Helping Diabetes Patients To live Long

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2009-10-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

Personal Health Care Quotes

2009-07-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

By Adenuga Sunday Joseph

The cost of medical products is continuously rising
and not everyone can afford to purchase such products
even if needed badly. Is there still a miracle that
the ordinary people can hold on to in order to afford
these medical products? Well, here’s good news for
you. Try to get personal health care quotes to get the
appropriate insurance.

There are lots of insurance plans exclusively for
personal health care. Many individuals can’t take
advantage of health benefits because their employer
didn’t provide it or because they are self-employed.
In order to be insured, they should personally
purchase an insurance plan for personal health care.
Before you make an insurance policy purchase, you
should be equipped with the right knowledge.

The premiums are affected by several things and it
will determine the cost of your policy. You have to
check the deductibles so that at least you can make a
rough estimate of the cost of the policy. The lower
the deductible, the higher the premium; a high
deductible will also mean a lower premium. If you want
to pay lower premiums, you can also have copayments.
What is a copayment? It is the fee being paid to the
hospital or doctors with every visit of the patient.

So where can you get the personal health care quotes?
The best way to obtain these insurance quotes is
online. Find a website that provides various insurance
quotes. If you can find a good website that provides
insurance quotes, you can compare up to five insurance
providers. You must know that there are different
types of insurance policies. For your medical products
and expenses, you will need to get a personal health
care policy. There are several reputable insurance
companies that can provide you with a reasonably
priced policy.

You have to choose a reputable insurance provider so
that you will not be dismayed when you’re already
filing for a claim. Comparison of the insurance
companies is a very important task. The quotes can
help you decide. You can also look into the basic
policies of each insurance provider. After careful
consideration of the various factors involved in
choosing an insurance provider, you can now decide the
best insurance provider for you. Visit the official
site of the insurance provider and gather all the
important details about obtaining a policy on personal
health care.

When you’re already checking the policy, make sure
that you read everything including those in fine
print. That way, you will not be surprised if
something turns out in the future. You will know which
are covered and which are not; this is very important
especially when filing a claim.

There are several sites that can cater to your needs.
If you want, you can check out various sites and
compare as many insurance providers as you can. That
way, you have many choices. You can also ask your
fellow workers or officemates and even your friends if
they know of a good insurance provider on personal
health care. Gather as much information as you can and
don’t rush things. A rushed decision will do you no
good because you might end up paying very high
premiums and yet you’re not satisfied with the
coverage. Knowledge about personal health care
insurance is very important when making a purchase of
a policy. Be informed and make a wise decision.

Sex & Diabetes

2009-07-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

Sex & Diabetes: Not Wanting It
David Spero, RN and Aisha Kassahoun
Jul 10, 2009

Dear Aisha and David: I am a 66-year-old woman who has had diabetes for over 64 years. My husband is 52. He wants sex two or more times day. I hate it. I have no sexual drive, and most of the time it is painful. It was not always like this, but he has always wanted more sex than any man I know! We talk about things, but he basically ignores a lot of what I say when it comes to sex. He is actually a very caring person and has put up with a lot considering all the complications I have after 64 years of diabetes. We have been together for 18 years (married for nine). He waits on me hand and foot. I have to tell him to let me do things myself!

I am blind from the diabetes, in stage 4 renal failure. I recently had a mild myocardial infarction. A month ago, I had to have an exploratory surgery for rectal bleeding. I do a lot of walking and other exercise, and my A1c is usually under 6%, thanks to an insulin pump.

Any suggestions?

Not Wanting Sex

Dear NWS,

Our first thought was that your husband is breaking some kind of record for insensitivity. Even without renal failure and heart attacks, nobody should have to engage in sexual behavior that is painful and unwanted just to make someone else happy. That view of women's role has been over for 40 years! Your husband has a right to get his needs met, but there are other ways that might work for both of you.

On second thought, though, we feel for both of you. Your husband is probably very scared and sad about what is happening to you. (The phrase "freaked out" comes to mind.) He may be trying to treat his anxiety with sex. He may also be using sex as a form of denial. "You can't be that sick if I can still do this to you."

You both have a tremendous amount of pain to deal with around your complications. We know, because David's MS complications cause similar problems for us. You need to talk about your feelings honestly.

Remember, words can never hurt you if they're said with love. But NOT saying what you feel CAN hurt you and damage your relationship. You two have a lot to communicate about, and you might consider professional help. Most therapists don't deal well with chronic illness OR sex, however, so finding good help might be challenging.

You told us how well you are self-managing, and it's remarkable. You should be proud of what you have accomplished. Could it be, though, that you are not showing your own pain and fear, so much so that your husband has to be afraid for both of you?

There are things you can do to maintain intimacy and meet your husband's needs. Could you say, "Look, I'm not [having intercourse] with you. That's not going to happen. But I can do some hot things to you with my hands (or mouth, or toys), and a lot of kissing and stroking."

Are you interested in that? Because you might be able to have a sex life that works for both of you that way. If even non-intercourse sex seems too much, could you just hold him or talk sexy to him while he masturbates? There are a lot of other possibilities we could share with you if kinky things don't bother you.

I know we'll get angry comments about this next suggestion, but when one partner can't be sexual, some couples stay together and thrive by allowing the sexual partner to get needs met in other ways. We're not talking about sneaking around to have an affair. But we know many couples who have broadened their relationship to include a sex partner, paid or unpaid. It takes a lot of communication and love to make this work, and there are risks. But it can be done, and it can be healing to your marriage.

