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.

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.

Symptoms of Diabetes - The Diabetic Symptoms

Do you show concerned about your health or the health of a loved one? Learn about the symptoms of diabetes.



Diabetes as a disease is a state of health characterized by high level of blood sugar, known as "hyperglycemia". The hormone insulin which is concealed by pancreas, controls the sugar metabolism of the body. The high blood sugar level is either as a result of fewer production of insulin or body's resistance to insulin. By and large, there are 3 types of diabetes namely: diabetes Type 1, diabetes Type 2 and gestational diabetes.



The Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of failure of insulin production by the body while diabetes Type 2 is occurs because of failure of the body to utilize the insulin. The Type 1 diabetes is as well known as juvenile diabetes, since it was previously believed that only the kids fall victim to this type of diabetes. Last one is gestational diabetes and it looks like the Type 2 diabetes and occurs in pregnant women at any time throughout the course of pregnancy. Learn from this article that environmental factors and hereditary are responsible for causing diabetes.



Let's take a look at the symptoms of diabetes



Some symptoms of diabetes Type 1 and 2 are alike and the early diabetes symptoms are not so serious as many people overlooked it sometimes. As a result, people mostly neglect to diagnose diabetes in its initial stages. The symptoms varies from each diabetes type. Below are some of the commonly observed signs and symptoms of diabetes.



* Frequent Urination
* Increased in Thirst
* Increased Appetite
* Blurred Vision
* Increased Fatigue
* Weight Loss: The weight loss is as a result of too much loss of sugar and fluid because of polyuria.



Furthermore, glucose from the digested food does not get to the body cells. A victim of Type 1 diabetes loses weight more rapidly than a patient with other types of diabetes.



* Increased Infection and Slow Healing: The accurate cause for regular infection and slow healing among diabetes victims has not been proved yet. However, it is believed that the immune function of a diabetic patient is comparatively low as compared to a non-diabetic person. This may be due to presence of high sugar level in the blood, which in turn prevents the white blood cells from functioning as it should.



This diabetes of things are one of the common rigorous diseases in today's generation. It is a very severe disease and should not overlooked. Although, diabetes can be treated by providing insulin externally but the good way to be free from diabetes is by natural means as it has little or no side effect. Also undergoing steady blood sugar and urine tests to know if you have diabetes is recommended. Those obsessed folks and those having diabetes in their family history should be more careful.

Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy, Type 2 Diabetic Muscle Wasting and How to Prevent It

Diabetic proximal neuropathy is only one of many diabetic neuropathies. Like all the others it is the result of long-term high blood sugar, but it is not as well known as the numbness and tingling of fingers and toes that is called peripheral neropathy. Nearly every type 2 diabetic will experience it.



But not everyone with type 2 diabetes has the symptoms of muscle wasting and weakness that is diabetic proximal neuropathy. This condition is also called diabetic amyotrophy (myo- for muscles and -trophy for breaking down), and it happens after years and years of too much glucose in your blood.



The Symptoms of Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy



Diabetic amyotrophy starts with pain in the muscles of the thighs, hips, buttocks or legs. In rare cases it also affects the shoulders, but wherever it shows up, the pain is usually on only one side, or on one side more than the other.



If the cause of the muscle wasting is diabetic nerve disease, it is always in older adults who have had diabetes for a while. Type 2 diabetes has usually been damaging the blood vessels that supply nerves with oxygen, destroying the nerves slowly over time.



The effect is weakness in your legs, being unable to stand up from a chair without help. There is loss of knee and ankle reflexes too. That's one reason doctors check your reflexes at each physical by gently tapping your knee and ankle joints with a small hammer.



If diabetic proximal neuropathy continues, the result is quadriparesis, or weakness in the arms and legs. That's why it is called muscle wasting. There are other causes for this disease, such as Lou Gehrig's disease or muscular dystrophy.



But in type 2 diabetes the cause is peripheral nerve disease. Insulin resistance in the cells leads to high blood sugar that weakens veins and arteries, as well as high insulin levels that lead to inflammatory symptoms. For a long time those are hidden problems, but after a while the symptoms of pain and weakness rise up, and we are forced to face diabetic amyotrophy.



How Is Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy Diagnosed?



Doctors have tests available to them - nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography are two of them - but usually the tests aren't needed. It is easy for your doctor to see the symptoms of amyotrophy by use of reflex testing and observing how you stand and walk.



The diabetic neuropathies your doctor sees every day make diagnosing very easy. It's the treatment and prevention that concerns them the most, and it's good to know there are things that can be done.



The Treatment



Diabetic proximal neuropathy is halted and reversed by controlling your blood sugar. Using good eating habits is a great start for lowering your blood sugar. Then there is physical exercise that not only aids blood sugar control but strengthens the muscles and stimulates nerve growth.



There are medications for helping control blood sugar, too, but you need to be aware of the side effects of each diabetic medicine so you can weigh that against the positive results. You can also look into medications for nerve pain, most of which are similar to the things doctors prescribe for depression. That's because those medicines have been found effective against nerve pain.



