Date : March 13th, 2010Category : UncategorizedAuthor : Editor16 Comments
I came down with Diabetes a year ago this august. It still isn’t under control after being on 4 different meds and changing diet with exercise. I’m fed up with 2 foms of insuline because i hate needles and i hate having to swallow 2 differnt kinds of pills because i feel i’m poisoning myself and have always hated taking pills for any reason. Any one out there know of any alternative i can try?
Alcohol causes high blood pressure because alcohol demands insulin in order to be metabolized, and rising insulin levels cause increased blood pressure. Eat a healthy snack that is rich in protein …
When you are using an insulin pump, you can become too comfortable. Pumps are very reliable pieces of hardware, but as all hardware, they are subject to failing.
Diabetes means that your blood glucose (GLOO-kos), also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is needed to fuel our bodies. Glucose is also stored in our liver and muscles. Your blood always has some glucose in it because your body needs glucose for energy. But having too much glucose in your blood is not healthy.
Type 1 is the type of diabetes that people most often get before 30 years of age. All people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin (IN-suh-lin) because their bodies do not make enough of it. Insulin helps turn food into energy for the body to work. Most people make insulin in their pancreas. If you have type 1 diabetes , your body does not make insulin. Insulin helps glucose from the foods you eat get to all parts of your body and be used for energy.
Healthy eating, exercise, and losing weight may help you lower your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) when you find out you have type 2 diabetes. If these treatments do not work, you may need one or more types of diabetes pills to lower your blood glucose. After a few more years, you may need to take insulin shots because your body is not making enough insulin.
Gestational (jes-TAY-shon-al) diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs when women are pregnant. Having it raises their risk for getting diabetes, mostly type 2, for the rest of their lives. It also raises their child’s risk for being overweight and for getting type 2 diabetes.
Some people with diabetes use complementary or alternative therapies to treat diabetes. Although some of these therapies may be effective, others can be ineffective or even harmful. Patients who use complementary and alternative medicine need to let their health care providers know what they are doing.
Financial Help for Diabetes Care
Medicare is a Government program providing health care services for people who are 65 years and older.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to help children without health insurance.
Recent state and Federal laws, however, may help. Many states now require insurance companies to cover diabetes supplies and education. The Health Insurance Portability Act, passed by Congress in 1996, limits insurance companies from denying coverage because of a preexisting condition.
Medicaid is a state health assistance program for people based on financial need. Your income must be below a certain level to qualify for Medicaid funds.
Most HMOs keep costs down by limiting the choice of doctors to those who belong to the network, restricting access to specialists, reducing hospital stays, and emphasizing preventive care.
If you take care of your diabetes you can lower your risk for other health problems. High blood glucose can harm blood vessels and cause heart attacks or strokes. It can also damage organs in the body and cause blindness, kidney failure, loss of toes or feet, gum problems, or loss of teeth.
The good news is that when you take care of your diabetes, you can reduce or avoid these problems.
Diabetes type 2 also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which appears when the insulin produced by the pancreas can not reduce the blood level of glucose. Sometimes diabetes appears when insulin is not produced in a sufficient quantity by the pancreas. The role of insulin is to take the glucose from the blood and lead it inside the body cells which use it to produce energy. If the level of glucose is too high in blood it will be eliminated by the kidneys in urine.
Diabetes type 1 is known to occur during childhood and was named as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The pancreas is not able to produce the insulin any more as the cells responsible to this process have been destroyed by the body. These patients require insulin injections permanently.
Diabetes type 2 occurs mostly during adulthood and is found in 90% of the diabetic patients. In this case the insulin is not produced in sufficient quantities or it is not effective on the body cells. This type of diabetes occurs mostly in obese people and in those who have high levels of cholesterol in blood. Elder people can get affected of this type of diabetes too.
There is another type of diabetes called the gestational diabetes which sometimes occurs in women who are pregnant.
Genetics and family history also have an important role in determining whether diabetes type 2 will install or not. Also, having a sedentary lifestyle, eating junk food will only increase the risk of developing this affection.
Some other risk factors are: the age over 45, high blood pressure, HDL less than 35 mg/dl, triglycerides more than 250 mg/dl and a previous history of personal impaired glucose tolerance.
Most of the diabetes type 2 cases do not present any symptoms at all. In some cases increased thirst, appetite and urination might occur along with blurred vision, fatigue, infections, and erectile dysfunctions.
