction.

What Is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

Chronic hyperglycemia is the main characteristic of type 2 diabetes. This means that there is a high level of glucose (sugar) in the person's blood. Type 2 diabetes generally occurs in adults as they grow older. Obese or overweight people are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.



Type 2 is a result of insulin resistance. In this type of diabetes, a person's body cells are unable to use and manage insulin effectively. Insulin facilitates the entry of sugar into body cells so that it can be used as a fuel. This is more pronounced in the muscles and liver. In a person diagnosed with type two diabetes, the body is unable to regulate blood sugar. As a result, the blood sugar levels rise. When this happens the condition is called hyperglycemia. Person's with type 2 diabetes must reduce their blood glucose levels with treatment. If the blood glucose levels remain untreated or not lowered, it can lead to serious health problems, especially cardiovascular problems.



This is a chronic disease and needs a personalized treatment plan with close monitoring by the individual together with the physician. A healthy lifestyle and diet changes are the main foundations of a diabetes treatment plan. Medications may also be prescribed if the blood glucose levels stay dangerously high.



There are basically 2 major forms of diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Both these diabetes types are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Type 1 diabetes occurs in younger people and often appears in childhood. It is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the pancreas when it no longer produces insulin. The cause is unknown and there is no possible prevention now.



As for type ii diabetes, which accounts for 90% of cases of diabetes, it occurs later in life. It is mainly due to a state of insulin resistance and is associated with being overweight. The number of people with this kind of diabetes is constantly increasing and this trend is attributed to unregulated and unhealthy lifestyle patterns. Physical inactivity, obesity and aging are the main causes of type two diabetes. Globally, the International Diabetes Federation predicts that the number of diabetics could grow from 285 million in 2010 to 438 million. In addition, many cases of diabetes are unknown because they are not detected. So, the actual numbers could be even higher than estimated. Type ii diabetes usually occurs in people over 40, but it is now affecting an increasing number of children and adolescents.



Diabetes can be managed and controlled effectively with a healthy lifestyle and diet changes. Sticking to a regular exercise regimen can help immensely. Most importantly it is vital to understand and diagnose diabetes at its earliest stage, which is called prediabetes. If you experience any prediabetes symptoms, you must get yourself diagnosed at the earliest.

Signs of Diabetes in Men by a Type 2 Diabetic

Signs of Diabetes in Men



Signs of diabetes in men, you might think would be an easy subject. But from a man who has been diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes, it is clear that it is not that simple.



It could be said that my own case study is a typical example of a man being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My visit to the doctor was due to tiredness and chest discomfort, it was only after I was diagnosed that someone said that my breath had been smelling a bit sweet for a while so you might say that the latter could be listed as one of the signs of diabetes in men but this would also apply to the female sex.



It would appear that there are no typical signs of diabetes in men that can be picked up on; diabetes is more often diagnosed as a result of blood being tested for some other condition and the results showing an above normal blood glucose level. In other words there is sugar in the blood that the body is failing to absorb and use.



As already mentioned, my general practitioner sent a sample of my blood for analysis and if there was to be a problem it was expected to be cholesterol. However I was quickly asked to go for a repeat test and then for a glucose intolerance test where I firstly had a fasting blood test and then had to drink a measured amount of a sugary drink to be tested later to see if my body could cope with the intake of glucose. No it could not and I have to live with type 2 diabetes for the rest of my life.



I have read that one of the signs of diabetes in men is being overweight or even obese. This is not one of the signs of diabetes in men but a probable cause. Another possible reason for developing type 2 diabetes is that it is in your genes, which is the case with me. I am not overweight and never have been and yet now have this chronic condition. But both my mother's sisters were type 2 diabetics so the likelihood is that no matter how good a lifestyle I would eventually suffer from type 2 diabetes.



Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing health problems in the world today with thousands walking around undiagnosed. Yet it is takes a simple test and so little time to discover whether or not you are one of the unlucky ones to be diabetic. The bad news may be that it cannot be cured but the good news is that it can be controlled with a sensible diet, drugs and exercise.



So, although there is no definitive list of signs of diabetes in men, do not be one of those men who ignore the possibility or probability. Catch the condition early and be put on a control programme. The alternative is that if you do ignore it you may develop problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet that may still be controlled but irreversible damage has also been done.

Diabetes and Acid Reflux

If you have diabetes and acid reflux, also called GERD, and you take medication to reduce acid there are some things you should know.