So our firm advice is that your husband does have a right to have his needs met, but not at your expense. Be creative, but stand firm on the no intercourse rule unless you are really ready for it.

Please let us know how it goes. You might want to share this letter with him-it might be a start for communication.

Healthcare Reform

We all know there's more to life than sex and love. Healthcare has major effects on us, too. Right now, there's a serious struggle going on over how to change our dysfunctional healthcare system. Read David's article on how the system mistreats people with diabetes and what can be done to fix it.

David Spero RN is a nurse who has lived for 30 years with multiple sclerosis. A leading expert on self-care, he has written two books: Diabetes: Sugar-coated Crisis, and The Art of Getting Well. He has learned to maintain and even improve sex and love despite disability and illness.

Aisha Kassahoun is trained in marriage and family therapy. Aisha and David present sex and intimacy programs for people with diabetes, people with multiple sclerosis, and health professionals.

Visit David and Aisha online at davidsperorn.com or check out their coaching and counseling services. You can also read David's blog.

Categories: Columns, Community, Dating, Love, Love and Diabetes, Men\'s, Sexual, Sexual Issues, Type, Type, Type, Women\'s

Is it Possible to Control Blood Sugar Levels Without Medicine?

2009-05-09T02:47:00.000-07:00

Scientists have advanced knowledge about the proteins that help control blood sugar, or glucose, during and after exercise, and this knowledge could lead to new drug therapies or exercises more effective for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes and other health problems associated with high levels of blood sugar.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body is not produced by properly stimulating the transport of glucose, a type of sugar inside the cells as an energy source. Too much glucose in the bloodstream can cause a variety of medical problems including Type 2 diabetes, said Gregory Cartee, a professor in the School of Kinesiology and principal investigator of the study. Katsuhiko Funai is the co-author, graduate student and researcher in the School of Kinesiology.

Insulin and muscle contractions are the most important stimuli that increase glucose transport into the interior of muscle cells. The cells can then use glucose for energy, said Cartee. But scientists do not know exactly how this works.

The group reacted Cartee watched two different proteins that were considered important in stimulating the transport of glucose by two different enzymes, linked also with the transport of glucose. The goal of this study was to understand the contribution of the two proteins, called AS160 and TBC1D1 in skeletal muscle stimulated by insulin.

"Trying to rule out or determine what proteins are important in the exercise," said Cartee.

The results indicate that the protein TBC1D1 was the most important for the transport of glucose stimulated by exercise and suggested that the second protein, AS160, may be less important for this effect of exercise. Give attention to the protein works best, in this case the TBC1D1, scientists can develop methods for making proteins that work best for people with insulin resistance, Cartee said.

Insulin resistance is a major health problem affecting millions of people, he said.

"Almost all people with diabetes have Type 2 muscle resistance to insulin," said Cartee. "This does not cause diabetes by itself, but it is an essential component that contributes to type 2 diabetes. This affects millions of people. Even people who are not diabetic insulin resistance is linked to numerous health problems. "

In the longer term people who have insulin resistance or whose muscles do not respond normally to insulin are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, said Cartee.

"Apparently the muscles have the machinery to respond to exercise even if they do not respond normally to insulin. If we knew how the exercise could develop more effective protocols for exercise, "he said. "In other cases of people who can not exercise, we could design a drug therapy or something else to control insulin.

Controlling blood sugar levels is an art. If you want to be an expert in it, you should know the full details in diabetic foods to eat AND diabetes foods to avoid.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murali_V

Blood Glucose Testing Errors - 8 Tips on Avoiding Mistakes

2009-05-09T02:41:00.000-07:00

We all make mistakes and you won't be surprised to hear that people that test their blood glucose also make mistakes. We've compiled a list from other people's experiences of the most common mistakes when testing your blood glucose which often result in error messages. After reading these errors hopefully you won't make them!

1) Using out of date strips - test strips have expiry dates just like food and if you use test strips after their expiry date you may get an error message on your meter or worse a wrong reading without knowing it.

Make sure before testing that the test strips are in date.

2) Wrong test strips code - most test strips come with an individual code on the bottle/packaging. This code must match the code displayed on your glucose meter. If the codes don't match you will get error messages.

To avoid this problem check every new box of test strips has the same code as shown on the glucose meter. If not, change the code on the meter.

3) Re-using a lancet - this is a common mistake. Re-using a lancet could affect the accuracy of your reading and could be very painful.

Every time you test your blood glucose, use a fresh new lancet.

4) Uncapped test strips - test strips need to be kept capped in their container. If the container is uncapped for too long then this can affect the accuracy of the test strips.

Always cap your strips after use. If you find a test strip container that was not closed properly or you're not sure how long the strips had been uncapped for, then replace the test strips.

5) Poor storage conditions - test strips need to be stored in a dark, cool, dry place. If they are not, this can affect the accuracy of the strip. A bathroom or a window sill would not be good places to store test strips as bathrooms generally have a lot of water in the air and sunlight exposure on the window sill will degrade the strips.

6) Meter accuracy - the best way to check your meter is still accurate is to do a control check. Aim to do a control check at least every 3 months and perhaps each time you use a new box of test strips.

Always remember control solutions have a 3 month expiry, so after 3 months make sure you replace them. This applies to all control solutions from the one touch ultra control solution to the accu-chek aviva control solution. Click on the link to learn more about the control solutions.

7) Order of testing - some meters, such as the one touch ultra range, require you to put the strips into the meter first then place the blood sample onto the strip, other meters ask you to place the blood sample on the test strip first then place the strip into the meter.

