Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes

Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.



Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.



If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.



Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.



Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.

Type 2 Diabetes - Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease at the same time in 2000. I couldn't recall now what my reaction was when the doctor told this to me, but I guess I was surprised.  Surprised I was because apart from the hard to breathe episode that I experienced about two days before I went to the doctor for a checkup, I couldn't remember feeling anything that would indicate that I had diabetes and it was causing my heart to become diseased.



As I recall, my highest blood pressure reading was 180/130 or thereabouts. However, I have no recollection of what my blood sugar level reading was back then but I do remember going to a clinic one time to have it tested and the nurse told me it was high. How high I don't really know. I didn't care because I did not feel ill at all. Even when they told me I should check my blood pressure, I still continued with my unhealthy diet, sedentary life style and worse, smoking. I was kind of proud actually thinking that even as my blood sugar was high and my blood pressure too, I wasn't feeling sick and I did not experience anything bad or life threatening. Little did I know that diabetes and heart disease were already lurking within my body, just waiting for the right time to manifest themselves.



The signs and symptoms were there although I chose to ignore them. Looking back, I should have known that my feelings and behavior exhibited classic symptoms hyperglycemia, a blood sugar imbalance where blood sugar is high. Now, I am suffering the consequences of that ignorance. 



In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels slowly rise so that the symptoms develop throughout the years or they may not show at all.  In my case, the signs and symptoms that I concretely remember were my repeated trips to the bathroom, frequent thirst, and fatigue. I would wake up several times at night with the urge to urinate but I associated it with the glass of water I drank before going to bed.   During the day, I remember that I needed to drink water a lot although I thought it was only because of the heat. I was easily tired but I thought it was only because I lacked exercise. It's true what medical books say about diabetes. The signs I ignored developed gradually on me so I tended to overlook them. 



I have an automatic blood pressure monitor at home that I can use. It was a gift from a cousin who lives in California. I also have a blood sugar monitor that I do not use because that thing where you have to put the blood on is quite expensive here in the Philippines and I rather spend my money on medicines. Instead, I usually go and have an Hba1c test every three months, which doctors say is more reliable in indicating whether I am controlling my diabetes or not.



There is no cure for diabetes; you can only control and manage it by medication, proper diet and exercise. Without these three things, untreated or poorly managed diabetes can lead to further serious and life-long complications. My heart disease was exacerbated by diabetes and until now, I am still battling against both on a daily basis.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms: Recognizing the Symptoms May Save Your Life

It is noted that 90 percent of the population with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes symptoms, or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. This can also be termed as adult-onset diabetes. Unlike Type I diabetes, Type 2 diabetes symptoms seems hardly noticeable. A person with Type II diabetes will all of a sudden notice some symptoms that aren't the norm for that person. If that person is overweight with some of that 'middle age spread', they will note they are fatigued and put it down to being overweight.



A person will begin to be aware ever so gradually with the increase of fatigue. Others, and not all symptoms apply to all people, will notice an increase in drowsiness. Again, one may put it down to age, weight or busy life style. Other symptoms which should be watched, could be increased thirst, blurred vision, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, slow healing of any cut or scrape, frequent skin infections or itchy skin.



Below is a list of common symptoms:



Fatigue Drowsiness Increased thirst Blurred vision Unexplained weight loss Frequent skin infection Numbness in toes Overweight yeast infections of vagina and penis frequent urination slow healing itchy skin increased hunger



Sometimes it may seem there are really no Type2 diabetes symptoms at all as they may not be hardly noticeable. Then possibly a few symptoms may appear and they go undiagnosed. If these symptoms are not checked out by a doctor there could be serious complications, possibly a heart attack or stroke. There may not be any obvious symptoms that are experienced but the disease may be damaging the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys and many other organs. Not all of the damage to the organs is permanent; with early treatment some can be prevented.



Of course there are some Type 2 diabetes symptoms which are blatant warnings and people who are at higher risk are those that are overweight, those that are 65 years of age or older, those that are younger than 65 years of age and don't exercise regularly, giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or have a parent or sibling with diagnosed diabetes.



If you have a parent with Type 2 Diabetes there is a 15% chance that you may develop the disease. If both parents had Type 2 diabetes your risk factor increases to 50%, if a sibling has Type 2 Diabetes your risk factor is 10%. If your twin has type 2 diabetes your risk factor is 90%. Your risk can be overwhelmingly reduced though with some lifestyle changes in diet and knowing your blood sugar levels

Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes

Although diabetes is a lifelong condition, it doesn't have to diminish your quality of life. By recognizing the early symptoms of diabetes, you can significantly minimize complications and halt the progression of this disease. Being alerted to these changes in your body will allow you to seek immediate and effective treatment.