A. There are health risks to taking GERD medications long term



B. There is a good possibility you could control GERD with the right food and nutrition changes



Did you know acid reflux medications could cause the following problems?



1. Magnesium Deficiency



There is also a strong association between low magnesium and insulin resistance, the main problem of type 2 diabetes. The FDA earlier this year released information about how taking these medications for longer than a year can cause low magnesium, which can lead to leg spasms, heart arrhythmias and seizures.



2. Pneumonia



If you have diabetes and get pneumonia it may be more severe with greater risk of complications, and your body may take longer to heal.



3. C-diff



Short for Clostridium Difficile, this is bacteria that cause severe diarrhea and inflammation in the colon. Dehydration is the biggest risk with diarrhea and diabetes, and if you have high blood sugars you can become dehydrated much quicker.



4. Osteoporosis or Bone Fractures



People with diabetes are may also have low vitamin D levels or be taking Actos, both of which may increase the risk of bone fractures.



5. Vitamin Deficiencies such as B12



People with diabetes who take metformin are also at risk for low B12 levels.



6. Bacterial Imbalance leading to Digestive Problems



People who have had diabetes for many years can have slow digestion due to nerve damage. Keeping a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria is important for immune system, absorbing nutrients and avoiding diarrhea and constipation.



What you can do if you have to take medication for acid reflux.



Eat healthy foods and whole foods for immune strength. Nuts are the best food source for magnesium.



Eat yogurt daily to replenish good bacteria or take a probiotic supplement.



Ask your doctor if B12 and D levels have been checked.



Ask your doctor about trying to get off the acid reflux medications. These medications are really only meant to be taken for a short time of a few weeks but most people just stay on them. I would NOT recommend going off the medication until you have made nutrition changes and are discussing changes with your doctor.



GERD may be unrelated to acid in stomach. Some evidence suggests that the heartburn symptoms of reflux are not caused by acid in stomach burning the esophagus, but rather by an immune response.

Various Types of Diabetes and Their Important Symptoms

Diabetes is deadly disease, it has now become very common disease and teenagers are too victims of it. Diabetes is a condition when there are high blood sugar levels in the blood, this due to stop in insulin production by the beta cells of pancreas or the cells not reacting with insulin produced.



The former condition is known as type 1 diabetes and later condition is commonly known as type 2 diabetes. In type 1 beta cells are destroyed by autoimmune system of the body. Using genetic therapy we can stop autoimmune system of the body destroying beta cells of pancreas. It is now common among young adults and teenagers. It is also known as juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is common among people who above 40 years of age. It is also known as adult onset diabetes.



Another important type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. It is to women, it occurs generally in second phase of pregnancy. It may till the delivery, if proper care is taken by the mother during pregnancy by following necessary medications. On the other hand if ignored it leads to type 2 diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes are at risk of having large babies.



Diabetes is generally diagnosed by Urine and Blood tests. Urine test shows glucose in urine and blood test is of three types in all the three types the blood glucose level is above the normal level.



The most common signs and symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, numbness in feet, blurry vision. Diabetes also leads to other severe complications if it is left untreated. It leads to strokes and heart attacks.



A diabetic person needs to take diet which is rich in fiber content and healthy food. Eating vegetables raw is a good option. Examples of vegetables rich in fiber are Bitter gourd, onion, barley, amla, cinnamon, sweet potato.



Things that a diabetic person should avoid includes junk food which includes fast food items, cut down intake of simple carbohydrates, food containing sugar content or artificial sweets. This all make diabetes more worse.



Type 1 diabetic persons need to take insulin doses or injections to maintain their blood sugar levels to normal. Type 2 diabetic people can control and avoid diabetes by taking proper diet and involving themselves in physical routines. Physical activities include running, jogging, skipping and swimming. These all makes a person fit and keep him/her from diseases and look better.

Type 2 Diabetes - How a Diagnosis Changes Your Life

A few years ago, my sister was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. By that time, she had gone through years of steadily declining health -- nothing firm that you could have pointed to, but a continual feeling of being tired and run down. We thought it was because she was a mother of two young children. Eventually she decided to ask her doctor about it anyways, just in case is was something else. They ordered some blood tests and found out she was diabetic. She was only 35 when she was diagnosed.