Make sure you know which order your meter needs you to test with otherwise they will be an error message on your meter screen.

8) Meter units - glucose meters can measure in 2 units, mmol/l or mg/dl. Which units your meter measures in does not really matter as long as YOU know what units it measures. There are meters available which can measure in both mg/dl and mmol/l. The risk here is if you accidentally change the units and you do not realise there could be a huge difference in the actual readings.

Always look on your meter screen to see what units your reading is in. All meters will show you the units. Ideally, if you have meter which measures only in one unit it would be best.

All the meters at Glucosemeters4u.com measure only in one unit, mmol/l.

Hopefully, you can learn from these common mistakes and avoid them!

This article was brought to you by John Ngijseh from the Glucosemeters4u.com team

Glucosemeters4u.com strives to be an expert in diabetic products and is a great resource to learn more about diabetes. Visit the links within the article to learn more about our site.

We have some great article and learning resources, why not check out our article on types of diabetes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Ngijseh

Diabetes Treatment Guidelines - Its Importance in Ensuring a Better Life For the Diabetic

2009-04-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

If you're a person afflicted with diabetes mellitus, a team approach in your treatment would be the best way to handle your affliction. Your doctor, a certified dietitian, a licensed nurse, health care professional and diabetes educator should work hand in hand to have a systematic approach in the evaluation and management of your diabetes.

Their goal is to correct your metabolic irregularity and to prevent the development of complications. Hence, they will provide you with a set of diabetes treatment guidelines which you should keep in mind to ensure good diabetes care and therapy.

Below is an example of the basic guidelines you should observe in undergoing diabetes treatment:

1. Eat nutritional foods based on the planned meal to help attain the following:

a. Blood glucose will be maintained within the targeted level.The planned diet will eliminate sugar or simple carbohydrate which has the ability to raise the blood glucose (sugar) upon ingestion.

b. Reduce the risks of possible complications brought by unhealthy meals. The use of Glycemic Index (GI) of foods as a measurement of how each meal will raise the level of blood glucose.

c. Ensure control over blood pressure by avoiding foods that can trigger its occurrence.

d. Manage the levels of lipids to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

e. Weight management to improve insulin sensitivity.

2. There should be a routine physical exercise approved by your doctor in order to:

a. Lower the level of blood glucose and cholesterol.

b. Improve the blood.circulation.

c. Attain the ideal weight being targeted.

d. Liven up insulin sensitivity.

e. Strengthen the heart, bones and toning of the muscles.

f. Unwind to get stress relief and make you feel better.

3. Take medications as scheduled, be it insulin or diabetes pills. This will work well with the planned meal and physical exercise. Improper intake of medications may damage the nerves and blood vessels which can result to heart problem, gum infection, leg and feet problems and various diseases to the eye, kidney and nerve.

4. Constant monitoring of blood glucose to equip you with the important information in managing the diabetes on a day to day basis. Also, this will reduce the complications related to diabetes. Normally, checking is done two hours after each meal, when waking up, before and after doing exercise and before going to sleep. When under insulin injection, monitoring is usually done three times a day at the least.

Based on the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the ideal blood glucose goal for people with diabetes are; 70-130 mg/dl before meal, less than 180 mg/dl two hours after each meal and less than 7.0% A1C.

However, a recent test conducted by the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes or ACCORD, showed that intensive glucose-lowering treatments resulted to more deaths when they tried this treatment to participants with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease.

5. Learn to cope up with stress and worries because they will only give rise in the blood glucose level.

Many people have difficulty in following the diabetes treatment guidelines because it will keep them away from the things they have been used to doing and still want to do in life. They tend to forget that this is not an option but a must, in order for them to live longer in this wonderful world.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and diabetes natural treatment. Discover how you can reverse your diabetes for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusdiabetes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alvin_Hopkinson

Diabetes Type 2 Natural Treatment

2009-04-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Type 2 diabetes is getting increasingly common in developed countries. Other developing countries are seeing a fast emerging trend of the disease. Diabetes type 2 is caused by insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. Although this disease is more common in adults over 40, it is increasingly seen in young teenagers and even children. This worrying trend is linked to the rising rates of obesity as well as inactivity.

MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

Here are some of the major risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

1) Age - As people age, the chances of getting diabetes type 2 is considerably higher. So for those who are older than 45 years, they are at a higher risk of getting the disease.

2) Overweight - Being overweight is another strong risk factor especially the person is heavier in the center.

3) Genetic factors - Having someone with diabetes in the family puts you at a higher risk.

4) Certain ethnic groups such as such as native americans, african americans, Latino americans, pacific islanders and Asian individuals who are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

5) People with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

6) Women at risk - women who have had a big baby of more than 9lbs are at higher risk of having type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include women who had gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, irregular menstrual cycles and developing facial hair.

Of all these common risk factors, the most common are those who have family history as well as those who are gaining weight in the middle.

HOW TO CONTROL TYPE 2 DIABETES

Diabetes can be one of the hardest diseases to treat as it does not go away. It is always there with you, day in and day out. It will affect your daily life in what you do and what you eat. You have to be always conscious of your blood sugar as you can’t let it go too high to avoid complications. The next best thing you can do to help yourself is to control the disease.

The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. So the first thing you want to do is to help reduce the resistance of insulin. Exercising and losing weight can help reducing resistance to insulin and thus control type 2 diabetes. The other way is using pills which your doctor will recommend to you. However,due to the advance technology as well as rising awareness of using alternative way to treat type 2 diabetes, herbal and natural supplements are increasingly popular.

