Dealing With Diabetes - The 3 Levels Hypoglycemia

If you or someone you care about has diabetes, it's critical that both of you know about these levels of hypoglycemia, what the symptoms are and most importantly, how to prevent hypoglycemia.



There are three levels of hypoglycemia - all of which are determined by your blood glucose levels.



Mild Hypoglycemia



Blood Glucose Level at or around 75 mg/dl



This level is easily self treated. If you have mild hypoglycemia, you won't be forced to change your routine at all. Most people don't even realize they have mild hypoglycemia. They generally find out only during a routine check of their blood glucose level.



Moderate Hypoglycemia



Blood Glucose Level at or around 65 mg/dl



When someone has moderate hypoglycemia, they will begin to display symptoms. The two most common symptoms at this level of hypoglycemia are a rapid heartbeat and anxiety. Some folks at this level will not be able to recognize that they are in need of glucose and will have to rely on the assistance of someone else to ensure they get the glucose that they need.



3. Severe Hypoglycemia



Blood Glucose Level at or around 55 mg/dl



This is the most severe situation and one that needs immediate attention. A person suffering from severe hypoglycemia will definitely need assistance in getting the glucose they need via an emergency injection.



If you have diabetes, you need to ensure that those around you on a daily basis (co-workers, friends & family) know you have the disease and what the symptoms and levels of hypoglycemia are. This is very important as having others being able to help you in a time when you are incapacitated could save your life.

Dealing With Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition known mainly to those who suffer with diabetes. But not only diabetics suffer from it. Believe or not, you could too and it's important to know what it is, what it feels like and what to do about it. Normally diabetics will have to deal with the fact that their bodies do not know how to produce enough insulin to deal with sugar within the body. You've probably seen some diabetics injecting themselves around meal times. These folks normally have bodies that do not create any insulin, so they must inject insulin as a substitute. Without it, they would not survive long.



But the effects of hypoglycemia can be quite dangerous as well. What is happening is that the body has too much insulin in its system and not enough sugars to balance it out. There are many reasons that this can happen, but needless to say, some may suffer from this and others will not. Diabetes is a disease that is quite prevalent in my family and it comes to no surprise to me that I have hypoglycemia problems and my son, who is only 16 has the same issues. Our bodies like to over produce insulin, beyond the current needs of our bodies. I have read articles that talk about the fact that persons who have to deal with hypoglycemia, will normally develop into diabetes if not taken care of properly.



First and foremost, the most effect treatment that I have for this condition is regular exercise. I find that when my body doesn't get a good walking session each day, within about a week or so, I'll start to find that I'll have insulin level problems. For some reason exercise really helps the body to stabilize the sugar/insulin levels. Next, watching one's weight is very important. If you become more than about 40 pounds overweight, you'll find that the symptoms of hypoglycemia to be more acute.



Next, not eating enough to supply your dietary needs can also cause this condition. My son, who is 16, will have hypoglycemia symptoms if he hasn't been eating enough. What are the symptoms to watch out for? Here is the short list of symptoms:



 ·         First off, you normally have felt hungry for a while.



·         Excessive sweating can be a prelude to the bigger symptoms. This sweat is unnatural and is normally a 'cold sweat'.



-         You can suffer from light headedness or dizziness.



·         More advanced symptoms can include your mind becoming anxious. You'll normally start to feel a strong fight or fleet feeling. You will be very irritable.



·         It is not unusual to have your heart starting to race in advanced symptoms.



·         You can pass out if you let it move beyond tolerable limits.



If you've not eaten for some time and you find yourself suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis before eating, consider a visit to your doctor. Avoid what you can avoid and please don't ignore these symptoms that your body is giving you that may be a more serious oncoming condition!

Dealing With Diabetes - Top 10 Symptoms of Ketoacidosis

In many cases, doctors are alerted to children having type 1 diabetes thanks to the symptoms of ketoacidosis. Where this condition is more common in adults with type 1 diabetes, there are a number of symptoms they should be on the lookout for.



It's important to note that in current times, thanks to the ability to self monitor blood glucose levels that ketoacidosis is not nearly as prevalent as it once was. However, it is still possible to run into this condition - especially if you have an insulin delivery device that could be interrupted. If you have an insulin pump under your skin, it's possible that it could malfunction without you knowing about it. You insulin delivery would then stop, your blood glucose level would rise and sure enough, you'd have ketoacidosis would develop if you were not aware of the discontinuation of insulin quickly enough.



While you may notice that you have any of the following ten symptoms and think you have ketoacidosis, the actual diagnosis is best left up to a doctor - and one in a hospital setting so that treatment can begin immediately if necessary.



