Mental Health And Diabetes
Living with and managing either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. This can affect your blood glucose levels and how you manage your diabetes in general. Over time, this can affect your health.It is important to talk to your doctor if you are going through times of stress, depression or anxiety. Your doctor can refer you to a counsellor or psychologist by providing a diabetes mental health plan. This is Medicare rebated.Other help is available, including:
- online resources
Sexual Function And Diabetes
Reduced blood supply and nerve damage can affect sexual function. Erectile dysfunction in men is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. This is a common problem for men of all ages and is more common in men with diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is not a disease, but a symptom of some other problem physical, psychological or a mixture of both. Most cases of erectile dysfunction are physical, such as nerve or blood vessel damage. In women, sexual dysfunction is also reported, although there is a lack of research in this area. It is difficult to know whether this is directly related to hormonal changes such as menopause, or to diabetes.It is important to seek help from your doctor, diabetes educator or organisations such as Healthy Male Andrology Australia.
Fasting Blood Sugar Test
A fasting blood sugar test provides a snapshot of your blood sugar level before you have eaten. The doctor measures the amount of sugar in your blood after youve fasted for at least eight hoursusually overnight.
A fasting blood sugar level of 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter indicates that you have prediabetes. A blood sugar level of 126 milligrams per deciliter or higher on two separate tests means you have diabetes.
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Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented
It is possible to lower your chances of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops through a combination of factors lifestyle factors, such as food, exercise, stress, and sleep play a role, as do family history and genetics, and environmental factors. While type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity, it is not simply the result of high body weight. To lower the risk of type 2 diabetes , it is recommended to exercise often, eat nutritious food, and maintain a healthy body weight.
Serious Side Effects Of Metformin
This is a dangerous condition caused by the buildup of lactic acid, a chemical that your muscles and red blood cells make naturally. When it happens while taking metformin, itâs called metformin-associated lactic acidosis .
The problem is very rare, happening in a tiny fraction of people who take the drug.
Itâs more likely to happen if you:
- Are sick with fever, diarrhea, or throwing up
Many of the warning signs are similar to some metformin side effects, like stomach pain, dizziness, and weakness. Others are numbness or a cold feeling in your limbs, or changes in your heart rate. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these problems.
A lack of this B vitamin can happen to anyone, but the risk is higher on metformin, especially over time. When you donât get enough, it can cause peripheral neuropathy, the numbness or tingling in your feet and legs thatâs already a risk with diabetes. It can also cause anemia, low levels of red blood cells.
Ask your doctor to check your B12 level regularly. Donât wait until you have symptoms. Itâs also a good idea to add foods naturally high in B12 to your diet. Beef liver and clams have the most. Chicken, beef, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals are good sources. Supplements can also bring your levels back to normal, especially if youâre a vegetarian. Just talk to your doctor before you start taking one.
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Foods And Drinks To Avoid With Diabetes
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Diabetes is a chronic disease that has reached epidemic proportions among adults and children worldwide (
Uncontrolled diabetes has many serious consequences, including heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and other complications.
Prediabetes has also been linked to these conditions .
Importantly, eating certain foods can raise your blood sugar and insulin levels and promote inflammation, which may increase your risk of disease.
This article lists 11 foods and drinks that people with diabetes or prediabetes should avoid.
The Dangers Of Being Misdiagnosed With Diabetes Type 2 Instead Of Type 1
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 9 years old. After many years of taking pills and seeing no results, I started insulin. My body rejected the pills. In 2014, the hospital doctors ran some tests and told me I was misdiagnosed. I am a type 1 diabetic who almost died due to a medical error. In August of 2015 I was in the hospital almost once a week before they told me I had gone into DKA for the third time since 2014. This time though, I was battling a septic infection in my blood. This caused me to get an 11 cm cyst in my fallopian tube on my right ovary, and I ended up with a pulmonary embolism. After two weeks in the ICU and non-stop vomiting and sleeping, I finally came to. My doctors were amazed they didnt think I would make it. Since 2015, I have only gone into the beginning stage of DKA once. Since then, my sugars have become more stable. Im living better than before and working to stabilize my blood sugars so I can stay out of the hospital. I had to learn the hard way to manage my diabetes by being very ill and having to fight for my life before I was given a wake-up call. We want to hear your story. Become a Mighty contributor here.Continue reading > >
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Is Type 2 Diabetes Serious
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that requires attention and careful monitoring. The good news is that with the right care and treatment, its very possible to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Type 2 diabetes can have both short-term and long-term effects. In the long term, the high blood sugar levels that characterize diabetes can damage the body, affecting the nervous system, blood vessels, eyes, heart, and kidneys. These complications impact quality of life and increase a persons risk for events like a heart attack or stroke. Managing blood glucose levels carefully and right away, along with other health factors , is necessary for preventing these complications and can lead to better moods and more energy. Losing even a small amount of weight and keeping it off can also help improve glucose management.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
The best way to improve life expectancy for type 2 diabetes is to manage the condition with both medical and lifestyle interventions.