Here are a few of the natural/alternative herbs which have worked for many diabetics:

1. Bitter melon has long been regarded as the natural cure for diabetes. This fruit is known for its abilities to regulate blood glucose level. In fact, bitter melon is recommended by the Dept of Philippines as one of the best herbal medicines for managing diabetes.

2. Gymnema sylvestre is a herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India where it has been used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes for nearly two millennia. This herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time. The active ingredient is thought to be gurmenic acid which has structure similar to saccharose. Extracts of Gymnema is not only claimed to curb sweet tooths but also for treatment of as varied problems as hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion.

3. Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum or Chinese cinnamon) is a close relative to cinnamon. In fact, when cinnamon is said to be beneficial for diabetes, it is actually cassia, a less delicate version of the true cinnamon. A 2003 study published in the DiabetesCare journal followed Type 2 diabetics ingesting 1, 3 or 6 grams of cassia daily. Those taking 6 grams shows changes after 20 days, and those taking lesser doses showed changes after 40 days. Regardless of the amount of cassia taken, they reduced their mean fasting serum glucose levels 18–29%, their triglyceride levels 23–30%, their LDL cholesterol 7–27%, and their total cholesterol 12–26%, over others taking placebos. The effects, which may even be produced by brewing a tea from cassia bark, may also be beneficial for non-diabetics to prevent and control elevated glucose and blood lipid levels.

4. Chromium - Starting in the 1960s reports have shown that Chromium helps cells respond properly to naturally produced insulin. Current estimates show that 90% of Americans are lacking in this essential mineral nutrient.

5. Helps to improve circulation in the little capillaries in the hands and feet. Also valuable in balancing the digestion and strengthening the immune system.

6. Mulberry leaves is know to effectively help regulate blood sugar levels. Drink as tea can help to reduce absorption of sugar and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C and carotene.

Beside these, there are others less known herbs for controlling diabetes. These herbs when combine together in the right balance can be very powerful in helping you manage diabetes. However, it is important to research on these supplements to ensure they indeed do what they claim. ProvenHealthCare.com provides informative reviews and articles on alternative methods of controlling diabetes.

It is not a doubt that more people are seeking natural and alternative treatments for their conditions. However, with so many choices in the market, choosing the right one for your condition is not easy. ProvenHealthCare.com provide reviews and information on these natural treatments so that you can make an informed decision to choose the best for yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Lynn

Common Knowledge About Gestational Diabetes

2009-02-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

By Justin Kaiser

I did not become familiar with gestational diabetes until recently when my sister-in-law and my best friend were both diagnosed with it within a week. Many women I know, myself included, have made it through pregnancies without having any serious problems like gestational diabetes.
Basically, gestational diabetes is a disease that can come on during pregnancy but that usually disappears once the baby has been born. In some women, pregnancy results in their blood sugar levels getting out of balance. A pregnant woman might realize that she is having blood sugar problems on her own or it might take a doctor to determine that her levels are not normal. Regardless of how it is discovered, gestational diabetes is a serious issue that needs to be handled with caution and care throughout a woman's pregnancy and after.

When my sister-in-law and my closest friend were struggling with feeling abnormally up and down during their pregnancies, their doctor took blood tests and determined that their blood sugar levels were being affected by their pregnancies and their food choices. They were both diagnosed simply by having this blood work done. At first they were hesitant and scared because gestational diabetes sounded huge and they didn't know how relatively simple the treatment process could be.

Gestational diabetes, because it is primarily an imbalance of blood sugar, can often be regulated by changes in diet and levels of exercise. The amount of changes that are necessary are dependant upon how poor of habits the women have to begin with. My sister-in-law and my friend had to make different levels of changes to their diets, but neither had to make such significant changes that their lifestyle was radically altered. Mostly their changes consisted of going on a low-sugar and low-carb eating plan. Gestational diabetes brings a risk of the baby getting to large during its gestational period and needing to be delivered early or by c-section. The more the pregnant mother cuts down on sugar intake, the less likely it is that the baby will get too large to be delivered vaginally.

If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future, take some time and learn about ways to prevent gestational diabetes. It is the best for you and your baby. Prevention is always a better option than having to find a solution to high blood sugar levels. Be wise with your food and exercise choices from the start and you should be able to avoid dealing with gestational diabetes in your pregnancies. Talk with your doctor and take every possible precaution.

About the Author
The Diabetes Life Radio podcast at http://www.diabetesliferadio.com is a daily support system people who suffer with Diabetes. Justin Kaiser invites you to this support system. Diabetes is one of the most common problems that seriously affect the health of Americans. If you and your family don't struggle with this disease yourselves, you most likely have a friend that does

Monitor Blood Sugar Often

2008-10-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

The only data available to manage diabetes care is blood glucose values. As such, it simply makes sense that the more data we have, the better our decisions can be and the more opportunities we'll have to make adjustments in care to maximize the amount of time our kids spend with their blood glucose values in their target ranges.

Since we began asking our readers about blood glucose monitoring frequency in October 1998, we've seen an increase in daily checks from an average of 4.6 to 7.0 times per day. (See the most recent poll on the topic from November 2007.) The trend toward more frequent monitoring is evident in the number of people who report checking more than six times per day, which in November 2007 was 66%. And 21% of our readers report checking ten times a day or more.

One of the hotly debated topics among parents is nighttime blood glucose monitoring. In a poll we ran in March 2007, 39% of readers report checking nighttime blood glucose levels every night. 56% report checking at least once a week. The number of people checking at night is also increasing. Since diabetes doesn't go away during sleep, checking at night makes sense, especially for young kids whose brains are still developing. A growing body of evidence points to more nocturnal hypoglycemia than previously thought and to a greater number of problems associated with nocturnal hypoglycemia.