The symptoms you want to be aware of include:



1. Nausea and Vomiting



This can be caused by the build up of acids in your blood along with the loss of other body substances.



2. Rapid Breathing



In this situation, you'll experience rapid breathing because your blood is so acidic that your body attempts to get rid of some of it through the lungs. One tip off here is the fruity smell of your breath due to acetone. Rapid breathing caused by this process is called Kussmaul breathing, which is named after the gentleman who first described this condition.



3. Extreme drowsiness



The reason you are tired in this situation is because your brain is enveloped in syrup like blood because it is missing the critical substances you've lost in your urine.



4. Weakness



You are weakened because your muscle tissue is not able to get glucose - the fuel that runs your body.



The next six symptoms are symptoms that your doctor will diagnose, but are symptoms you should be aware of.



5. Blood Glucose level over 300 mg/dl



6. Acid condition in your blood



7. Very high levels of ketones in your urine and blood



8. A dry tongue and skin - classic signs of dehydration



9. A significant potassium deficiency in your body



10. A fruity or acetone odor on your breath



When you doctor is confronted with most of these symptoms, but especially the last six, they will want to begin immediate treatment.

Dealing With Sick Dog Symptoms

To many animal lovers, a beloved dog is just like a member of the family. Unfortunately, unlike other members of the family, when dogs get sick they can't speak to explain to us how they're feeling. Instead, it's up to the responsible dog owner to pay attention to their dog's health, and know how to recognize symptoms of illness.



One symptom that often indicates sickness in a dog is a change in the dog's behavior or personality. Sometimes sick dogs will seem to lose interest in their favorite activities, preferring to lie around or sleep instead. A sick dog might seem excited to go out for a walk, but then tire out more quickly than usual. Dogs may act more aggressive, shy, or irritable then normal when experiencing discomfort. Pacing and unusual restlessness can also mean that the dog is in pain. If changes in personality or behavior seem to persist for more than a day or two, or are paired with any physical symptoms, it's probably time to call the vet.



Another common sign of a sick dog is changes in how much the dog eats or drinks. Refusing food can be a sign of many serious illnesses, and can be especially damaging to the health of young dogs. Drinking much more water and urinating much more often than usual are symptoms that may seem harmless, but actually might indicate serious problems including kidney trouble and diabetes. If you suspect that your dog is drinking water excessively, it's important to go to the vet as soon as possible. A dog who seems to be having trouble urinating may also be very ill, and should go to the vet immediately. A swollen belly is another sign that a dog may be sick, as is the appearance of blood in vomit, stool or urine.



Along with these symptoms, anything that would indicate illness in a human is likely to also indicate illness in a dog. Vomiting or diarrhea that occurs repeatedly is generally a sign of illness. So is fainting, coughing, fever, bruising, or any discoloration of the skin. Many dog owners ignore bite wounds inflicted by other animals, because they think that their dog will recover from their injuries on their own. This is a mistake, as such wounds may be more serious than they appear, and can easily become infected.



Whenever a dog exhibits symptoms of illness, it's important for dog owners to use their own best judgment. You are the one who knows your dog best. If you suspect that your dog might be sick, take him or her to the vet as soon as possible. Our dogs love us unconditionally, and in return we need to give them all the care that they deserve.

Diabetes - Dealing With Depression

When you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you normally go through the normal emotions of denial and anger. Unfortunately, for many, long term depression sets in. In fact, diabetics suffer from depression at a rate of 2 to 4 times the non diabetic population. And anxiety is also an issue - diabetics are 3-5 times more likely to suffer from it.



It's easy to understand. While you likely know that you've still got plenty of time left to experience many of life's great experiences, you are probably pretty overwhelmed. All the discussion of changing your lifestyle, taking medications, possible complications, blood tests, and taking insulin shots would be enough to bring even the most peppy and upbeat people down.



You know, it'd be easy for you to feel that your diagnosis is going to create huge problems for you going forward and that you have a right to be depressed. You may attempt to rationalize your feelings in some or all of these ways:



1. You feel diabetes will be problematic when you try to make new friends



2. You may be under the impression that you are now limited when it comes to sports or other activities you currently enjoy or wish to take up



3. You think you are too exhausted to battle difficulties brought on by diabetes



4. You are concerned about the potential complications your doctor spoke about when he or she gave you your diabetes diagnosis



5. You are upset that you no longer have the freedom to load up on junk food or to eat whatever you want to eat, when you want to eat it.