Treatment of type 2 diabetes includes tracking a persons blood sugar levels, which helps them identify peaks and address the cause. Blood glucose monitoring kits are available for purchase online.
People with type 2 diabetes may also need medications to prevent their blood sugar levels from getting too high. This can be insulin injections or medications such as metformin .
There are also experimental drugs that may help in the management of type 2 diabetes. Research is still ongoing and not all of the drugs are available for public use yet.
The effects of diabetes on the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart make it more likely that someone with diabetes will have other health conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and high cholesterol.
For people with type 2 diabetes who also have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, 2018 guidelines recommend that doctors prescribe medications for these conditions as part of an overall diabetes treatment plan.
A 2016 meta-analysis that included data from over 13,000 people found that those who engaged in diabetes self-management education appeared to have longer life expectancies than those who did not.
Additional strategies for maintaining optimal health while living with diabetes include:
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Type 1 Vs Type 2 Diabetes: Whats The Difference
Type 2 diabetes is not the same as Type 1 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesnt make any insulin. In Type 2, your pancreas doesnt make enough insulin, and the insulin it is making doesnt always work as it should. Both types are forms of diabetes mellitus, meaning they lead to hyperglycemia .
Type 2 diabetes usually affects older adults, though its becoming more common in children. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but people of any age can get it.
Type 2 Diabetes In Children And Teens
Childhood obesity rates are rising, and so are the rates of type 2 diabetes in youth. More than 75% of children with type 2 diabetes have a close relative who has it, too. But its not always because family members are related it can also be because they share certain habits that can increase their risk. Parents can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by developing a plan for the whole family:
- Drinking more water and fewer sugary drinks
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Making favorite foods healthier
- Making physical activity more fun
Healthy changes become habits more easily when everyone makes them together. Find out how to take charge family style with these healthy tips.
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Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome is very rare, but you should be aware of it and know how to handle it if it occurs. HHNS is when your blood glucose level goes way too high, and if you dont treat it, it can cause death.
HHNS is most likely to occur when youre sick, and elderly people are most likely to develop it. It starts when your blood glucose level starts to climb: when that happens, your body will try to get rid of all the excess glucose through frequent urination. That dehydrates your body, and youll become very thirsty.
Unfortunately, when youre sick, you cant always rehydrate your body as you should. You might have trouble keeping fluids down, for example. When you dont rehydrate your body, the blood glucose level continues to climb, and it can eventually go so high that it will send you into a coma.
To avoid hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, you should keep close watch on your blood glucose level when youre sick .
Talk to your healthcare professional about having a sick-day plan to follow.
Type 2 Diabetes And Complications
Like type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes carries the risk of diabetes complications over time.
The most common complications of type 2 diabetes include:
- Nerve damage , which raises the risk of amputation
In fact, by the time they are diagnosed, 50% of people with type 2 diabetes show early signs of these health conditions.
The list of complications, which also includes depression and sexual dysfunction, is not pleasant but their risks can be reduced through good diabetes control and attending all diabetic screening appointments.
As with many chronic diseases, early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is beneficial for treatment. Before type 2 diabetes develops, most patients exhibit pre-diabetic symptoms, and if treatment commences at this stage, diabetes of this type can be preventable.
- Almost 1 in 3 people with type 2 diabetes develops overt kidney disease
- Within 20 years of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, 60% of people diagnosed have some degree of retinopathy
In terms of short term complications of diabetes, ketoacidosis is rare amongst type 2 diabetics. However, non-ketonic hyperglycemia is one threat type 2 diabetics should be aware of.