The bottom line is that blood glucose data is the cornerstone for all diabetes management. Monitor often, and thank your child whenever they check themselves, regardless of the blood glucose number. These numbers aren't "good" or "bad" -- they're just numbers. And they're the most important numbers you have to make a difference in your child's quality of care. Cherish each and every one.

Care Suggestions

2008-10-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Medical science has made great strides in advancing diabetes care practice in recent years. This page summarizes my view of the best care practices as they apply to kids with type 1 diabetes. I am not a doctor -- I'm just a parent who has cared for a child with diabetes since September 1989. I've written this page because I am asked quite often for my opinion on diabetes care, and having all this in one place makes it easy for me to answer. Remember, the information on this page is the opinion of one non-medical person and does not reflect the opinions of anyone else associated with Children with Diabetes. Everything here though is well supported by peer reviewed studies, cited below.

If you're new to diabetes, these recommendations can help you understand what is possible. If you're using a different regimen than is described below and are reaching your diabetes care goals, then there is no reason to change.

Underlying everything on this page is the fact that the patient -- or for kids with diabetes, the parents -- are in charge of their diabetes care. As parents, we are the best advocates for our children. We see our kids everyday, we know how their bodies react to the stresses of school, sports, and everything else that is a part of their lives. Since we're in charge, the choices of which meter to use, whether to use pump therapy and -- if so -- which pump to use, when we'll eat, and everything else related to our care are ours to make. The members of the diabetes team provide guidance based on current medical science, advise us on therapy options, and help us learn how to live our lives as if we didn't have diabetes, to the extent that that is possible. The diabetes team is like the coaching staff of a sporting team, and we are like the players. The coaching staff helps us learn the game, but the game is ours to play and ours to win.

Since diabetes care is highly individualized, you should discuss any change in care with your diabetes team before you do anything.

For more information, see American Diabetes Association: Clinical Practice Recommendations and Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes–2008

Setting Smart Goals

2008-10-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. Keep setting new goals for yourself. Don't limit yourself to one or two. The SMART process is a good way to set and meet goals.

Specific

Make goals specific. For instance, plan to walk 20 minutes each morning instead of just deciding to get in shape. Start by asking yourself, "What do I want to have happen?" Try to choose goals that deal with behavior, not feelings.

Measurable

Choose goals that have results you can measure. Then decide on the steps you need to take to reach the main goal. Give yourself a deadline, such as a week, a month, or six months from now.

Achievable

Think about what you can honestly achieve. Goal setting is a good way to push yourself beyond your current limits. So pick a goal that requires some effort. But choose a goal that you have a real chance of reaching. For instance, you may not be able to run a marathon, but over time you can increase how long you walk.

Rewarding

Reaching your goals feels great. But find extra ways to reward yourself along the way. For instance, buy a new pair of walking shoes when you can walk 6 blocks without stopping. Plan rewards ahead of time so you have something to look forward to.

Trackable

Keeping track of your progress will help you stay motivated. Try noting what you achieve each day on a chart or in a diary. Describe how you feel about your progress.

Your SMART Goal

Take a look at the sample goal below. Then write out your own SMART goal on a piece of paper or in a journal.

Sample Goal:

S: You will cook dinner for friends who have helped and supported you.

M: You will have reached your goal when they sit down to eat your famous low-fat lasagna.

A: It would be too much work to cook one meal for all the people who have helped you. So you decide to have two dinner parties and invite four friends each time.

R: Once you have all the details planned, you buy a new cookbook you've been wanting.

T: You make a checklist of things to do, such as buying fresh Parmesan cheese, setting the table, and baking bread.

Article got from www.healthline.com/sw/wsc-setting-smart-goals

Diabetes: Living Your Life

2008-10-03T17:19:00.001-07:00

Having diabetes may mean adjustments at work and in your social life. But these changes need not keep you from succeeding at work and enjoying your leisure time.

Family and Friends

Your family and friends may have questions about diabetes. They may have a hard time understanding why you need to make changes in your life. Urge them to learn about diabetes with you. Spend time with friends who support you in taking good care of yourself.

Special Occasions

Parties and holidays often involve more or different food and drink. You can still enjoy special occasions:

At parties, focus on enjoying music, dancing, or talking to friends.
When going to a party, bring a snack or appetizer that works well for you.
Before the next holiday, learn how to fit traditional foods into your meal plan.
Religious holidays may involve fasting or other changes in the way you eat. Talk to your doctor, your dietitian, and your clergy about how you can observe holidays safely.

Work

Lunch meetings, shift changes, or business travel may affect diabetes management.

Make managing your diabetes a priority. If your work schedule changes often or you find it hard to manage your daily tasks, talk to your healthcare provider and your employer.
You may need to make special arrangements to do your daily diabetes management tasks, such as checking your blood sugar.
Unless having diabetes makes you unable to do your job safely, discrimination on the basis of your health is illegal.

Tell your healthcare provider if you’re feeling helpless or hopeless, or are having trouble sleeping or eating. These are symptoms of depression, a serious but treatable problem.

Article curled from www.healthline.com/sw/khs-diabetes-living-your-life

WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER DIOGNOSIS?

2008-10-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a serious or chronic condition, you likely have a lot of questions about treatment and long-term health.

Some conditions, such as cancer, may have more than one possible treatment. Doing some research on your own can give you enough information to make good decisions, says the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Newspapers, magazines, TV shows, and the Internet provide lots of health information—some of it reliable, some not. The following tips can help you find information on your condition from reputable sources.