What that means to me is if you can stay out of the depression that plagues diabetics and work on good mental health, nerve pain will be less damaging. Avoiding harmful habits like smoking, and lowering your levels of stress will also aid you in the fight against neuropathies.



If diabetic proximal neuropathy has made it difficult to get around there are good physical therapies for bringing feeling back in your legs and building muscles that have weakened. For a type 2 diabetic there is always hope because, unlike other wasting diseases, this condition responds to intervention with exercise, weight loss and physical therapy. You can slow and reverse the course of diabetic amyotrophy.



I know how hard it is to face pain. I'm afraid I don't do it very well. But if we will go ahead and walk through the pain we will get stronger and feel better. It's the only way to keep those peripheral nerve disease symptoms from taking over our lives. Let's do it.

Diabetic Rash - Signs of Diabetes

Before a person finds out they have diabetes they will start to show certain symptoms of the illness. One of these signs that will appear is a rash that will either be a darkening of the skin or even a raised area. An astute doctor may point this out to a patient as a precursor of diabetes. This rash can be a way to find out about diabetes before it has a chance to develop and stop it. However, a diabetic rash can appear after the disease has set in as well.



There are a variety of rashes caused by diabetes with different symptoms that can occur. Some rashes may be itchy and red like those of an allergic reaction. Others will simply darken the skin in small spots on the body. There is also a rash type that will cause raised bumps on the skin that have the possibility of being itchy. No matter what type of rash a person has, if it's due to diabetes there is one sure way to treat it.
 
Maintaining a proper diet that keeps sugar levels at an appropriate level when a person has diabetes will help prevent and remove rashes. Typical rash ointments and creams will also work for most types of rashes. Of course in some cases the diabetic rash may be caused by the insulin injection. If a person notices a rash in the area they receive their shot occurring soon after the shot is administered they should consult their physician immediately. Rashes should always be brought up with a doctor during appointments in case they could be caused by something other than the diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes - Is There A New Natural Treatment To Help Diabetic Kidney Failure?

Even though only a small percentage of Type 2 diabetics actually develop kidney failure, chronic damage to the kidneys eventually necessitating dialysis is one of the most dreaded complications of diabetes. For diabetics who are in the beginning stages of kidney failure and who do not need dialysis yet, the probiotic bacterium Bacillus coagulans may offer a helpful treatment.



Bacillus coagulans is a symbiotic, probiotic, helpful species of bacteria. It's not like the better-known Lactobacillus acidophilus in that it easily survives passage through the acid environment of the stomach. In fact, "digesting" this kind of probiotic activates it. The acid in the stomach dissolves it's spores, and then the spores germinate in the colon.



Once the "bug" gets into the colon, it interacts with neutrophils. These are the white blood cells that "zap" disease-causing microorganisms and zap healthy tissue at the same time. By sheer numbers, the bacteria train the immune system not to inflame and destroy healthy tissues. This keeps the neutrophils from damaging the tissues in the nose and throat when people encounter colds and flu viruses.



But that's not all B. coagulans does. It also feeds on urea and proteins that otherwise would literally clog the filtration tubes, the glomeruli, of the kidneys. It breaks down proteins to take the amino acids it needs, freeing the other amino acids to be used by its human host. In this form, excess protein in the diet... which becomes very, very difficult to avoid in diabetic kidney disease... doesn't create a problem for the kidneys. They don't have to strain out the larger protein molecules, and the body can use most of the amino acids. (The rest become urea and sugar, and B. coagulans can also break down urea).



There is never going to be a time when a Type 2 diabetic with advanced kidney failure can pop a probiotic pill and skip dialysis. However, Type 2 diabetics with early stage kidney failure may be able to buy themselves time to do the things that are fundamental to reversing kidney disease, which are keeping blood sugar levels in good control and controlling high blood pressure.



Type 2 diabetics with who do not have indwelling catheters (who don't do dialysis at home), may be able to benefit from taking capsules of this friendly bacterium, too. It's important to let the doctor know you are taking any kind of probiotic in case your treatment changes.



And even if you have a permanent catheter, Bacillus coagulans is probably safe to take. The only way you could run into a problem is that you use a "drink" form of the product, the drink gets contaminated with other kinds of microorganisms, the spill gets on your catheter, and the bacteria get inside you. The B. coagulans itself is not likely to cause any diabetics any problems, but work with your doctors, nurses, and technicians to make sure. If this complementary treatment will work for you, it will like cost less than US $1 per day.

Diabetic - Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Causes

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from diabetes then there are some symptoms that you need to look for. Your body, will show signs of diabetes and when it does you will need to seek professional advice on how to deal with it. Diabetes symptoms are often dismissed and overlooked as people think they are minor problems. Many people do not even realize that they have diabetes until they are ill will other ailments and the doctors check for diabetes.



You should learn all you can about diabetes as this will help to determine if the symptoms you are suffering from are in fact connected. There are three main types of diabetes and if you leave the condition then it can escalate very quickly to the serious type three. The most common signs of diabetes are tiredness, thirsty all of the time, a frequent need to urinate and nausea. If you are suffering from any of these then they may be the symptoms of diabetes. Although it may be other illness and conditions as well so having a regular checkup is essential.



