Many of us grew up in an environment where we had to eat our vegetables, including those brussel sprouts (yuck!), and dessert and candy were occasional treats. Once again, our mothers were smarter than we gave them credit for. Moms are always right, aren’t they!
Diabetes Information
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a medical and endocrine disorder where the blood glucose level is high. There may be a lack of insulin, insulin resistance or both. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps to lower the blood glucose levels. Diabetes mellitus is commonly referred to as “sugar” in some cultures. It can occur in young people, commonly referred to as Type I, or adult onset which is commonly referred to as Type II. Pregnant women can also sometimes develop diabetes. This is referred to as gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
Some of the most common symptoms of Type I DM include:
- Fatigue
- Excessive urination
- Excessive thirst
- Hunger
- Weight loss
- Vision changes
- Nausea
Some of the most common symptoms of Type II DM include:
- Excessive urination which can be fruity smelling
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Recurrent yeast infections
- Slow healing sores and ulcers
Who is at risk?
- Family history of diabetes especially if a parent or sibling has been affected
- Obesity
- Women with a history of gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes later in life
- Age over 45 years
Diabetes Complications
Diabetes mellitus can usually be diagnosed by your health care provider with a blood test that measures your fasting glucose level. HgbA1C
Sugar, sugar, honey, honey…
When diabetes is inadequately controlled, it can lead to multiple, serious medical problems. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar nonketotic coma are amongst the most serious complications. DKA can occur in patients with insulin dependent diabetes with very elevated glucose levels. Symptoms of DKA include fruity smelling breath, frequent urination with ketones, confusion and very high glucose levels. Hyperosmolar nonketotic coma can occur if excess glucose is released into the urine. Many urine strips can test for glucose and ketones. You normally should not have either in urine. DKA and hyperosmolar nonketotic coma are extremely dangerous and requires hospital admission for proper management.
Other potential diabetes complications:
- Neuropathy (the nerves’ function is reduced)- symptoms include numbness, tingling in the feet
- Nephropathy (reduced kidney function, sometimes this can lead to kidney failure)
- Retinopathy (the retina in the eyes may develop abnormalities or even detach)
- Atherosclerosis- hardening of the blood vessels
- Cardiomyopathy- the heart muscles weaken leading to reduced function of the heart
- Erectile dysfunction
- Poor healing after surgery or injury
- Bladder dysfunction
- Intestinal problems including constipation, diarrhea, delayed gastric (stomach) emptying
When silence is not golden…
Diabetes can also lead to silent myocardial infarction (heart attack). Therefore, the usual symptoms of a heart attack such as chest pain, left arm and jaw pain may not be felt when a diabetic patient is having a heart attack.
Put your foot down…
Foot care is extremely important. People with nerve damage or reduced nerve function in their feet may not feel when an injury occurs. It is important to wear well fitting shoes and examine the feet. Cuts and other injuries may take longer to heal and may need medical attention and care.
Diabetes Treatment: Take control
We can’t escape it. Diet and exercise are a must. A balanced, low glycemic index (less than 55), reduced carbohydrate diet and exercise helps to reduce the blood sugar levels. Low glycemic index foods break down slower in your body than high glycemic index foods and will leave you feeling fuller.
There are multiple medications that are available with a prescription that can reduce the glucose levels. The list includes but is not limited to Metformin, glyburide, Januvia. The supplement chromium may also help.
For those who require insulin, the pump and injections are amongst the options. Type I and some Type II patients will require insulin.
Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that can measure how well the glucose has been controlled over the past 2-3 months.
How low can you go?
While the goal of diabetic treatment is to reduce the blood sugar levels, too low of a glucose level (hypoglycemia) can be detrimental as well. Levels under 50 mg/dL can give symptoms of fainting, dizziness, trembling and sweating. To combat this, drink orange juice or have a carbohydrate snack or other drink.
The sweet taste of victory
Diabetes mellitus can not be cured, but it is manageable. In general, the American Diabetic Association recommends maintaining your glucose levels at 80-120 mg/dL before meals, and 100-140 mg/dL at bedtime. Tight control of the glucose levels do help to reduce and prevent many of the unwanted complications of diabetes. If you or a loved one has diabetes, keep a close eye on the glucose levels. Surgery, infection and some medications may also increase the glucose level, so the diabetic medications and/or insulin may need adjustments when these conditions occur.
If you have any questions or concerns, please seek medical attention. Diabetes should never be taken lightly. There are many organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, that provide compelling information on diabetes.
LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR DOCTOR- EAT YOUR VEGGIES.
For more health tips and info, please visit drcamillegraham.com
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