Contact health groups

Groups such as the American Diabetes Association and the American Lung Association can provide a wealth of free information. They can also refer you to local chapters that can offer help through support groups.

These organizations have toll-free numbers and Internet sites you can find by visiting the National Health Information Center.

Visit the library

Ask the librarian to help you find information on your condition in medical and health care journals, reference books, and magazines. But be aware that much of the health information found in general consumer magazines may not be sound or up to date. Make sure the information comes from a reputable source, such as a government, research, or health association.

Get online

You can use the Internet to find good health and treatment information, as long as you are cautious, the AHRQ says.

Many sites provide information that's inaccurate, even dangerous. Make sure the source is medically sound, such as those found at http://www.healthfinder.gov, or an accredited association, such as Mental Health America. Or find a site sponsored by a medical school or university medical center.

You also can search for articles about your illness by visiting the National Library of Medicine's online catalog of medical journal articles.

Finally, visit the National Guideline Clearinghouse, a government-sponsored resource that provides guidelines for the treatment of most common health conditions.

Get a second opinion

If your doctor recommends surgery, chemotherapy, or another treatment with substantial risk, get a second opinion from a surgeon or specialist.

Make an informed decision

After collecting information, meet with your health care provider. Together you can decide on your immediate treatment and how you'll handle long-term management of your condition.

Work with your health care provider on a treatment plan you can stick with, the AHRQ says. You're more likely to stick to your plan if you've taken an active role in determining the details.

Serious illnesses affect people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Asking for support from a variety of sources can help reduce your fear and anxiety, as well as play a role in your successful recovery or management of your condition.

For the maximum benefit, seek help from:

Family and friends. Close and supportive family and friends can make a positive impact on your health, especially during a health crisis, the AHRQ says. One way to start is to ask people you're close to for help with specific tasks or problems.
Mental health counselor. A counselor or therapist can help you learn to cope with depression, fear, anxiety, and other emotions or issues you're having trouble dealing with. Your doctor can give you a referral, if necessary.
Support groups. Joining a group of people with the same condition who get together to discuss their illnesses and share their feelings can help you cope better with the management of your disease. Your doctor, place of worship, or health organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, can help you find an appropriate support group in your area.

Article curled from healthline site at
www.healthline.com

Diabetics Diet and Treatment

2008-10-02T03:32:00.001-07:00

One of the best way to check complicity in the case of diabetes is eating the right kind of food, doing the right kind of exercise, and taking the right drugs at the right time. If you follow this suggestion you will have no problem whatsoever.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes. Treatment involves medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms and complications.

LEARN THESE SKILLS

Basic diabetes management skills will help prevent the need for emergency care. These skills include:

How to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
What to eat and when
How to take insulin or oral medication
How to test and record blood glucose
How to test urine for ketones (type 1 diabetes only)
How to adjust insulin or food intake when changing exercise and eating habits
How to handle sick days
Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them

After you learn the basics of diabetes care, learn how the disease can cause long-term health problems and the best ways to prevent these problems. People with diabetes need to review and update their knowledge, because new research and improved ways to treat diabetes are constantly being developed.

SELF-TESTING

If you have diabetes, your doctor may tell you to regularly check your blood sugar levels at home. There are a number of devices available, and they use only a drop of blood. Self-monitoring tells you how well diet, medication, and exercise are working together to control your diabetes and can help your doctor prevent complications.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that premeal blood sugar levels fall in the range of 80 to 120 mg/dL and bedtime blood levels fall in the range of 100 to 140 mg/dL. Your doctor may adjust this depending on your circumstances.

WHAT TO EAT

You should work closely with your health care provider to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. A registered dietician can be very helpful in planning dietary needs.

People with type 1 diabetes should eat at about the same times each day and try to be consistent with the types of food they choose. This helps to prevent blood sugars from becoming extremely high or low.

Persons with type 2 diabetes should follow a well-balanced and low-fat diet.

HOW TO TAKE MEDICATION

Medications to treat diabetes include insulin and glucose-lowering pills called oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Persons with type 1 diabetes cannot make their own insulin, so daily insulin injections are needed. Insulin does not come in pill form. Injections that are generally needed one to four times per day. Some people use an insulin pump, which is worn at all times and delivers a steady flow of insulin throughout the day. Other people may use a new type of inhaled insulin.

Insulin preparations differ in how quickly they start to work and how long they remain active. Sometimes different types of insulin are mixed together in a single injection. The types of insulin to use, the doses needed, and the number of daily injections are chosen by a health care professional trained to provide diabetes care.

People who need insulin are taught to give themselves injections by their health care providers or diabetes educators.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may respond to treatment with exercise, diet, and medicines taken by mouth. There are several types of medicines used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. They fall into one of three groups:

Medications called oral sulfonylureas that increase insulin production by the pancreas.
Medications called thiazolidinediones that help increase the cell's sensitivity (responsiveness) to insulin.
Medications that delay absorption of glucose from the gut. These include acarbose and miglitol.

There are some injectable medicines used to lower blood sugar. They include exenatide and pramlintide.

Most persons with type 2 diabetes will need more than one medication for good blood sugar control within 3 years of starting their first medication. Different groups of medications may be combined or used with insulin.

Some people with type 2 diabetes find they no longer need medication if they lose weight and increase activity, because when their ideal weight is reached, their own insulin and a careful diet can control their blood glucose levels.