Her doctor explained that Type 2 diabetes was also called 'adult-onset' diabetes since it was mostly adults that developed the disease (we have since learned that it's increasingly found in children too). It's mostly a lifestyle disease. A family history puts you at higher risk, but the way you live makes a big difference in the likelihood you develop the disease.



We had always known, in a vague way, that being overweight wasn't healthy. My sister has been moderately overweight since she was a teenager. Her doctor had told her repeatedly that it would be best if she lost weight, but he never mentioned the possibility of diabetes and it just didn't occur to us. We had thought that diabetes was something that adults over 50 developed, not younger adults like us.



My sister tried a few diets and lost a few pounds here and there but always regained them, along with a few more pounds on top of that. After her diabetes diagnosis, she was told that being overweight significantly increases the risk of getting the disease because your body becomes more resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood, and if there's too much then all sorts of symptoms start to appear. You find yourself thirsty all the time, having to go to the bathroom a lot, and you feel hungry, tired, and itchy, among other signs. Worse, untreated diabetes can lead to much more serious complications like heart and kidney problems.



Diabetes changes your life in very big ways. My sister now cooks and eats a healthy diet but even after all these years, it's hard for her because her husband and children can enjoy treats and convenience foods that she cannot. She has struggled -- and succeeded -- in losing weight and keeping it off. Her biggest struggle is to maintain an exercise routine. Due to the diabetes, she has poor circulation and problems with her feet, which makes it even harder for her to exercise. But she has to do it: exercise is one of those things that helps to keep her blood sugar under control. She has to monitor her blood sugar every day. The good news is that she used to take insulin but has gotten the disease under control well enough that she is no longer on medication. She manages her diabetes with a strict diet and exercise plan.



The big risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are: family history, being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and eating a poor diet that's high in refined or processed foods and sugar.



If you have these risk factors you should talk to your doctor and come up with a plan to lower your risk. We've noticed that a healthy diet for diabetics is basically the same as a healthy diet for everyone, with lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. Exercise is really important too. Even a 1/2 hour walk every day helps. Eating well and exercise also helps in weight loss too.



Even if you don't show any symptoms of diabetes right now, you can still be at risk. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and many people show normal blood sugar levels for years before being diagnosed. It's so much easier to do things now to lower your risk, then to have to try to control the disease after you get it.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes is also known as Diabetes Mellitus and Juvenile Onset Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the body has attacked the pancreas, which contains the cells that produce the hormone called insulin. When the body does this, its natural ability to produce its own insulin is taken away; therefore, requiring the use of insulin injections usually for the remainder of their life.



Insulin injections will be required at each meal time and at bed time. Most Type 1 diabetics take approximately 3-4 insulin injections per day. Diabetes Mellitus is a very serious condition and you will want to receive treatment as soon as you possibly can if you feel as if though you may be a diabetic.



Symptoms- Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms include:



1. Excessive thirst
2. Excessive urination. Really pay attention to see whether you are waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. This can definitely be a tell-tell sign of diabetes.
3. Abdominal pain
4. Fatigue
5. Weight loss. Because the body is unable to use the energy that is being consumed and the sugar is staying in the blood stream, your body will begin to burn energy that it has stored in the form of fat. This is why you will experience weight loss even though you may still have a normal appetite or have not changed your diet.
6. Absence of menstruation
7. Nausea
8. Vomiting



Diabetes affects each patient in different ways. If you look in the various publications that are available about diabetes there are actually many different symptoms. Just because one patient may experience one symptom does not mean that the same symptom will be prevalent in another patient.



The above 8 symptoms are just the common symptoms that are experienced by Type 1 diabetic patients. These are the symptoms that are usually seen and can be associated with Type 1 diabetes more so than any other symptom.



Keep in mind that you could experience more than one of these symptoms and the symptoms could take a period of time to develop. In other words, you could experience the increased thirst symptom and then a month later start experiencing the excessive urination.



This means that you have basically been diabetic for a month without receiving medical treatment and this can lead to a dangerous situation. So, to be safe, when you start experiencing the first symptom of Type 1 diabetes you need to inform your physician as soon as possible so that they can schedule a glucose tolerance test to accurately determine whether you are a diabetic or not.



Do not automatically assume that one of these symptoms is related to something else. The truth is you may never know. You must inform your physician as soon as possible because if left untreated, blood glucose levels will continue to rise which can result in a diabetic coma, ketoacidosis and possibly even death. Diabetes is a serious condition and should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.