Some of the early signs of diabetes can mimic other conditions, so if you experience any of these symptoms, check with a medical professional to determine the actual cause. Diabetes can begin to make changes in your body in subtle ways, like increased irritability or fatigue. Most people can relate to feeling this way at one time or another and these symptoms may not reflect anything other than stress or lack of sleep. However, if these signs are present along with frequent urination, blurred vision or a dramatic or unusual weight loss, it's time to talk to a doctor.



Perhaps the most common and certain early symptom of diabetes is an increase in urination. This occurs because of the insulin imbalance in the body. In the digestion process, if the sugar in the food is not properly broken down, it is deposited in the blood. The kidneys, which is the body's filtration system, must then work harder to remove the impurities of the increased sugar. This all results in frequent urination as well as increased thirst to compensate for the overworking of the kidneys.



Another important early symptom of diabetes includes a constant and annoying feeling of hunger. This is because your body is not digesting your food at the maximum level, and is thereby creating a false sense of emptiness. An increase in infections, particularly yeast infections, and an inability to heal at a normal rate are also symptoms that could signal the onset of diabetes. These signs point to a diminished immune system that is created in a diabetic condition. Tender gums are another subtle sign of this illness. Many times your dentist may be the first one to notice this early symptom and recommend testing for this condition. Tingling sensations in the extremities also signal diabetes and results from the debilitating effect of the excess blood sugar on the body's nerves.



When you recognize these early symptoms of diabetes, you are in the perfect position to take a positive step forward in your healthcare. An early diagnosis of diabetes leads to an effective treatment plan. Since diabetes is treatable, but not curable, it's important to correctly balance the amount of insulin production in your body before any damage occurs to the major organs. Consider these early signs as your body's way of getting your attention before it gets too late.

Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms

If you happen to be a diabetic or know one who is, recognizing what diabetic symptoms are is important. This is also true if you have a strong family history of diabetes; you'll want to be aware of the symptoms in case you develop the disease, too.



It's important to know that not all cases of diabetes will show diabetes symptoms unless the diabetes is severe. Others will have early symptoms that can be picked up if one is vigilant. For example, one symptom of early diabetes is that of episodes of "low blood sugar", also called hypoglycemia. With this symptom, a person will experience shakiness, sweating, hunger pangs and dizziness because the insulin has overshot the target blood sugar.



Those with diabetes symptoms related to very high blood sugar often feel a general sense of illness, weight loss and nausea. They can also feel dizzy or light-headed. When these symptoms occur, the blood sugar is often greater than 300 mg per deciliter but can be as high as 600 milligrams per deciliter. Blood sugars above 600 milligrams per deciliter can cause an altered sense of consciousness and a diabetic coma.



Those with Type I diabetes have slightly different diabetes symptoms. These individuals have some of the same symptoms of Type II diabetes but can get into much more severe symptoms such as diabetic ketoacidosis. This occurs when byproducts of metabolism, called ketones, build up in the body. This causes stomach pains, generalized loss of consciousness and coma, which can be fatal. Type I diabetics can also have symptoms of low blood sugar if they take too much insulin.



Diabetics can develop diabetic symptoms, even if they are in moderate control. Diabetics carry a risk of losing nerve function to the nerves of the legs, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This results in the inability to feel things with one's feet. Diabetic foot ulcers can develop as a result of poor nerve and circulatory function.



Diabetics can develop the diabetic symptom of poor vision. This is because untreated diabetes causes changes in the blood vessels in the eyes so that the vision becomes poor. The condition is called diabetic retinopathy and can be treated by using laser treatments to the retina.



Kidney disease is another diabetic symptom. This generally happens when the diabetes is poorly treated. There may or may not be actual symptoms, like water retention, but tests will show that the kidneys are failing. This can lead to needing a kidney transplant or dialysis if the symptoms are severe.



The cardiovascular system can play a role in diabetes. Peripheral vascular disease, or poor circulation to the legs, is a diabetic symptom. This can result in cold feet or foot ulcers in diabetics. The heart can also be involved. Diabetes is a risk factor for having a heart attack. This is the biggest reason why early and careful control is important for diabetics at all stages of the disease. In fact, most of the complications of diabetes can be improved by improving the various diabetic symptoms early.

Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes

Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.



Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.



If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.



Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.



Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.

Recognizing Diabetic Symptoms

Per la maggior parte delle persone i sintomi del diabete non sembrano molto gravi quando prima viverle. Infatti la grande maggioranza dei diabetici diagnosticate. C'è una stimata 17 milioni diabetici negli Stati Uniti da solo, e si stima che 5,9 milioni devono ancora essere diagnosticati con questa malattia in pericolo di vita.