It is unknown if hypoglycemic medicines taken by mouth are safe for use in pregnancy. Women who have type 2 diabetes and take these medications may be switched to insulin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Gestational diabetes is treated with insulin and changes in diet.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise is especially important for people with diabetes. It helps with blood sugar control, weight loss, and high blood pressure. People with diabetes who exercise are less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than diabetics who do not exercise regularly. You should be evaluated by your physician before starting an exercise program.

Here are some exercise considerations:

Choose an enjoyable physical activity that is appropriate for your current fitness level.
Exercise every day, and at the same time of day, if possible.
Monitor blood glucose levels before and after exercise.
Carry food that contains a fast-acting carbohydrate in case you become hypoglycemic during or after exercise.
Carry a diabetes identification card and a mobile phone or change for a payphone in case of emergency.
Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.

Changes in exercise intensity or duration may need changes in diet or medication dose to keep blood sugar levels from going too high or low.

FOOT CARE

People with diabetes are prone to foot problems because of the likelihood of damage to blood vessels and nerves and a decreased ability to fight infection. Problems with blood flow and damage to nerves may cause an injury to the foot to go unnoticed until infection develops. Death of skin and other tissue can occur.

If left untreated, the affected foot may need to be amputated. Diabetes is the most common condition leading to amputations.

To prevent injury to the feet, people with diabetes should adopt a daily routine of checking and caring for the feet as follows:

Check your feet every day, and report sores or changes and signs of infection.
Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry them thoroughly.
Soften dry skin with lotion or petroleum jelly.
Protect feet with comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
Exercise daily to promote good circulation.
See a podiatrist for foot problems or to have corns or calluses removed.
Remove shoes and socks during a visit to your health care provider and remind him or her to examine your feet.
Stop smoking, which hinders blood flow to the feet.

Reviewer Info: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 02/08/2007

Types Of Diabetes

2008-10-02T02:37:00.000-07:00

By Adenuga Sunday Joseph

There are basically about three or four types of diabetes, they are:

"Type 1 diabetes" which has universally replaced several former terms, including childhood-onset diabetes, juvenile diabetes, and insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM).It is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, leading to a deficiency of insulin. The main cause of this beta cell loss is a T-cell mediated autoimmune attack.^[3] There is no known preventive measure which can be taken against type 1 diabetes; it is about 10% of diabetes mellitus cases in North America and Europe (though this varies by geographical location), and is a higher percentage in some other areas. Most affected people are otherwise healthy and of a healthy weight when onset occurs. Sensitivity and responsiveness to insulin are usually normal, especially in the early stages. Type 1 diabetes can affect children or adults but was traditionally termed "juvenile diabetes" because it represents a majority of the diabetes cases in children.

The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from its earliest stages, is replacement of insulin combined with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors. Without insulin, diabetic ketoacidosis often develops which may result in coma or death. Treatment emphasis is now also placed on lifestyle adjustments (diet and exercise) though these cannot reverse the progress of the disease. Apart from the common subcutaneous injections, it is also possible to deliver insulin by a pump, which allows continuous infusion of insulin 24 hours a day at preset levels, and the ability to program doses (a bolus) of insulin as needed at meal times. An inhaled form of insulin, Exubera, was approved by the FDA in January 2006, although Pfizer discontinued the product for business reasons in October 2007. ^[9] Non-insulin treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies and stem-cell based therapies, are effective in animal models but have not yet completed clinical trials in humans.^[10]

"Type 2 diabetes" has replaced several former terms, including adult-onset diabetes, obesity-related diabetes, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is characterized differently due to insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity, combined with reduced insulin secretion. The defective responsiveness of body tissues to insulin almost certainly involves the insulin receptor in cell membranes. In the early stage the predominant abnormality is reduced insulin sensitivity, characterized by elevated levels of insulin in the blood. At this stage hyperglycemia can be reversed by a variety of measures and medications that improve insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production by the liver. As the disease progresses the impairment of insulin secretion worsens, and therapeutic replacement of insulin often becomes necessary.

There are numerous theories as to the exact cause and mechanism in type 2 diabetes. Central obesity (fat concentrated around the waist in relation to abdominal organs, but not subcutaneous fat) is known to predispose individuals for insulin resistance. Abdominal fat is especially active hormonally, secreting a group of hormones called adipokines that may possibly impair glucose tolerance. Obesity is found in approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.^[11] Other factors include aging (about 20% of elderly patients in North America have diabetes) and family history (type 2 is much more common in those with close relatives who have had it). In the last decade, type 2 diabetes has increasingly begun to affect children and adolescents, likely in connection with the increased prevalence of childhood obesity seen in recent decades in some places.^[12] Environmental exposures may contribute to recent increases in the rate of type 2 diabetes. A positive correlation has been found between the concentration in the urine of bisphenol A, a constituent of polycarbonate plastic, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is usually first treated by increasing physical activity, decreasing carbohydrate intake, and losing weight. These can restore insulin sensitivity even when the weight loss is modest, for example around 5 kg (10 to 15 lb), most especially when it is in abdominal fat deposits. It is sometimes possible to achieve long-term, satisfactory glucose control with these measures alone. However, the underlying tendency to insulin resistance is not lost, and so attention to diet, exercise, and weight loss must continue. The usual next step, if necessary, is treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs.