Diagnosing diabetes is made after the doctor sees the results of some tests. He will ask for fasting blood glucose level (it has to be higher than 126 mg/dl in order for the patient to have diabetes); non-fasting blood glucose level which leads to a suspicion of diabetes if higher than 200 mg/dl and along with symptoms of increased thirst, urination, and fatigue; and positive oral glucose tolerance test (if found higher than 200 mg/dl after 2 hours).
The treatment of diabetes focuses on eliminating the symptoms and keeping the blood glucose levels under control.
At first the doctor will recommend the patient to exercise daily and to keep a diet. Also, monitoring regularly the level of glucose in blood is essential for further treatment measures. If weight is being reduced type 2 diabetes can be managed quite easily along with keeping a diet and exercising. The doctor will help the patient to test his level of glucose in blood by its own; will let him know what he is allowed to eat and what he must avoid; will advise him what to do when he feels sick and will tell him where he can procure his diabetes supplies.
Testing the level of glucose in blood can be done by the patient without the doctor’s help. These tests are usually done before meals and at bedtime. The patient will monitor its level of glucose in blood with the help of a glucometer. This device shows quickly the results, in about 30 seconds. All the patient needs to do is prick his finger with a small needle attached to the glucometer and a drop of blood will appear on the finger. This drop of blood will be then placed on the glucometer’s test strip and the results will appear in no time. By keeping a record of the values obtained in several days by the glucometer the doctor will be able to set a more adequate treatment scheme for the patient.
Keeping a diet is very important along with exercising as it can help the overweight patient reach a satisfying weight and reduce the glucose level in blood in this way. The diet will be also set by the doctor and a nutritionist who will choose healthy foods for the patient, in adequate amounts, and will also set a schedule for taking meals.
Although many people suffer from diabetes it does not stop many to travel around the world and behave just like another any other regular traveler, in most cases these trip end in the most normal and regular way, but in some cases things get a little complicated while the diabetic is on the road, there are a few things to know and consider when traveling. Diabetes should not stop you from traveling but careful planning is required in order to assure a safe and enjoyable trip.
You should always plan everything in advance, what is basically true to all passengers is also true for the diabetic passenger, and even more so if there is any mental pressure on the person that is traveling, make sure you have everything ready well in time, and save yourself the worries and anxiety.
Give yourself at least 2 to 3 months of planning. This will enable you to accomplish everything you need in your trip.
If your trip requires arrangement with a travel agent, inquire on the special package for diabetic. Itineraries should be different and meals should conform to the need of a diabetic.
When packing, do not place your diabetes supplies and medications in one bag. Have them separated in case your bag is stolen or lost. Insulin will lose its strength if stored in a very cold or hot place such as the globe compartment of the car. Un-pressurized environment will also give the same effect.
If you travel by plane, have your medications and diabetes supply especially your insulin in your carry-on luggage. Have them with you all the time. Insulin should not be exposed in x-ray. Security scanners on the other hand will not destroy your blood glucose meter.
Check your blood sugar level regularly.
Take note of your medication schedules especially if you are crossing time zones. If you want to rest during the flight, inform a flight attendant to wake you up for your medication.
Holiday vacation on a cruise can mean buffet meals. Control your cravings and only eat the amount prescribe on you. Physical activity such as swimming, exercising, and strolling the deck can compensate on your food intake.
If you are traveling by car, make sure that you keep a good eye on your blood sugar level before you leave and every 4 hours during the trip.
Make frequent stops to exercise your legs and improve your blood circulation. .
If you are on a backpacking trip, make sure that your diet is followed. Keep off from food that is not suitable to your condition. Make sure that you do not go beyond your limits in drinking and eating.
When someone goes into insulin shock, it’s important to get sugar and food into that person without forcing it and causing aspiration. Mix sugar with liquids, or rub it on a person’s gums when they…
People with diabetes often face a lot of problems while traveling. This is because they are unable to cope up with the complications of the disease.
You need to take special care of your health, especially if you are diabetic. Here are some special tips you can follow in order to keep track on your diabetes while traveling:
a) Planning ahead:
You deserve to enjoy your trip. Hence, if you want to travel with diabetes, you must plan ahead very carefully. You must have heard many stories related to lost luggage or encountering a natural disaster.
It is true that you cannot avoid these disasters, it is necessary to prepare yourself before you actually leave. This will save you from encountering undue stress. Make sure that you inform your agents about your health condition.
Thereafter, you need to look for specific requirements that are required for a patient with diabetes to take along. This will let you plan all your needs. Any missed connection can easily run even the best holiday trip of yours.
b) Plan to visit your physician:
It would be a wise idea to visit your doctor for a check-up. This should be done several weeks prior to leaving for the trip actually. Try to discuss your case with the diabetes health care team.