Molte persone possono anche esprimere una sorta di incredulità quando essi sono diagnosticati con il diabete. I sintomi diabetici possono sembrare così minori che dicendo "Non mi sento diverso" o "Non sento malata" è una risposta piuttosto standard per molte persone di recente diagnosticata. Perché i sintomi possono sembrare piuttosto minori quando iniziano le prime possono essere attribuiti ad altre condizioni o problemi. Purtroppo il diabete è una malattia grave ed è la sesta causa di morte per malattia negli Stati Uniti oggi.



Secondo l'associazione americana del diabete i sintomi più comuni del diabete includono:



minzione frequente o - causata da glicemia alta che aumenta il flusso di sangue ai reni.



o sete eccessiva - risultati dalla disidratazione dall'aumentato output urinario.



fame estrema o - perché il glucosio è in grado di ottenere nelle cellule del corpo, dalla mancanza di insulina, il corpo soffre di un deficit energetico, causando fame.



o perdita di peso insolito - nonostante mangiare più il corpo in realtà perde peso come si scompone le proteine e grassi per compensare il deficit di energia percepita.



o maggiore fatica - causata dalla diminuzione dell'energia



o irritabilità



o visione sfocata - causato dal volume maggiore di sangue che provoca un gonfiore della lente dell'occhio.



È facile capire perché questi sintomi possono essere scambiati per qualcosa di diverso da diabete. Ci sono molte condizioni di giorno in giorno che potrebbero causare alcuni di questi sintomi. Per esempio lo stress della vita quotidiana può portare a stanchezza o irritabilità e come può la depressione che può anche causare la perdita di peso. Qualsiasi numero di malattie minori come il raffreddore o l'influenza può anche causare il diabete come sintomi.



Come il diabete ottiene progressivamente peggio quindi saranno questi sintomi. Un'altra cosa da tenere a mente è che a differenza di sintomi associati con una malattia o di altri problemi nella vita di che questi non andrà via. Se l'esperienza di uno qualsiasi di questi sintomi e non vanno via è importante pianificare un appuntamento medici e discutere i sintomi con un medico.



Viene diagnosticato il diabete prima può essere intrapreso il trattamento preventivo prima. Questo è importante perché più lungo che è lasciata non trattata più danni che può fare per il corpo e i suoi sistemi di organi. Mentre non vi è alcuna cura per il diabete che può essere gestito con successo con i cambiamenti di stile di vita positivo.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

A complication that all people with diabetes need to be aware of and on the lookout for is diabetic neuropathy. This is a disorder of the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves in the outermost portions of the body (feet, hands, etc.). Recognizing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are of major importance because to miss them can have life altering or even threatening affects.



Diabetic neuropathy is caused by the walls of the blood vessels that supply the nerves becoming thicker. The end result of this is less nutrients are unable to get to the nerves as well as a demyelinization (destruction of the myelin sheath that protects nerves) of the Schwann cells that surround and insulate the nerves. This slows the ability of the nerves to conduct impulses back to the brain. Sorbitol also forms and accumulates in the Schwann cells causing further nerve conduction impairment.



There are two forms of neuropathies that can form with diabetes; polynueropathies and mononeuropathies. Polynueropathies are the most common in those with diabetes and is a bilateral sensory disorder. The symptoms for this form of diabetic neuropathy are most common in the toes and feet and normally appear there first. The finger and hands can also be affected but this usually occurs during the later stages of the disease. Where the symptoms appear will depend on what nerves fibers are affected.



The symptoms can differ among individuals and is dependent on the amount of damage done to the nerves. It is a disorder that will get progressively worse if the diabetes is not properly managed. The first signs will normally be a subjective change in sensation in the extremities that can include numbness and tingling.



Other symptoms can include an aching pain, a burning or shooting sensation, or feeling like you have cold feet. As the neuropathy progresses the symptoms can include impaired sensations of pain, touch, temperature, vibration, and two-point discrimination. The only way to treat polyneuropathy is through management of the diabetes itself.



Mononeuropathies are isolated events that affect single nerves. The symptoms of this form of neuropathy are entirely dependent on which nerve is affected. They can affect the oculomotor nerve which can lead to headache, eye pains and an inability to move the eye in any direction.



Another symptom of mononeuropathies is Radiculopathy which is characterized by pain that seems to radiate from the spine to extend outward to cause symptoms away from the source of the spinal nerve root irritation. It is thought to be caused by an inadequate blood supply to the spinal nerve roots.