"Type 3 diabetes" among others, gestational diabetes, insulin-resistant type 1 diabetes (or "double diabetes"), type 2 diabetes which has progressed to require injected insulin, and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) resembles type 2 diabetes in several respects, involving a combination of relatively inadequate insulin secretion and responsiveness. It occurs in about 2%–5% of all pregnancies and may improve or disappear after delivery. Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. About 20%–50% of affected women develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Even though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or mother. Risks to the baby include macrosomia (high birth weight), congenital cardiac and central nervous system anomalies, and skeletal muscle malformations. Increased fetal insulin may inhibit fetal surfactant production and cause respiratory distress syndrome. Hyperbilirubinemia may result from red blood cell destruction. In severe cases, perinatal death may occur, most commonly as a result of poor placental profusion due to vascular impairment. Induction may be indicated with decreased placental function. A cesarean section may be performed if there is marked fetal distress or an increased risk of injury associated with macrosomia, such as shoulder dystoc.
This is particularly problematic as diabetes raises the risk of complications during pregnancy, as well as increasing the potential that the children of diabetic mothers will also become diabetic in the future.

Other types

There are several rare causes of diabetes mellitus that do not fit into type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes; attempts to classify them remain controversial. Some cases of diabetes are caused by the body's tissue receptors not responding to insulin (even when insulin levels are normal, which is what separates it from type 2 diabetes); this form is very uncommon. Genetic mutations (autosomal or mitochondrial) can lead to defects in beta cell function. Abnormal insulin action may also have been genetically determined in some cases. Any disease that causes extensive damage to the pancreas may lead to diabetes (for example, chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis). Diseases associated with excessive secretion of insulin-antagonistic hormones can cause diabetes (which is typically resolved once the hormone excess is removed). Many drugs impair insulin secretion and some toxins damage pancreatic beta cells. The ICD-10 (1992) diagnostic entity, malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM or MMDM, ICD-10 code E12), was deprecated by the World Health Organization when the current

Signs and symptoms

The classical triad of diabetes symptoms is polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia, which are, respectively, frequent urination, increased thirst and consequent increased fluid intake, and increased appetite. Symptoms may develop quite rapidly (weeks or months) in type 1 diabetes, particularly in children. However, in type 2 diabetes symptoms usually develop much more slowly and may be subtle or completely absent. Type 1 diabetes may also cause a rapid yet significant weight loss (despite normal or even increased eating) and irreducible fatigue. All of these symptoms except weight loss can also manifest in type 2 diabetes in patients whose diabetes is poorly controlled.

When the glucose concentration in the blood is raised beyond its renal threshold, reabsorption of glucose in the proximal renal tubuli is incomplete, and part of the glucose remains in the urine (glycosuria). This increases the osmotic pressure of the urine and inhibits reabsorption of water by the kidney, resulting in increased urine production (polyuria) and increased fluid loss. Lost blood volume will be replaced osmotically from water held in body cells and other body compartments, causing dehydration and increased thirst.

Prolonged high blood glucose causes glucose absorption, which leads to changes in the shape of the lenses of the eyes, resulting in vision changes; sustained sensible glucose control usually returns the lens to its original shape. Blurred vision is a common complaint leading to a diabetes diagnosis; type 1 should always be suspected in cases of rapid vision change, whereas with type 2 change is generally more gradual, but should still be suspected.

Patients (usually with type 1 diabetes) may also initially present with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an extreme state of metabolic dysregulation characterized by the smell of acetone on the patient's breath; a rapid, deep breathing known as Kussmaul breathing; polyuria; nausea; vomiting and abdominal pain; and any of many altered states of consciousness or arousal (such as hostility and mania or, equally, confusion and lethargy). In severe DKA, coma may follow, progressing to death. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospitalization.

A rarer but equally severe possibility is hyperosmolar nonketotic state, which is more common in type 2 diabetes and is mainly the result of dehydration due to loss of body water. Often, the patient has been drinking extreme amounts of sugar-containing drinks, leading to a vicious circle in regard to the water loss.

Developed from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

What Is Diabetes?

2008-10-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

By Adenuga Sunday Joseph

Diabetes mellitus (Ancient Greek: διαβήτης "to pass through [urine]"), is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).^[2] Blood glucose levels are controlled by the hormone insulin made in the beta cells of the pancreas.^[3]

Diabetes develops due to a diminished production of insulin (in type 1) and resistance to its effects (in type 2 and gestational).^[4] Both lead to hyperglycemia, which largely causes the acute signs of diabetes: excessive urine production, resulting compensatory thirst and increased fluid intake, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, lethargy, and changes in energy metabolism. Monogenic forms^[5], e.g. MODY, constitute 1-5 % of all cases.

All types of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but there is no widely available cure for any form of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can only be treated with injected insulin, with dietary and other lifestyle adjustments commonly being part of the treatment. Type 2 is usually managed with a combination of dietary treatment, tablets and, frequently, insulin supplementation. Insulin can also be delivered continuously by a specialized pump which provides subcutaneous insulin through a temporary catheter.

Diabetes and its treatments can cause many complications. Acute complications may occur if the disease is not adequately controlled. Serious long-term complications (i.e., chronic side effects) include (doubled risk), (which can lead to blindness), nerve damage (of several kinds), and microvascular damage, which may cause impotence and poor wound healing. Poor healing of wounds, particularly of the feet, can lead to gangrene, and possibly to amputation. Adequate treatment of diabetes, as well as increased emphasis on blood pressure control and lifestyle factors (such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight), may improve the risk profile of most of the chronic complications. In the developed world, diabetes is the most significant cause of adult blindness in the non-elderly and the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in adults, and diabetic nephropathy is the main illness requiring renal dialysis in the United States.^{[6]

In the next posts I shall elaborate on the types of diabetes, so watch out}