The signs of diabetes are so non specific that many people manage to live with the condition for many years. You do however need to deal with the problem as soon as you are diagnosed as it will only get worse. The symptoms of diabetes will over time get worse and your quality of life will deteriorate but once it is diagnosed you can begin to live with the condition. In some cases with the right treatment you can reverse the diabetes and as long as you live a healthier life this will help. If the diabetes is too advanced then you may have to become dependent on insulin.



Although this may seem like a huge thing, many people live with insulin injections everyday and with a good diet and exercise routine you can remain healthy. Although people think that diabetes is often a disease which you will have for life, when you are pregnant you are more likely to suffer from it. The signs of diabetes are the same and these will often be missed due to all of the other things happening with your body. This is why it is advisable to have regular blood tests to ensure that you are fit and healthy and not suffering from the symptoms of diabetes.



If you can try and catch the symptoms of diabetes as soon as possible then you can do something about it. Having regular medical checkups with your doctor is very important and this will help to diagnose any problems straight away. As with any medical problems the sooner you have the problems diagnosed the sooner they can be treated. Although diabetes is very serious it can be treated and even if you have to depend on insulin you can lead a normal healthy lifestyle. If you leave the condition untreated then it can lead to other problems and issues which can be life threatening.

Comparing Diabetic Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

Diabetics must manage their blood glucose levels through medication, diet, exercise, and daily monitoring. Failure to do so can result in wildly fluctuating blood sugars that can lead to either diabetic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Both of these conditions are dangerous for the diabetic and can lead to other medical complications.



The following list compares the many symptoms and complications these two conditions can cause.



1. The on set of hypoglycemia is rapid while the onset of hyperglycemia is gradual and can take days.
2. Hypoglycemia will cause the person to be weepy, irritable, nervous and liable and Hyperglycemia causes a person to be lethargic
3. Concentration, coordination, speaking and the ability to focus are all affected with hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia causes confusion
4. Nightmares, shaking, hunger, headache and dizziness are seen with hypoglycemia. Thirst, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting and thirst are associated with Hyperglycemia.
5. Hypoglycemia will cause pallor and sweating. Hyperglycemia causes flushing and signs of dehydration
6. With hypoglycemia the mucous membranes will be normal, hyperglycemia the mucous membranes are often dry and crusty.
7. The breath rate remains normal during hypoglycemia and becomes deep and rapid (kussmaul breathing) during hyperglycemia
8. Heart rate with hypoglycemia will become fast (tachycardia). During times of hyperglycemia the heart rate will become slow and weak.
9. Breath odor will be normal with hypoglycemia and smell fruity with hyperglycemia.
10. Hypoglycemia will cause tremors that can later lead to hyperreflexia, dilated pupils and seizure. Paresthesia (a sensation of tingling, prickling, or numbness of the skin) can result from hyperglycemia.
11. If untreated hypoglycemia can lead to shock and coma. Hyperglycemia will progress to acidosis and coma.
12. Hypoglycemia is a blood sugar below 60 mg/dl. Hyperglycemic is a blood sugar of 250 mg/dl or more
13. During hypoglycemia the blood will be negative for ketones and have a high/large amount during hyperglycemia.
14. Osmolarity will remain normal during hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia will result in a high osmolarity.
15. Blood pH will remain normal during hypoglycemia and be low (7.25 or less) with hyperglycemia.
16. Hematocrit remains normal with hypoglycemia and is increased with hyperglycemia.
17. HCO3 remains normal with hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia will cause HCO3to become less than 20 mEq/L
18. Urine output will remain normal with hypoglycemia. Polyuria (increased urination) will occur during the early stages of hyperglycemia. Oliguria (low urine output) occurs late with hyperglycemia.
19. Urine is negative for glucose with hypoglycemia and contains a large amount with hyperglycemia.
20. Ketones will be trace or negative in urine during hypoglycemia and high with hyperglycemia.
21. Hyperglycemia will cause blurred vision and hypoglycemia will cause diplopia (double vision).



Looking at the length of this comparative list it is easy to see why monitoring and managing blood glucose levels is so important for anyone with diabetes.

What is Diabetic Hypoglycemia?

If you have diabetes you will eventually experience hypoglycemia. This condition is also referred to as low blood sugar. You can usually tell if it is coming on by certain symptoms. Once you learn the symptoms, and more importantly which ones that affect you personally, then you will know when your sugar level is starting to get to low, at which point you will just have to have something to bring your sugar level back up. Some of the different symptoms include shakiness, weakness, hungriness, feeling lightheaded and confusion.



If you do not treat hypoglycemia diabetic shock is a possibility. Hypoglycemia is the medical term for what is sometimes referred to as low blood sugar, which is basically the result of an insulin reaction. However, type 2 diabetics who do not necessarily use insulin can also experience low blood sugar. Once you learn the symptoms of hypoglycemia that affect you personally, low blood sugar is usually easy to overcome. Hypoglycemia occurs very often in diabetics as compared to non diabetic types.