All diabetics, whether type 1 or type 2, need to be aware of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. The sooner it is brought to the attention of the diabetics health care providers the sooner it can be managed through proper lifestyle choices that are centered on diet, exercise, and proper medical management.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

A complication that all people with diabetes need to be aware of and on the lookout for is diabetic neuropathy. This is a disorder of the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves in the outermost portions of the body (feet, hands, etc.). Recognizing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are of major importance because to miss them can have life altering or even threatening affects.



Diabetic neuropathy is caused by the walls of the blood vessels that supply the nerves becoming thicker. The end result of this is less nutrients are unable to get to the nerves as well as a demyelinization (destruction of the myelin sheath that protects nerves) of the Schwann cells that surround and insulate the nerves. This slows the ability of the nerves to conduct impulses back to the brain. Sorbitol also forms and accumulates in the Schwann cells causing further nerve conduction impairment.



There are two forms of neuropathies that can form with diabetes; polynueropathies and mononeuropathies. Polynueropathies are the most common in those with diabetes and is a bilateral sensory disorder. The symptoms for this form of diabetic neuropathy are most common in the toes and feet and normally appear there first. The finger and hands can also be affected but this usually occurs during the later stages of the disease. Where the symptoms appear will depend on what nerves fibers are affected.



The symptoms can differ among individuals and is dependent on the amount of damage done to the nerves. It is a disorder that will get progressively worse if the diabetes is not properly managed. The first signs will normally be a subjective change in sensation in the extremities that can include numbness and tingling.



Other symptoms can include an aching pain, a burning or shooting sensation, or feeling like you have cold feet. As the neuropathy progresses the symptoms can include impaired sensations of pain, touch, temperature, vibration, and two-point discrimination. The only way to treat polyneuropathy is through management of the diabetes itself.



Mononeuropathies are isolated events that affect single nerves. The symptoms of this form of neuropathy are entirely dependent on which nerve is affected. They can affect the oculomotor nerve which can lead to headache, eye pains and an inability to move the eye in any direction.



Another symptom of mononeuropathies is Radiculopathy which is characterized by pain that seems to radiate from the spine to extend outward to cause symptoms away from the source of the spinal nerve root irritation. It is thought to be caused by an inadequate blood supply to the spinal nerve roots.



All diabetics, whether type 1 or type 2, need to be aware of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. The sooner it is brought to the attention of the diabetics health care providers the sooner it can be managed through proper lifestyle choices that are centered on diet, exercise, and proper medical management.

Recognizing When Your Cat Has A Urinary Tract Infection

A cat urinary tract infection can often be indicative of more serious problems lurking under the cover of the infection. Compounding the problem of how quickly the infection can spread, cats are notoriously clever when it comes to hiding the fact that they are in pain, thus making it even more difficult to catch it in time. Unfortunately, for many cats and their owners, the infection can progress very quickly until it results in the loss of the cat's life.



Male cats tend to suffer from urinary tract infections more often than female cats. They are also more prevalent amongst older cats, as they are more likely to develop kidney problems, which can lead to a blocked urinary tract and an infection.



There are some telltale signs that a feline is ill with a cat urinary tract infection though these may not be noticed if the cat is an indoor and outdoor cat. One of the first symptoms that a cat has a urinary tract infection is that it will avoid urinating in its litter box. Instead, it will urinate in different locations around the house; seeming to prefer cool locations such as tiled floors or even in bathtubs and sinks.



This avoidance of the litter box is because the cat begins to associate the litter box and the passing of urine with pain, and so they avoid using the box. If the cat is an outdoor cat and it does not use a litter box it is possible that you may not notice this symptom at first. Other symptoms include straining while urinating and quite possibly yowling with pain at the same time. The urine will normally smell much stronger than normal, and occasionally, especially as the infection progresses; you may notice blood in the urine.



Another typical symptom is excessive licking of the genital area. Whenever a cat feels discomfort or pain their natural reaction is to lick the area in an effort to quicken the healing. While this may work for other wounds, unfortunately it is of little value if a cat has a cat urinary tract infection. You may also notice that your cat is much more thirsty than usual. As the infection progresses, the cat will become increasingly listless and will be obviously unwell.



An untreated cat urinary tract infection can lead to an obstructed urinary tract, which if left untreated, is likely to result in permanent damage or death. If a cat is unable to urinate due to having a blocked urethra toxins that are normally excreted via the urine will instead build up in the blood, bringing a cat to the point of death in as little as 72 hours.



When caught in the early stages, the cat will be treated with antibiotics. You will be encouraged to provide plenty of fresh drinking water, switch to feeding your cat several small meals each day and you may also be advised to change the brand of cat food to one which is low in magnesium. If your cat is not diagnosed early enough, treatment may include a stay at the veterinary office, catheterization and IV fluid administration. In some situations, surgery to remove any blockage may also be indicated.

