Diabetes and Lifestyle Changes

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on May 23rd, 2009

When you have Diabetes, there is no doubt that your life will change. Managing your Diabetes will make you more conscience of your lifestyle.

Many people with Diabetes share common concerns about their health. Getting sick with a cold or the flu can be potentially life threatening if you do not follow you daily diet and routine. It is recommended that you have a support system and that you form a plan for the days that you are ill. This will prevent a minor illness from becoming a potentially life threatening one.

When the body is weak from illness, it will automatically release hormones to fight the illness or infection. While this is a good thing the side effects are substantially increased blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose levels go up too high, it could lead Ketoacidosis, a Diabetic coma. This is more common in Type 1 Diabetes however in Type 2 Diabetes, it can lead to a nonketotic coma. It is important that you follow a healthy diet and exercise routine especially during cold and flu season and that you receive a flu vaccination.

It is also very important to consult your physician before taking any type of over the counter medicine; there are many on the market today that can raise your glucose to dangerous levels.

Traveling is the love of many people, for those who travel having Diabetes can be a real concern. It is critical that you prepare ahead of time for any vacation or trip you are planning.

Consult your physician well ahead of time to make sure that your Diabetes is under control. If it is not, you have time to take care of it. Traveling to certain countries requires immunizations, and if you plan ahead and get the shots, you will have time to recover from whatever side effects may occur.

It is also recommended that you obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are a Diabetic and the treatment plan you are on. Make sure that everything you need to treat Diabetes is in the letter just in case it should be questioned. It is also critical that you list any allergies you may have to medication and food. This will alert medical personnel should the need arise. Following these steps will allow you to enjoy your trip without stress. Above all, it is crucial that you wear your medical alert bracelet. This is known worldwide and you will be treated properly should you become unconscious.

When planning a trip out of the country physicians will recommend that you take twice as many Diabetic supplies as needed. This will insure that you do not run out in another country.

When you are on a long flight, you still have to eat to maintain your blood glucose. In the past, this could be challenging. However, you can now request specific meal plans on long air flights.

It is possible to do the things that you enjoy with Diabetes. You will just have to make concessions and adjustments to keep yourself in good health.

Common Myths About Diabetes

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on May 23rd, 2009

When you are diagnosed with Diabetes, you will get a lot of advise from armchair doctors. They will offer their own type of medical advice, and at times it can be outrageous. Everyone wants to offer an opinion, and it is important that you know the facts about Diabetes; the more knowledge you have the better you can control your Diabetes.

There are many myths surrounding Diabetes. It seems like there are thousands of ‘myths’ regarding Diabetes, it is important that you do not panic. Recently diagnosed Diabetics have enough to deal with; they do not need to receive false information that can confuse them even more.

First of all, Diabetes is not contagious. Knowing someone with this disease does not mean that you can ‘catch it.’ Studies indicate that Type 2 Diabetes is a genetic disease, however lifestyle also plays a major role in who will develops it. You simply cannot catch it by being sneezed or coughed on.

Another myth that many people with and without Diabetes believe is that a Diabetic cannot eat sweets particularly chocolate. This is simply not true. Diabetics can eat sweets, as long as they limit themselves to small portions and they follow their daily exercise routine. A healthy diet is key to managing Diabetes.

Contrary to popular belief Diabetics do not have to eat special Diabetic food. Eating a well balanced, low carb diet combined with an exercise routine can be just as effective as eating Diabetic food and it can cost less. Planning healthy meals full of healthy menu options is the best way to control Type 2 Diabetes.

Research has proven that starchy foods can cause blood glucose to go up. However it is still a very important part of a Diabetics diet. Starchy food is high in dietary fiber and it is a very important of a healthy diet, it is very important that starchy food be eaten in very small portions. Fruits are also a very important part of a Diabetics diet. Although they are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, many different types of fruits are high in carbohydrates. This makes it critical that it is consumed in small portions and glucose levels be monitored carefully.

One myth that panics many people with Diabetes is that they are more likely to get sick with colds and flu than people without Diabetes. This is simply not true. Anyone can catch a cold or flu, however it is more serious when a Diabetic catches it because any type of cold or infection can wreak havoc on blood glucose levels making it more difficult to manage.

Many people believe that insulin can cause Athreosclerosis and weight gain. While some studies indicate that it can set off early warning signs the conclusion of the studies have proven that it does not. While weight gain is not recommended for Diabetics, two different studies have concluded that insulin can cause weight gain, however there are many more benefits to using insulin to manage glucose levels. With a proper exercise routine, weight gain is minimum.

Diabetes is a Latin word and means passing through. Mellitus means honey. We can put simply that excessive levels of sugar in the urine of person are like passing through honey from urinary tract. Diabetes Mellitus is basically characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. These high levels are caused by either insufficiency of insulin or failing of cells to use the provided insulin.

Diabetes is a disease related to insulin. It has affected around 21 million people in United States of America.

According to statistical data collected by NDIC (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse) 14.6 million residents of United States of America have been diagnosed with diabetes; whereas 6 million people are diabetic but unaware of their medical condition. The stats include figures of total diabetes sufferers of all ages; as anyone from child to an old aged person can experience signs of diabetes.

Here is an insight into the warning signs of diabetes.

There are many signs of diabetes that alarms a person that he may be suffering from diabetes. These may happen in bulk or some sufferer may experience only one. Whatever the case is if these signs of diabetes are experienced a person should contact doctor immediately.

The most common signs of diabetes include

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Extreme hunger

Hunger after eating

Blurriness of vision

Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Tiredness or fatigue

Dry and itchy skin

Unexplained weight loss

Recurrent infections

Slow healing of wounds

Nausea

Stomach pain

Seeking Timely Treatment Is Important

If you ever suspect that you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms then an immediate doctor’s appointment is essential; since if diabetes is left untreated it can serve as a host of debilitating health related issues. It is a serious disease and is one of the leading cause of death in United States.