It occurs when too much insulin or oral medication is taken, then not enough food is eaten in proper balance with the medication. This is why it is so important for a diabetic to closely monitor their blood sugar levels. You can also experience low blood sugar from exercising too much without the proper increase in calories and protein to match the increase in activity. While experiencing low blood sugar is a very uncomfortable feeling, it usually only takes about fifteen minutes after you eat something for the food to be absorbed by your body before you begin to feel comfortable again. So when you do experience low blood sugar, it is important not to panic. You just need to stop whatever you are doing and get something to eat. Since low blood sugar can come on very quickly, and depending on how bad of an episode you actually have, you might possibly have to stop whatever you are doing and relax after you eat something until the food has a chance to take effect. I find that orange juice reacts about the quickest. For more tips on managing your diabetic daily life, feel free to browse my website.

Diabetes and Hypoglycemia - Are You Diabetic Or Hypoglycemic?

The first thing you are anxious to know is if you are actually occupied with diabetes or hypoglycemia. You can make sure by Glucose Tolerance Test or diagnosis from a specialist or self diagnosis by observation of associated symptoms. Diabetes is a condition in which too much sugar gets deposited in the blood making the blood sugar level high. But what happens when the sugar drops too low? It's that condition identified as hypoglycemia which is not a direct side effect of diabetes but an uncommon side effect of treatment of diabetes. People who suffer from 'glycemia' associated conditions are liable to be 'hyperglycemic' with high blood sugar symptoms or 'hypoglycemic' with low blood sugar symptoms.



Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia:
Those who are hyperglycemic are susceptible to many side effects leading to functional failure of kidneys, sudden loss of total vision, cardiovascular blockage anywhere in the blood veins, degenerating in blood pumping system by heart, suffocation in breathing, back pain, bronchial pains, freezing of shoulder muscles and constant pricking and pinching at chest and hands. Above all, hyperglycemic condition is a risk factor as silent killer with anyone or two or none of these symptoms. Anyhow, diabetes and hypoglycemia with insulin resistance can be managed with synthetic medication or choosing natural remedies.



If you are reactive, you have to be well aware of your pathetic condition of diabetes low blood sugar. It is really pathetic because if undiagnosed and ignored, you will be totally collapsing in all as if your bodily system has acquired an irrecoverable setback. You will be certainly perplexed and filled with distress and anxiety. A hypoglycemic person should avoid sugary foods as hypoglycemia treatment and never miss a meal even if it is denied. If for some reason or other you happen to miss a scheduled meal, it will make your blood sugar level decrease and so symptoms will start. If the symptoms are ignored, your condition will deteriorate more and more consequently throwing you to bed ridden with coma, a serious condition which cannot be diagnosed with any hope to recover consciousness but even may end with the last breath in some cases.



I hope you identify diabetes and hypoglycemia and make sure to which category you belong. As a hypoglycemic, you need personalized diet plan. Following a right diet plan will keep your blood sugar level at control so that serious symptoms can be avoided.

Diabetic hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is common in diabetic patients with type 1 diabetes and occasionally occurs in people with type 2 diabetes who take oral hypoglycemic medications. Hypoglycemia is the result of an error in the dose of insulin, exercise and available carbohydrates usually due to a missed meal.



The symptoms of hypoglycemia from a compensatory response of autonomic nervous system and impaired brain function due to a decrease in glucose available to the brain. The onset of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients is sudden with blood glucose levels less then 45-60 mg/dL. In severe cases, death may occur.



For the diabetic there are two forms of hypoglycemia that can experience; mild and severe.



For mild hypoglycemia, immediate treatment is necessary. With diabetes experiencing hypoglycemia should take about 15 grams of fast acting sugar. This amount of sugar is found, for example, three glucose tablets, ฝ Cup of juice or regular soda, 8 ounces skim milk, five Life Savers candies, three large marshmallow or 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey. Sugar should not be added to the juice. Adding sugar sugar in fruit juice may cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, causing persistent hyperglycemia.



If symptoms of hypoglycemia are continuing to follow the 15/15 rule. Wait 15 minutes, check your blood glucose levels and if it's still low eat another 15 grams of carbohydrates. This procedure can be repeated until the blood glucose levels are back to normal. People with diabetes should have a source of carbohydrates available as long as you can deal with hypoglycemic symptoms quickly. When hypoglycemia continues to occur over two or three times a week for an adjustment of diabetes management plan may be in order.



Diabetics suffering from severe hypoglycemia often need to be hospitalized to get their symptoms under control. The criteria for hospitalization are one or more of the following.



• Blood glucose is below 50 mg/dL, and immediate treatment of hypoglycemia did not bring in the recovery of symptoms.
• Diabetic has altered behavior, convulsions or coma.
• Hypoglycemia was treated, but a responsible adult may not be with the customer for 12 hours following.
• Hypoglycemia was induced by a sulfonylurea drug.