Recognizing the Symptoms and Causes of Canine Pancreatitis and How to Treat It

Will the dog die from canine pancreatitis?



Can something be done to make sure it doesn't appear?



If my dog has Canine Pancreatitis, how do I treat it?



For the first question, you should know that only the cases that get to severe stages can become fatal. The other two questions can be answered if you know how the Pancreas works and what it is.



The disease appears when those enzymes leak instead of getting to the intestines. The end result is an inflammation, which as it advances, so does the severity of the disease.



There are a number of causes which make this disease to appear. Below you can see some of the possible causes for Canine pancreatitis:



- a diet with too much fat
- obesity
- a disease of the liver
- traumas
- drug reactions
- giving the pet too many leftover that are fatty



Some of the symptoms that you can expect:



- decreased appetite
- abdomen that hurts
- greasy and yellow feces
- dehydration
- vomit



If the pancreatitis is acute, these are the symptoms that you can expect:



- body wide spread infection
- heart rhythm that is irregular
- organs get inflamed if they're in the vicinity of the pancreas



Another side effect of acute pancreatitis is that the dog might get a disseminated intravascular coagulation. To put it simply, this happens when the white blood cells increase and the blood clots. When the blood begins to clot it can't be reversed and it will kill the dog in most cases.



There are two main things you should do to treat him:



- giving him fluid therapy
- don't give him water or food for 1-2 days



When the dog doesn't get any water or food, the pancreas has the chance to stop the production of enzymes, so the inflammation isn't stimulated anymore. After one or two days, you can start reintroducing the food, and it should consist of food that is easy to digest, with low protein and fat. If the dog is dehydrated, they can receive fluids intravenously, so they get their electrolyte and hydration balance.



If you have reason to suspect that your dog suffers from canine pancreatitis, you should visit a doctor immediately.

Canine Frostbite - Recognizing and Treating It

Our pets cannot tell us when they have a cold, their joints are stiff or their paws become numb from cold weather conditions. We find out only when we realize our beloved friend is suffering and in pain or discomfort.



Frostbite is a condition that should be taken seriously as it can quickly jeopardize your pet's health even leading to death. Frostbite occurs as a result of exposure to freezing or subfreezing temperatures. It most commonly affects the tips of the ears, the scrotum, the tail, and the paws, and the toes. When your four legged friend is in a cold environment their body responds by reducing blood flow to the outermost body parts. This allows blood flow to their vital organs, but decreases the oxygen and warmth in the extremities, allowing ice crystals to form in the tissue.



Frostbite and hypothermia are not the same thing. Hypothermia is when a canine's body temperature drops and stays below the normal range of 100.4 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A dog can experience both frostbite and hypothermia if they remain in cold weather. Symptoms may be patches of frostbitten skin as well as damage to internal organs. Some dogs will not survive this combination. Additional items working against survival are windy conditions, a wet coat, heart conditions, diabetes and age.



To prevent frostbite first and foremost, use some common sense. Limit and monitor time outdoors during cold weather. When accompanying your friend outdoors periodically warm their ears between your hands and check their paws to keep snow and ice from collecting between toes. If you reside in a cold winter climate, watch for hard tissue varying in color from pale to gray. When the area defrosts the skin will redden and become tender. In severe cases the tissue will turn black within a few days and die.



Think your dog has frostbite? Do not self diagnosis and do not wait, get your friend to a vet ASAP! As you head to the vet you are working against the clock. Time is crucial as are your actions. Wrap your dog in a dry towel or a warm blanket (not hot) from the dryer. You can also gently warm the area with a washcloth and lukewarm water. Never use a heating pad or a hot water bottle. This could damage nerves and blood vessels. Do not rub or massage the affected area. As the tissue warms, frostbite turns painful and can cause an accelerated heart rate due to pain as the circulation returns. Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed to prevent infection and relieve pain. In severe cases, amputation or surgical removal of affected tissue is not uncommon.



In some parts of the world winter is cold, harsh and unforgiving. Do not rely on your dog's "winter coat" to protect them from the elements. It is up to you to monitor their time outdoors and vigilantly be aware of frostbite and its symptoms. Keep your friend warm, happy and healthy through the up and coming winter months.

Recognizing the First Signs of Diabetes

There are an estimated 17 million people who suffer from diabetes in the United States today. This is an estimate because it is believed that almost 5.9 million of those people have not been diagnosed as diabetic by a doctor. Part of the reason for this is the fact that many times the first signs of diabetes are not that severe.



In fact many of those people who do go to the doctor because of the cause of their unknown symptoms are quite surprised when they are diagnosed with diabetes. That's because during the early stages of this disease the symptoms are minor and are just kind of annoying. Many people who do get diagnosed are heard to remark "I don't feel sick".