Let your health care practitioner decide a meal plan and medicines for you. Ask about certain specific medications you require for the trip. Make sure that all you necessary vaccinations is done at least four weeks prior to your visit. This will let you deal with all possible side effects.
It is very important for you to ask for a special prescription required by you for the trip. The prescription should include insulin and oral medications. Also try to take insulin and record the types of insulin that would be required. You must carry a copy with you 24 x 7.
Remember that some countries may ask you for written documents from your health care practitioner stating that you can may carry these medicines. There would be problems especially in taking along syringes and needles in some countries.
c) Management tips:
Ask your health care practitioner about what should be done if your health gets disturbed while on the trip. It is normal to experience some kind of motion sickness. It is advised to take some liquids, preferably in the form of fluids. You require to test your blood glucose level in every two or four hours.
d) Identification:
You should take identification with you round the clock that describes your condition. This will be of great in case of an emergency. You should get a MedicAlert⢠bracelet or necklace describing that you have diabetes.
e) Travel insurance:
This would be an excellent idea.
f) Pack wisely:
Donât forget any of your medicines and diabetes supplies. Pack them in more than one place. This way you would not face problems in case your luggage gets lost. Take food, water, sun-block, walking shoes and medication for diarrhea and nausea.
Follow the above mentioned tips and you would be able to combat complications related to diabetes that may strike you on the trip.
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Diabetes through the years has become an epidemic in the western world. With its subtle symptoms as the disease starts, it is described as a silent killer where diagnosis can be shocking to patient who believed they were healthy all along. For patients just receiving the news that they have diabetes, it might be the end of it all in coping with the disease.
However, as diabetes becomes one of the most serious conditions, steps have been taken to make diabetes very manageable and controlled as long as the patient can adjust properly. Many people who have diabetes through the years can attest to that. Having a lifestyle change should not stop you from living a healthy, active, and fruitful life.
Changing your Diet
Managing your diabetes starts with eating healthy. It is important to monitor your weight if you want to control the effects of diabetes. While having the disease means you have to change the way you eat, you do not have to make sudden changes. You can start by changing the little things in your diet. However, make sure to eat regularly and have the right amount of carbohydrates. Once you established you carbohydrate intake, you can start adjusting the amount of fat you take in. Eat fewer portions and start avoiding salty foods. In changing your diet, taking small steps won’t put you in a diet shock that can be stressful for you.
Eating healthy is just the same for people with diabetes and people without it. Having diabetes does not mean you have to eat different meals with your family and friends. In fact, you can use yourself as example to teach them to eat healthy. As long as you have your meals planned with friendly recipes for diabetes patients, then you can include yourself in planning dinners with your family. Having a personal dietician can also help you in coping with changes in diet to soften the effects of the transition. Reading up on different recipes and online resources are helpful too.
Planning your Physical Activities
Taking into consideration the type of physical activity is important in managing diabetes. Be sure to ask your doctor before engaging in a specific activity. If your activities are too strenuous, you might experience low blood sugar level. Choosing safe activities is important because you do not want to encounter accidents once you do not feel well. Pick activities that will allow you to be active while not keeping you too occupied as you forget about monitoring your condition. Constant diabetes testing will be very helpful in choosing physical activities for you. Regularly checking your blood sugar level before and after your exercise will tell you what works and what does not.
Diabetes Testing
Diabetes testing is required for a reason. Monitoring your glucose levels tells you what your score is. All diabetes patients have a target range of blood sugar level that they need to work on and it would be difficult to achieve these targets without constant diabetes testing.
However, diabetes testing can be a burden as you teach yourself to do it everyday. Although home tests are designed to be convenient, it can chip away some time that you have set for other things. Therefore, understanding the importance of diabetes testing will help you cope with this new task.
If you want to keep things private, try to take diabetes tests where you can be alone. Diabetes tests are non-invasive and are small enough so that other people won’t notice it. You can designate a spot in your home or in your school or workplace that you can go to carry out the tests.
To Success
Coping with diabetes is a process that takes time. While we are faced with a serious condition, it should not be a scary situation for you and for your friends and family if you learn to adjust to it together. Involving people in your lives and opening up will ease your transition. Controlling the disease should not be a chore and finding ways to make it fun for you is just a matter of having a positive perspective. Optimism is your best friend and if you learn to be optimistic, healthy and smart living amidst the disease is just in your fingertips.