If the diabetic is conscious and alert should be given 10 to 15 g of carbohydrate. If you are semi-conscious glucose or glucagon is given by injection or IV which is the fastest way to increase blood glucose levels. Glucagon is used in severe cases of hypoglycemia induced by insulin to increase glucose levels quickly. Acts quickly, but does not last long, so it is important that some form of carbohydrate be administered after its use to prevent the recurrence of hypoglycemia. In case of unconsciousness glucagon can cause vomiting diabetic when he regains consciousness.



Diabetic Hypoglycemia is a condition not to be taken lightly. At the first signs of its effects is important to initiate actions to counteract the effects.

Diabetic Medication - Its Side Effects And What Are They?

Metformin (Glucophage) is a drug of choice for type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent). This is an oral medication that assists in controlling the sugar levels in the blood. It can be used in combination with insulin or other drugs. Metformin can also be used in treating polycystic ovary syndrome although it's not yet officially acknowledged. Just like other medications which have side effects, Metformin side effects should also be watched for.



People who are prescribed to take this medication are required to undergo regular blood sugar level determination. Although metformin does not cause the blood sugar level to drop drastically it may cause severe hypoglycemia if used in combination with other anti-diabetic medications. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia are cool pale skin, cold sweats, anxiety, tremors, peculiar weakness or tiredness, mental confusion, excessive hunger, nausea and headache.



Metformin should never be used for patients with impaired renal functions as it could lead to a serious condition known as lactic acidosis, excessive lactic acid in the blood. People who have liver problems are also potential of developing lactic acidosis. Signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis include rapid breathing, weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness and other unusual feeling. Kidney and liver functions should be checked at least once a year to prevent future problems.



If you are prescribed to undergo an X-ray examination and an iodinated dye (contrast agent) is necessary, you need to inform your prescribing physician that you are taking Metformin. Normally, the medication has to be stopped prior and 48 hours following the diagnostic procedure. The patient should only resume the medication once kidney function test is done and is found to be in normal condition.



Aside from decreased kidney and liver functions, there are other conditions that contraindicate usage of Metformin. These conditions include diabetic ketoacidosis, dehydration, decreased blood flow to vital organs due to shock, severe infection or trauma, respiratory failure, heart failure, alcoholism, alcoholic intoxication and children under ten years old. Also, people who are sensitive to any of its components should never take the medication without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. If allergic reaction is noticed during the first dose, immediately stop taking the medication.



If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and you are taking Metformin, you should inform your physician the soonest possible time. Pregnant women are normally given insulin for a more stable control of blood sugar levels. Lactating women should also avoid Metformin since it may pass into their breast milk.



Among the Metfomin side effects, gut disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and loss of appetite are the most common that it affects more than 1 in 10 people. Taste distance, a feeling of metallic taste occurs in 1 out of 100 people. Very rare side effects are lactic acidosis, reduced vitamin B12 absorption with chronic use, and skin reaction like itching, flushing or rash.



For more detailed information regarding the side effects of Metformin, you should consult your physician or pharmacist. Avoid taking this medication without the guidance of your physician as it might lead to serious untoward reactions

Diabetic Cure - Tips to Cure Diabetes Naturally Without Injecting Insulin

We can easily get rid of diabetes by following a balanced diet. The importance of healthy diet is very essential to control the blood sugar level in our body. We mostly see obese people suffering from this problem. The excess fats in their body causes this ailment and in order to prevent themselves from this disease. They should go for diabetic cure which includes shedding those extra pounds of weight . It can be only possible with a proper food intake and a regular exercise. Reducing extra pounds from body can be the effective tips to cure diabetes without injecting Insulin.



Regular exercise will keep high metabolism in their body hence they will lose lots of calories. Eating low fat diet will keep them healthy and sugar free can be one of the best diabetic cure.



There are three types of diabetes. They are Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational. Among them, the most common form is type 2. Surveys say that around 95 percent people in US suffers from this disease. It's very common due to excess intake of junk food and their irregular habits. Avoiding junk food can be the best diabetic cure. There are numerous effective tips to cure diabetes without injecting insulin.



Tips To Cure Diabetes Naturally Without Injecting Insulin



. Exercise and diet is the best tips to cure diabetes without injecting Insulin. The change in your lifestyle for good can help you a lot as it can prove to be the best diabetic cure. A diabetic should usually take 1500-1800 calories in order to lose weight and maintain the sugar level in the body. The dynamics of carbohydrates counting plays a vital role in controlling the blood sugar level. It can prove to be the best tips to treat diabetes.



. One should eat lots of green vegetables and fruits as they contain high fibers, which helps in the reduction of glucose level from the body. One should totally avoid red meat from their diet.It can be the best tips to help diabetes naturally. Injecting insulin is not a safe diabetic cure as it can lead to certain side effects in the body.



. It is always advisable to make a diet list according to calories from a doctor or a dietitian. It will make your work much easier. You can have fishes, soy and poultry meat. While in fruits, you can have apples, which can be considered as best diabetic treatment .These can be the best tips to diabetes naturally without injecting insulin.