Many people who are diagnosed as diabetic are done so after visiting their doctor because they think they are suffering from some other malady. Many of the early warning signs do mimic other diseases and conditions so it's easy to see why this occurs.



Unfortunately dismissing these signs and symptoms can lead to a multitude of life threatening complications that include cardiovascular and heart problems, blindness, nerve damage, and many others. The sooner the diabetic is diagnosed the sooner they can begin to manage this disease and mitigate the complications it causes. At the present diabetes is sixth on the list of diseases that result in death.



The classic first signs of diabetes as listed by the American Diabetes Association include:



1. Urination Frequency - High blood sugar levels increases the amount of blood that flows through the kidneys, resulting in an increase in urine levels.



2. Extreme Thirst - Dehydration caused by the increased urinary output results in the diabetic drinking large amounts of water.



3. Feeling of Being Hungry all the Time - Insulin is the primary hormone that transports glucose from the blood stream and into the cells. Glucose is the primary source of cellular energy. Because diabetes is an absence of insulin or the inability of insulin to do its job (insulin resistance) the cells do not receive the glucose they need which results in hunger pains.



4. Weight Loss - This happens despite the fact that the diabetic is eating more. Again this has to do with the perceived energy shortage. The human body will begin to cannibalize itself, breaking down lean muscle mass to provide the cellular energy it thinks needs.



5. Fatigue - Feelings of being tired all the time are caused by the decrease in cellular energy levels.



6. Depression and Irritability.



7. Eye Problems - High blood glucose levels cause in increase in blood volume which can cause the lens of the eye to swell.



As you can see these symptoms don't seem that bad and would give a person little reason to see a doctor. This is particularly true if you only have one or two of them, but eventually those with diabetes will begin to suffer from a majority of these symptoms that will get progressively worse.



The sooner you act on these first signs of diabetes the better your chances of being properly diagnosed. This is important because while diabetes does not have a cure it can be successfully managed with a healthy diet, exercise, and medication. Proper management is the key to minimizing the complication it causes and living a long and healthy life.

Recognizing Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms in Teens

Teenagers are at a higher risk for iron deficiency anemia due the rapid rate at which they are growing during these years. As the body grows, it requires larger amounts of nutrients, including iron, which it receives from the blood. If the blood is not replenished with iron, anemia can set in. So combine teenage growth spurts with a diet lacking iron-rich foods and you could have a case of teenage anemia to deal with.



There are other risk factors for teenage anemia mostly targeting teenage girls. Teen girls are at a higher risk for anemia since the body loses iron during menstruation and girls usually do not compensate for that loss by eating more iron-rich foods. Anemia is more likely to develop in teen girls who become pregnant also. Lastly, becoming a vegetarian or dieting to lose weight can cause anemia to develop since the present of red meat, which is a prime source of iron, is lacking in these lifestyles.



Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Anemia



The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can be mild and hard to notice. Often, if the anemia is mild, there may be no symptoms at all. Even when there are noticeable symptoms, frequently they are dismissed as a bug or even just due to the fact that teens often don't eat as well as they should or sleep as much as they should. The most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are fatigue or weakness, pale skin color caused by fewer red blood cells in the blood, and trouble concentrating or remembering most likely caused by less oxygen in the blood flowing to the brain. As you can see, many normal teens without anemia can display these symptoms for any number of reasons.



Other, more noticeable, symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia in teens are a faster pulse caused by the heart beating harder to pump more oxygen into the blood, shortness of breath when running or climbing stairs (or any type of exertion), and frequent or severe headaches. The most disturbing symptoms can be sudden severe nosebleeds that may or may not accompany the headaches. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms can also be explained by other causes.



The best advice is to watch your teen. If you notice a combination of these symptoms lasting for more than a couple of days, you should schedule a visit with your teen's doctor. The doctor will ask a series of questions to determine whether or not your teen should be tested for anemia. Luckily, a simple blood test is all that is needed to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia.



Treatment For Iron Deficiency Anemia



If your teen is diagnosed as having iron-deficiency anemia, an iron supplement will most likely be prescribed once or twice a day for a time depending on how severe the anemia is. Your doctor may also recommend, and it is a good idea to, making some lifestyle changes involving a healthier diet consisting of dark green vegetables, legumes and small amounts of red meat as well. Your teen should also try hard to get at least eight hours of sleep a night, which is the minimum amount recommended for children growing at the speed that adolescents are. With the proper diet and sleep, as well as the iron supplements, the anemia should subside within a couple of weeks.

Recognizing Anemia in People With Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common condition affecting millions of people world wide. It is believed that every hour a person is diagnosed with diabetes worldwide. Anemia is an extremely common symptom and also secondary condition in people who suffer with diabetes.