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What Should I Do If My Health Care Professional Told Me I Have Prediabetes
Prediabetes is when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes. Having prediabetes is serious because it raises your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Many of the same factors that raise your chance of developing type 2 diabetes put you at risk for prediabetes.
Other names for prediabetes include impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. Some people call prediabetes borderline diabetes.
About 1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes, according to recent diabetes statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You wont know if you have prediabetes unless you are tested.
If you have prediabetes, you can lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Lose weight if you need to, become more physically active, and follow a reduced-calorie eating plan.
Get started with Your Game Plan to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. For more support, you can find a lifestyle change program near you through the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
Heres The Thing: Your Journey Is Unique And It Starts Fresh Every Day
No matter where you are with type 2 diabetes, there are some things you should know. It’s the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. And while some people can control their blood glucose levels with healthy eating and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to manage it. Regardless, you have everything you need to fight it. Not sure where to start? Learn how type 2 diabetes is diagnosed.
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Oral Health And Diabetes
People with poorly managed diabetes are at increased risk of tooth decay and gum infections. This is because the small blood vessels that help nourish your teeth and gums can become damaged. Poor oral care can cause the gums to become inflamed and loosen around your teeth. It’s also strongly linked with an increased risk of heart disease.To reduce your risk of teeth and gum problems:
- See your dentist regularly for a check-up.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
- If you have dentures, make sure you brush your dentures and gums with a soft toothbrush.
Heart And Blood Vessel Disease
People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease or a stroke compared to people without diabetes. Over time, uncontrolled blood glucose levels can damage your blood vessels. Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, and related blood vessel diseases encompass several different health conditions.
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Is Type 2 Diabetes Increasing
Type 2 diabetes is increasing at an epidemic rate, and is being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. The most likely reason for this increase is that individuals with a genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes are developing the disease due to lifestyle changes namely less physical activity, weight gain, and longer life span.
The good news is that scientific research confirms that by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal body weight, you can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the pancreas makes less insulin than the body needs, and the body cells stop responding to insulin. They dont take in sugar as they should. Sugar builds up in your blood. When cells dont respond to insulin, this is called insulin resistance. It’s usually caused by:
- Lifestyle factors, including obesity and a lack of exercise.
- Genetics, or abnormal genes, that prevent cells from working as they should.
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Treatment For Low Blood Glucose
If you have type 2 diabetes that’s controlled using insulin or certain types of tablets , you may experience episodes of hypoglycaemia.
Hypoglycaemia is where your blood glucose levels become very low.
Mild hypoglycaemia can make you feel shaky, weak and hungry, but it can usually be controlled by eating or drinking something sugary.
If you have a hypo, you should initially have a form of carbohydrate that will act quickly, such as a sugary drink or glucose tablets.
This should be followed by a longer-acting carbohydrate, such as a cereal bar, sandwich or piece of fruit.
In most cases, these measures will be enough to raise your blood glucose level to normal. You should aim for a hypo to be treated and to recheck your blood glucose level within 15 minutes.
If blood glucose still less than 4mmol/l then repeat the treatment using a fast acting carbohydrate. When your blood glucose returns to normal then have your longer acting carbohydrate.
If you develop severe hypoglycaemia, you may become drowsy and confused, and you may even lose consciousness.
If this occurs, you may need to have an injection of glucagon into your muscle or glucose into a vein. Glucagon is a hormone that quickly increases your blood glucose levels.
You may require input from a health care professional. If the glucagon is not successful, you may require an injection of dextrose into your vein.
Your diabetes care team can advise you on how to avoid a hypo and what to do if you have one.
How Is Type 2 Diabetes Treated
Kids and teens with type 2 diabetes often go to a pediatric endocrinologist for treatment. This kind of doctor treats problems affecting hormones, like diabetes. They also may see a dietitian, diabetes educator, or weight management specialist.
The goal of treatment for type 2 diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Treatment usually includes:
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- getting regular physical activity
- checking blood sugar levels regularly
- losing weight, if recommended
- taking anti-diabetes pills or getting insulin . If blood sugars remain high, the doctor may add another medicine.
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