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment

Diabetic Neuropathy is damage to nerves caused by the prolonged effect of high sugar levels in the blood. High blood sugar is a consequence of having diabetes. Diabetics strive to manage their blood sugar levels by eating a healthy diet, exercising (and injecting insulin in some cases). It is believed that keeping blood sugar levels low or at least constant is the best way to manage diabetes and prevent further complications occurring. This article will outline the various types of neuropathy, why it is important to treat them and how they are treated.



Diabetic neuropathy can affect any nerve or system of nerves in the body and has be sub-classified by the parts of the body that they affect. The four types are :



Peripheral - that affects the extremities of the body, notably the feet.



Autonomic - that affects the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the automatic processes that go on in the body. They manifest in the stomach generally.



Proximal - the areas affects are the hips, thighs and buttocks.



Focal - a focused group of nerves in any region of the body. This is characterized by sudden 'flare ups' of irritation or pain in a specific part of the body. They are as likely to 'flare down' or dissipate with treatment as they are to 'flare up'.



The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. It generally affects the feet but can move into the legs. It is also known to affect the hands and arms but is less common. The most obvious signs of peripheral neuropathy are numbness or tingling in the feet. As the nerves become more damaged the loss of feeling in the feet increases. This insensitivity is exacerbated because the feet of diabetics are prone to cuts and bruises. Without the sensation of pain that might accompany a cut the cut can be left untreated and fester. This can lead to gangrene and infection. In some cases people have had to have feet amputated.



This is why treatment and prevention are important for diabetic neuropathy.



Treatment of diabetic neuropathy is problematic because the symptoms can affect any part of the body. Therefore the treatment of neuropathy focuses on dealing with the immediate symptoms and then working on preventing the neuropathy from worsening.



The immediate symptoms may be any form of pain or irritation in the feet, for example. A pain killing medicine might be prescribed, a cream might be administered to the area most affected or a therapeutic course of action like acupuncture, might be followed.



In conjunction with this treatment of the immediate problem, a long term prevention strategy will be advised. Long term prevention means keeping the blood sugar level low or within a target range that is recommended by your doctor. The best way to do this would be to devise and stick to a diabetic diet, exercise regularly and take insulin replacement therapy to control the blood sugar levels before or after eating. This will require a fair amount of discipline from the diabetic but the complications of diabetic neuropathy will be far worse over time if allowed to worsen.

Basic Diabetic Treatment

Diabetes, sometimes referred to as Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which an individual has a high blood sugar (glucose) level. It is the effect of the body either not producing enough insulin, or because body cells do not properly respond to the insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It enables body cells to absorb glucose, turning it into energy. If the glucose is not absorb by the body cells, the glucose accumulates in the blood (hyperglycemia), leading to various potential medical complications.



As part of the diabetic treatment, everyone with diabetes needs to choose foods wisely and be physically active. If you cannot achieve your intended blood glucose levels with wise food choices and physical activity, you may require diabetes medicines. The kind of medicine you take depends on your type of diabetes, your schedule, and your other health conditions. You may need diabetes medicines to reach your blood glucose targets. Diabetes medicines help keep your blood glucose in your target range. The target range is suggested by diabetes experts and your doctor or diabetes educator.



Insulin as Diabetic Treatment



Type1 diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is more often than not first found in children, teenagers, or young adults. If you have type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin as diabetic treatment because your body no longer makes it. You also might need to take other types of diabetes medicines that work with insulin.



Type2 diabetes, once called adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common type of diabetes. It can begin when the body does not use insulin as it should, a condition called insulin resistance. If the body cannot keep up with the need for insulin, you possibly will need diabetes medicines. Several choices are available. Your doctor might prescribe two or more medicines. The ADA recommends that most people start with metformin, a kind of diabetes pill.



Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs for the first time during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Most women with gestational diabetes control it with meal planning and physical activity. But some women need insulin to reach their target blood glucose levels. If you have one of the rare forms of diabetes, such as diabetes caused by other medicines or monogenic diabetes, talk with your doctor about what kind of diabetes medicine would be best for you.



If your body no longer makes enough insulin, you'll need to take it. Insulin is used for all types of diabetes. Your doctor can help you decide which way of taking insulin is best for you. A side effect is an unwanted problem caused by a medicine. For example, some diabetes medicines can cause nausea or an upset stomach when you first start taking them. Before you start a new medicine, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how you can avoid them. If the side effects of your medicine bother you, tell your doctor.

Diabetes Mellitus Complication - Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that may lead to irreversible blindness. Almost 80% of diabetic patients who suffered for 10 and more years are affected by this grave complication. But more recent research indicates that there are still a lot of things that can be done to treat diabetes and avoid the incidence of retinopathy. With adequate and attentive eye treatment and monitoring at least 90% of new cases of retinopathy can be reduced.



The retina is the most important inner part of the eye constructed by very specialized cells that function to receive light and convert it into an image. The retina then sends the image through the optic nerve to the brain where it is interpret accordingly.



The damage lies in small blood vessels (microvascular) of the retina. In type-1 diabetes retinopathy rarely develops before puberty, while in adults with type-1 diabetes, the incidence of retinopathy is also uncommon to appear before the fifth year of diabetes suffering. The progress of untreated diabetes goes inline with the damage of the retina. Hence it is very important to keep control on your blood sugar levels, since proper diabetes control will reduce the risk of developing retinopathy.