High blood sugar is actually a condition that affects the kidneys and the kidneys produce erythropoietin hormone. This hormone is essential to control the production of the red blood cell and in people with diabetes the production of red blood cells may not happen normally leading to anemia. The most common symptoms of anemia are palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, pale skin color, hair loss and also dark circles around the eye. This condition when noticed in diabetic people it can be a sign of anemia.



In order to avoid anemia, people suffering from diabetes should be regular with their meals and also should not follow an irregular diet or timings of food. It is extremely important for diabetic people to have food on time. Diabetes also controls the way the nervous system responds to anemia and it can further cause certain nutritional deficiencies in the body. Another problem that having high blood sugar causes is that the medication taken for the cure of the condition might actually add to the anemic condition making the person weaker. People with high blood sugar may already suffer from conditions like weakness and hypertension. Anemia may also further aggravate these symptoms by causing more weakness, and also increasing the hypertension. Alternate therapies like Ayurveda are known to have very good cures for conditions like anemia and diabetes.

Recognizing Diabetic Symptoms

For most people the symptoms of diabetes do not seem very serious when they first experience them. In fact a great majority of diabetics go undiagnosed. There is an estimated 17 million diabetics in the United States alone and it is estimated that 5.9 million have yet to be diagnosed with this life threatening disease.



Many people may even express some sort of disbelief when they are diagnosed with diabetes. The diabetic symptoms can seem so minor that saying "I don't feel any different" or " I don't feel sick" is a pretty standard response for many people newly diagnosed. Because the symptoms can seem rather minor when they first start they can be attributed to other conditions or problems. Unfortunately diabetes is a serious disease and is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States today.



According to the American Diabetes Association the most common symptoms of diabetes include:



o Frequent urination - Caused by high blood glucose which increases blood flow to the kidneys.



o Excessive thirst - Results from dehydration from the increased urinary output.



o Extreme hunger - Because glucose is unable to get into the body's cells from the lack of insulin the body suffers from an energy deficit, causing hunger.



o Unusual weight loss - Despite eating more the body actually loses weight as it breaks down proteins and fats to make up for the perceived energy deficit.



o Increased fatigue - Caused by the decrease in energy



o Irritability



o Blurry vision - Caused by the increased blood volume that causes a swelling of the lens of the eye.



It's easy to see why these symptoms may be mistaken for something other than diabetes. There are many day to day conditions that could cause some of these symptoms. For instance the stress of everyday life can lead to fatigue or irritability and as can depression which can also cause weight loss. Any number of minor illnesses such as colds or the flu can also cause diabetes like symptoms.



As the diabetes gets progressively worse so will these symptoms. Another thing to keep in mind is that unlike symptoms associated with an illness or other problems in life these will not go away. If your experience any of these symptoms and they do not go away it is important to schedule a doctors appointment and discuss your symptoms with a physician.



The sooner diabetes is diagnosed the sooner preventative treatment can be undertaken. This is important because the longer it is left untreated the more damage it can do to the body and its organ systems. While there is no cure for diabetes it can be successfully managed with positive lifestyle changes.

Diabetes, Recognizing the Signs, and Symptoms

Do you find yourself going to the bathroom more than usual? Are you unusually hungry or thirsty? Is fatigue a normal, everyday feeling? Does spontaneous, blurred vision interfere with you daily life? If this sounds like you, you may have Diabetes. Diabetes effects over sixteen million Americans, and many people are unaware they have it. Every day, 2,200 new cases of Diabetes are diagnosed in the United States. Diabetes is characterized by a high level of sugar in the blood, as a result of defective insulin secretion, or insulin resistance. Although we tend to group all people with Diabetes together, the truth is that there are two different types of Diabetes that are similar in their elevated blood sugar, but different in many other ways.



Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, and young adults. It is characterized by the Pancreas' inability to produce insulin. It is thought that this inability arises from an autoimmune condition. Basically the body is killing its own insulin producing cells. The symptoms of type 1 Diabetes are very obvious, frequent urination, increased thirst, and weight loss. The onset is usually abrupt, and severe. In addition, having type 1 Diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications, heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. Treatment consists of intermediate or long-acting insulin (taken once or twice daily) with fast- or rapid-acting insulin injections taken at mealtimes.



Type 2 Diabetes often develops rather insidiously, showing few or no symptoms. The symptoms are similar to type 1, however they develop gradually over time. This may explain why it often goes undetected at first. The cells of the body being resistant to insulin characterize the most common form of diabetes, type 2. The Pancreas still produces insulin, however the body cannot use it efficiently. Type 2 usually develops in men or women over 40 years of age, characterized by obesity, and lack of physical activity. In particular, people who are an "apple-shape" - with lots of fat around the abdomen - are at greater risk of developing diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes runs in families, and is particularly common among people of African-Caribbean or Asian origin. Similarly, having type 2 Diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications, as type 1. Unlike type 1, type 2 Diabetes can usually be controlled with diet, exercise or medicines.