6. You continually focus on the minor hassles of having to deal with diabetes.



Hey, all of these concerns are certainly legitimate reasons to be concerned. But you have to realize that every single one of them can be overcome and dealt with reasonably. Many have done it in the past and many more do it today. You've simply got to get into the right frame of mind.



Here are some tips that can help keep you out of a depressed state:



1. Do your best to get your blood glucose under control. You don't want to become obsessed with it, of course, but learn how to get it under control and monitor it regularly. If you are able to do so, this will be a major positive for you.



2. Develop a habit of exercising regularly. It's not hard to do, even if you don't think you can find the time. I walk my dog for 2 miles every morning - rain or shine - and then again in the late afternoon. Went from taking me 45 minutes to just over 30 minutes in less than a month.



3. Talk with a co-worker, friend or family member about how your are feeling. Getting the thoughts out there - don't keep them inside. You'll be amazed at how much better you will feel.



4. By all means, understand that your blood glucose level will fluctuate from time to time and that it's not your fault if the number bumps up once in a while.



I know that depression can be and is a major issue for those suffering from diabetes. Know it very well. But I've had first hand success in dealing with depression issues by using these methods. Sure, there are still some down days, but whom amongst us doesn't have a down day now and again - diabetics and non diabetics alike?



I can't stress it enough. There are a lot of reasons to maintain a positive attitude along with a good sense of humor. It'll make your diabetes easier to deal with on so many levels.



Diabetes is far from a death sentence. Go out and live your life to its fullest!

Dealing With Diabetes - Detecting Prediabetes

Despite what many think, diabetes doesn't just show up without previous warning signs appearing. Full blown Diabetes can take up to ten years to manifest itself. While you may not qualify for a diagnosis of diabetes, you aren't operating in normal state either. You have what's know as prediabetes.



The good news here is that people with prediabetes normally don't have any type of eye disease, kidney disease or any type of nerve damage that you could end up with full blown diabetes. Don't think you are off the hook if you "only" have prediabetes because you are not. You are far more likely to have heart disease and brain issues than someone else that has completely normal blood glucose levels.



Before you start thinking that this is some type of unknown disease, know that well over 50 million people in the United States have prediabetes. But most have no clue that they in fact have it.



So, how do you know if you should be tested for prediabetes? Well, as a general rule, you should be tested once you reach 45. You should also be tested if you are under 45 and are overweight and have one or more of these risk factors:



1. You belong to a to a higher risk ethnic group such as African American, Hispanic, Asian or Native American.



2. If you have high blood pressure, or it runs in your family.



3. If you have low HDL or what is referred to as "good" cholesterol.



4. If you have high triglycerides



5. If there is a family history of diabetes



6. If you have diabetes during pregnancy or if your newborn baby weighed more than 9 pounds



A study conducted by Diabetes Care back in 2007 indicated that folks who are overweight or obese over age 45 should be tested for prediabetes without delay as it can be extremely cost effective to do so - especially if they begin an immediate lifestyle change and begin taking any prescribed medication.



The test for prediabetes is a simple blood test. The test will determine what your blood glucose level, which is simply the amount of sugar in your blood. Prediabetes is diagnosed when your blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not so high that it meets the standard for regular diabetes. If it is found that a random capillary blood glucose level is hither than 100md/dl, a second test is conducted, referred to as a fasting glucose (or oral) tolerance test.



So, what are the blood glucose levels that indicate you either have or don't have prediabetes?



Here are some good guidelines:



Blood Glucose Level Before Eating - Normal = Less than 100 mg/dl



Blood Glucose Level 1 Hr. after eating - Normal = Less than 140 mg/dl



Blood Glucose Level Before Eating - Prediabetes = 100-125 mg/dl



Blood Glucose Level 1 Hr. after eating - Prediabetes = 140-199 mg/dl



Some look at a prediabetes diagnosis as bad news. Quite the contrary, actually. It could be the best thing that has ever happened to you as it can provide the wake up call that you need to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle. Changes such as eating healthier and exercising on a regular basis. Both of these are areas that can prevent the onset of diabetes in folks that have prediabetes. Why not make the changes necessary now instead of ending up with diabetes later on? If you are one of those who doesn't respond to lifestyle changes, medication may be able to do the same thing for you.



If you don't find yourself motivated enough to fend off diabetes - and you will more than likely become a diabetic if you don't make changes - perhaps the fact that you will save upwards of $10,000 in future costs associated with the treatment of diabetes. Your call. You can sit and do nothing, or take the bull by the horns and be one of the 20% of folks who have prediabetes that successfully fend of diabetes itself.