The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), a large medical study conducted on patients with type-1 diabetes by the United States National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) concluded that 50% - 75% of the respondents are less likely to develop diabetes microvascular complication that includes retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. This successful group was provided with tight blood sugar control combined with the administration of insulin either through an insulin pump or multiple daily injections



Eye problems in patients with type-2 diabetes are mostly detected during a diagnosis of diabetes. In such cases routine control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol level is of major importance in anticipating the incidence of retinopathy and other eye problems



Types of diabetic retinopathy:



Background retinopathy is a damage of the retina blood vessel but it does not impair vision. At this stage you should vigilantly manage your blood sugar levels to avoid the progression to a more serious eye problem.



Maculopathy is a damage of the macula, a critical part of the retina that plays an important role in our vision ability. Since the damage affects the macula vision problem will be a major sign of the condition. In serious cases, vision is reduced significantly.



Proliverative retinopathy occurs when the retina blood vessels start thinning and occluded due to insufficient oxygen supply to the retina. New vessels will then be built to compensate the damage vessels. This condition may lead to retinal detachment which will seriously impair vision.



It is necessary to be aware of other risk factors that may deteriorate the obstructed vessels. Quit smoking, routine control of hypertension and blood sugar level, and cholesterol management are good attempts to stop the development of new vessels.



Treatment of diabetic retinopathy may include laser procedures or surgery. In a study of diabetic patients with an early stage of retinopathy, laser therapy to burn the fragile vessel was showing a result of a 50% reduction of blindness.



The prevention of diabetic retinopathy is through a routine eye screening on an annual basis. Diabetic women who later become pregnant should undergo a comprehensive eye examination during the first trimester and under a close supervision of an eye doctor during the rest of their gestation to avoid serious eye impairment. Just to remind you that this does not apply to women with gestational diabetes, since they are not at risk for retinopathy

Basic Diabetic Treatment

Diabetes, sometimes referred to as Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which an individual has a high blood sugar (glucose) level. It is the effect of the body either not producing enough insulin, or because body cells do not properly respond to the insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It enables body cells to absorb glucose, turning it into energy. If the glucose is not absorb by the body cells, the glucose accumulates in the blood (hyperglycemia), leading to various potential medical complications.



As part of the diabetic treatment, everyone with diabetes needs to choose foods wisely and be physically active. If you cannot achieve your intended blood glucose levels with wise food choices and physical activity, you may require diabetes medicines. The kind of medicine you take depends on your type of diabetes, your schedule, and your other health conditions. You may need diabetes medicines to reach your blood glucose targets. Diabetes medicines help keep your blood glucose in your target range. The target range is suggested by diabetes experts and your doctor or diabetes educator.



Insulin as Diabetic Treatment



Type1 diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is more often than not first found in children, teenagers, or young adults. If you have type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin as diabetic treatment because your body no longer makes it. You also might need to take other types of diabetes medicines that work with insulin.



Type2 diabetes, once called adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common type of diabetes. It can begin when the body does not use insulin as it should, a condition called insulin resistance. If the body cannot keep up with the need for insulin, you possibly will need diabetes medicines. Several choices are available. Your doctor might prescribe two or more medicines. The ADA recommends that most people start with metformin, a kind of diabetes pill.



Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs for the first time during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Most women with gestational diabetes control it with meal planning and physical activity. But some women need insulin to reach their target blood glucose levels. If you have one of the rare forms of diabetes, such as diabetes caused by other medicines or monogenic diabetes, talk with your doctor about what kind of diabetes medicine would be best for you.



If your body no longer makes enough insulin, you'll need to take it. Insulin is used for all types of diabetes. Your doctor can help you decide which way of taking insulin is best for you. A side effect is an unwanted problem caused by a medicine. For example, some diabetes medicines can cause nausea or an upset stomach when you first start taking them. Before you start a new medicine, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how you can avoid them. If the side effects of your medicine bother you, tell your doctor.

Diabetes Mellitus Chronic Complications - What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes is chronic disease which affects the major organs of the body, including the eye leading to diabetic retinopathy. The retina is the innermost layer of the eye and it is the part of the eye that is primarily affected in diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy causes about 12,000 -24000 new cases of blindness in the United States alone and it is the leading cause of blindness amongst adults aged between20-74 years. It will affect most people with diabetes, the risk increases with the length of diabetes, the longer the diabetes, the higher the risk. Diabetic retinopathy leads to visual impairment and if not treated it leads to blindness, but loss of vision is preventable and treatable if managed in a timely manner.



Symptoms
Diabetic retinopathy progresses slowly without any noticeable symptom and the first symptom may be a severe vision limiting event.



Predisposing factors
-Long duration of disease
-Poor glucose sugar control
-Increased blood pressure
-High serum lipid concentration
-Pregnancy
-Anemia
-Kidney disease



Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy
In type 2 diabetes examination of the eye by an eye doctor{ophthalmologist} must be done first at diagnosis and then subsequently once every year. In type1 examination after 12 years of age and it must be done 3-5 years after diagnosis. The retinal examination is done with an opthalmoscope.