If you suspect you may have Diabetes, it is important to see your doctor, especially if you fall into any of the categories previously mentioned. Discovering you have Diabetes is frightening, don't panic, people with Diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. Eat right and exercise. It's a simple prescription that will keep you healthy, whether you have diabetes or not.

Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes

Stay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes. Certain symptoms put you on notice and you'll want to decrease the chance of developing into complications. You'll do yourself a lot of good with early treatment if necessary to maintain optimum health. If you don't have the early symptoms of diabetes looked your risking more than you need too.



Some of the early signs of the diabetic issue are frequent urination, blurry vision, irritability, extreme hunger, excessive thirst, unusual weight loss and increased fatigue. Sometime these show up together so be attentive and sensitive to your how you feel. Unfortunately over 20 + million people now have various forms of the disease. That's almost 25% or 1 out of 4 of our population. Of those one-third don't even know it.



If you are of member of Pacific Islanders, African American, Latino, Native American you'll be a little more cautious since diabetes is more common among these groups. Weight, age, hereditary issues, and lack of exercise are factors. Symptoms are similar in juveniles. Keeping alert about your child certainly is important along with the many other issues that already occupy your mind for their well being.



Type 1 generally is found in child and young adults with heart disease, blindness and kidney damage are of the biggest concerns. Type 2 is the most common where the body doesn't produce enough insulin so the body is able to use up the sugar intake. With the depletion of the food chain, fast foods with highly processed ingredients the problem will continue to grow. All ages are effected and it's scary to find out a person has it.



Although serious, people can certainly live long and happy lives. So spending some time today taking care of yourself is really a great investment. Firm up with some liquid quality vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong as possible for as long as possible. Get adequate rest, exercise at least some and try to cut down on the processed foods and turn to fruits and vegetables as well. By having some understanding of early symptoms diabetes you'll just that much better equipped to deal with the issues.

Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms

If you happen to be a diabetic or know one who is, recognizing what diabetic symptoms are is important. This is also true if you have a strong family history of diabetes; you'll want to be aware of the symptoms in case you develop the disease, too.



It's important to know that not all cases of diabetes will show diabetes symptoms unless the diabetes is severe. Others will have early symptoms that can be picked up if one is vigilant. For example, one symptom of early diabetes is that of episodes of "low blood sugar", also called hypoglycemia. With this symptom, a person will experience shakiness, sweating, hunger pangs and dizziness because the insulin has overshot the target blood sugar.



Those with diabetes symptoms related to very high blood sugar often feel a general sense of illness, weight loss and nausea. They can also feel dizzy or light-headed. When these symptoms occur, the blood sugar is often greater than 300 mg per deciliter but can be as high as 600 milligrams per deciliter. Blood sugars above 600 milligrams per deciliter can cause an altered sense of consciousness and a diabetic coma.



Those with Type I diabetes have slightly different diabetes symptoms. These individuals have some of the same symptoms of Type II diabetes but can get into much more severe symptoms such as diabetic ketoacidosis. This occurs when byproducts of metabolism, called ketones, build up in the body. This causes stomach pains, generalized loss of consciousness and coma, which can be fatal. Type I diabetics can also have symptoms of low blood sugar if they take too much insulin.



Diabetics can develop diabetic symptoms, even if they are in moderate control. Diabetics carry a risk of losing nerve function to the nerves of the legs, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This results in the inability to feel things with one's feet. Diabetic foot ulcers can develop as a result of poor nerve and circulatory function.



Diabetics can develop the diabetic symptom of poor vision. This is because untreated diabetes causes changes in the blood vessels in the eyes so that the vision becomes poor. The condition is called diabetic retinopathy and can be treated by using laser treatments to the retina.



Kidney disease is another diabetic symptom. This generally happens when the diabetes is poorly treated. There may or may not be actual symptoms, like water retention, but tests will show that the kidneys are failing. This can lead to needing a kidney transplant or dialysis if the symptoms are severe.



The cardiovascular system can play a role in diabetes. Peripheral vascular disease, or poor circulation to the legs, is a diabetic symptom. This can result in cold feet or foot ulcers in diabetics. The heart can also be involved. Diabetes is a risk factor for having a heart attack. This is the biggest reason why early and careful control is important for diabetics at all stages of the disease. In fact, most of the complications of diabetes can be improved by improving the various diabetic symptoms early.