Management
The key to successful management is prevention.
Interventions are most useful when they are carried out early in the disease, before severe retinal damage is done. Management involves:



a} good glucose control
b} control of lipids
c} control of blood pressure
d} surgical treatment: laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy are 2 different eye surgeries that can be used to treat it.



Diabetes mellitus can also lead to other chronic complications which a diabetic also needs to be aware of.

What Are The Causes Of Diabetic Insipidus And Effective Treatment For The Disease

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare condition that occurs when the kidneys are unable to conserve water as they perform their function of filtering blood. It is often confused with diabetes mellitus because a symptom that both diseases have in common is frequent and excessive urination.



The word diabetes comes from the Greek word for siphon. A physician in ancient Greece coined the disease diabetes because sufferers passed water like a siphon.



The addition of insipidus and mellitus is to differentiate the concentration of the water passed by the person. Insipidus comes from the latin for no flavor. Urine passed by someone suffering from DI is highly diluted. Mellitus is also derived from the latin for honey and consequently diabetes mellitus (DM) is noted for passing urine that is sweet and concentrated.



There are four types of DI. These are :



Neurogenic diabetes insipidus - also called central diabetes insipidus.



This is caused when the anti-diuretic hormone or vasopressin produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland is not produced in sufficient quantity. Vasopressin causes the kidneys to preserve water but excrete the same amount of waste products.



Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) also known as vasopressin resistance because the kidneys are unaffected by the secretion of vasopressin.



NDI is believed to by genetically passed on or caused by kidney diseases or as a side-effect of using drugs like lithium for other illnesses.



The third type is called gestagenic and occurs during pregnancy.



The fourth type is known as dipsogenic DI and is characterized by excessive fluid consumption. The excess fluids cause vasopressin to be supressed.



The primary symptoms of diabetes insipidus are excessive urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia). Symptoms for diabetes insipidus will be markedly abrupt. The sufferer will want to drink vast quantities of water. They will have difficulty sleeping as they will want to go to the toilet all the time. In the case of children there will be frequent bed wetting.



Diabetes insipidus testing involves a fluid deprivation test. As the name suggests the patient avoids drinking any fluids for a prescribed time period. The urine is then analyzed to determine it's concentration and composition.



Diabetes insipidus treatment involves having a good and plentiful source of fluid. In the case of neurogenic DI the drug desmopressin is taken to control the frequent thirst and urination.



There is no natural cure for diabetes insipidus but it doesn't pose any serious complications to the health if the person can take on fluids whenever they feel thirsty. It is confused with diabetes mellitus because the symptoms are similar but testing will determine which disease the person may be afflicted with.

Diabetic Symptoms and Signs of Diabetes

Are you worried that you are suffering from diabetes? Are you thinking that either you or someone you love is experiencing some signs of diabetes? If your answer is yes then the good thing is that you have reached the right place. As following article will guide you in such a way that by the time you finish reading it you'll have a clearer picture in your mind.



Here you'll find brief outline of signs and symptoms of diabetes. If any one or more than one of these symptoms are experienced then it is important that you should consult the doctor as early as possible to have the blood test done.



Diabetic Symptoms



Whenever the diabetes sets in the blood sugar level of the body start to rise. The increased blood sugar level causes different symptoms and signs of diabetes. Most common diabetic symptoms are



Polyuria: The body in an attempt to get rid of excessive glucose in the blood draws extra water from the body tissues. The result is that an increased amount of urine is produced. An adult person may have to wake up several times during the night to urinate. If the problem is experienced by a child suddenly he may start to wet the bed.



Polydipsia: The body needs to replace that too much of water that has been expelled by the body in the form of urine. This need of the body results in excessive urination.



Polyphagia: The body's need of energy cause this signs of diabetes. The leading cause is that cells of the body are unable to draw glucose from the blood. The cells than feel energy starved and give the signal of being hungry to brain.



Exhaustion, Fatigue and Tiredness: This sign of diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use the provided sugar as cells are unable to convert it into energy. The diabetic symptom is further intensified if the body becomes unable to store the consumed carbohydrates in the form of energy.



Recurrent Infections and Slow Healing Cuts And Bruises: The perfect breeding environment for yeast and bacteria are high sugar surroundings. The women that are suffering from high-level of blood sugar most of the times develop urinary tract infection or vaginal infection.



Numbness or Tingling In Hand And Feet: The damage to the blood nerves caused by consistent high blood sugar results in tingling or numbness sensation.



Trouble Getting Erection: Nerve damage and poor circulatory system is again the culprit here.



Dry and Itchy Skin: Tiny crystals of sugar just beneath the surface of the skin cause the diabetics to feel itchy.



Blurriness in Vision: There can be microscopic bleeding in retina of the diabetics. This may cause blurriness in visions.



Dehydration: If the fluids of the body are not properly replaced; it may cause dehydration



Serious Diabetic Symptoms: Some serious signs of diabetes include



--Vomiting



--Nausea



--Abdominal cramps



--Fruity smell in breath