Blood Test Screening for Diabetes Anyone over the age of 45 should be screened for glucose abnormalities every three years. In high-risk individuals, testing should be done annually, starting at a younger age. High risk being overweight, family history of Type 2 Diabetes, over the age of 45, history of high blood pressure, a low HDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, prediabetes, history of...

you never know When Disaster Occurs When There's an Emergency or Natural Disaster Everyone with diabetes should be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters, such as power outages or hurricanes. Always have your disaster kit ready. Include everything you need to take care of your diabetes, such as a blood glucose meter, lancets, and testing strips your diabetes medicines a list of your...

Important to reduce all risk factors Diabetic neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, can affect motor or sensory nerves. Motor nerves supply muscles. Damage to these nerves will cause muscle weakness. Diabetic neuropathy tends to be symmetrical, meaning it affects both lower limbs and or both hands. It tends to affect the distal parts of the limb and gradually work...

Important Features Insulin Pump An insulin pump is a very sophisticated means of delivering insulin. There is a small cartridge of insulin, which can be refilled periodically, usually every 2-3 days. Sophisticated electronics control the basal rate of insulin. Boluses can be given for meals based on carbohydrates intake, pre-meal blood sugar, and anticipated activity level. Most insulin pumps...

What to do if you are under the weather Sick Day Management Having a cold, the flu, or infection can raise your blood glucose levels. You can have serious health problems leading to a coma if your blood glucose levels are very high. Be prepared for illness. Make a plan ahead of time for sick days. Ask your health care team how often to check your blood glucose levels whether you should check for...

Helpful tips Diabetes and Travel Tips When You're Travelling Follow your meal plan as much as possible when you eat out. Always carry a snack with you if you have low blood sugar or have to wait to be served. Limit your drinking of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages. Generally, alcohol consumption should be limited to 1 drink for women and up to 2 drinks for men. Eat something when you...

Should I Get The Covid Vaccine? Recommended Vaccinations:  Vaccinations recommended for Diabetics include Covid Vaccine- Absolutely recommended. Flu (influenza) shots recommended yearly before the flu season. Pneumococcal vaccination must be given at or after age 65; if you have received it before age 65, you should have a repeat pneumococcal vaccination five years after the previous one or...

Regular insulin (Generic) is in a complex (hexamer) state; this delays the absorption of insulin from the injection site into the bloodstream, resulting in the slow onset of action. For this reason, Regular insulin needs to be taken 20 to 30 minutes before a meal (most patients find this difficult to comply with). Regular insulin's effects last for 6 to 7 hours, resulting in more frequent low...

 Foot Care Foot/leg care is critical in diabetics, especially if there is nerve damage (neuropathy). You may not feel pain; hence there is a more likely hood of a foot injury. This, in turn, can lead to infection, sometimes settling in the bone (Osteomyelitis). People with diabetes are more likely to have peripheral arterial disease (PAD); the poor blood flow impairs antibiotics getting to...

 Psychological Aspects of Diabetes Having diabetes is very stressful for most people; anger and denial are not uncommon. Depression is quite common among people with diabetes. Most diabetics go through a phase of denial, but it can lead to problems with diabetic control if this is prolonged. This should be identified and treated appropriately. Addressing depression or the psychological...

Exercise for Diabetics Exercise reduces insulin resistance (makes the insulin more effective); hence it should be part of any diabetes treatment regimen. Even mild exercise regularly can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in prediabetes or high-risk individuals.   Benefits of exercises include: Decreased insulin resistance or increased effectiveness of insulin, thus improving...

Estimate your Risk Genetic Risk of Transmitting Diabetes  Type 1 Diabetes: The risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes in the general population is about 0.6%. In the case of an identical twin with Type 1 Diabetes, the unaffected twin has a 50% chance of developing Type 1 diabetes. If one sibling has Type 1 Diabetes, the risk of the other sibling developing Type 1 diabetes is roughly 10%. A...

BMR: the energy needed for basic existence Calculate Your Basal Metabolic Rate     Metabolic Rate -Total Calories Needed Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs for all your body's basic functions at rest. To calculate your Basal metabolic rate, use the Harris-Benedict Equation as shown below. For Women: 655 + (4.35 × weight in pounds) + (4.7 × height in inches)...

Both generic and nongeneric Classes of Medications Used In Type 2 Diabetes:   Biguanides: Drugs in this class are Metformin (Glucophage ER, Glumetza, Riomet, and Fortamet). Sulfonylurea: Drugs in this class include Glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL), Glimepiride (Amaryl), Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase) Thiazolidinedione: Drugs in this group area Pioglitazone (Actos) and...

Hypertension or High Blood Pressure Blood carries nutrients and oxygen to every cell of the body. A certain amount of pressure is needed to move your blood through the blood vessels. If the blood flow is decreased, the cells and tissues are deprived of vital nutrients and oxygen. If the blood pressure is too high, this can damage the blood vessels. Hence, it is in our best interest to keep the...

Alternative Ways For Taking Insulin Many people with diabetes must take insulin to manage their disease. Most people who take insulin use an insulin Pen or needle and syringe to inject insulin just under the skin. Several other devices for taking insulin are available, and new approaches are under development. Insulin pens provide a convenient, easy-to-use way of injecting insulin and may be...

Maybe Presenting sign of Diabetes. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Coma (HONK)   Type 2 Diabetics can develop this life-threatening condition when they are subject to severe medical stress such as infection or heart attack. Sometimes, Type 2 Diabetes is first diagnosed when patients develop this complication. To develop this complication, blood sugars have to be elevated for several...

Important to understand High blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia) Symptoms of elevated blood glucose are, Increased thirst. Increased urinary frequency with increased urinary volume. Increased appetite. Weight loss. Tiredness. Headache Dry, itchy skin Abnormal healing of wounds. Blurred vision. Increased frequency of infections such as yeast infections. Only a small percentage of people at diagnosis...

Which medication should I take? Pros and Con of Various Diabetic medications  Metformin: Metformin is usually the 1st line medication for Type 2 diabetes. This should be avoided in severe congestive heart failure, severe liver disease such as cirrhosis, active hepatitis, severe renal impairment, or if the patient has bad gastrointestinal side effects. It is a perfect drug to use if the...

 Diabetics and Alcohol Diabetic specialists generally agree that one drink a day is safe for diabetics, never more than two drinks. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach since it can cause low blood sugar, especially with certain diabetic medications or insulin. Avoid alcohol if you have been exercising or are about to exercise since this may, cause low blood sugar. It is generally a...

Important to recognize Low Blood Sugar or Hypoglycemia Low blood sugars occur in people with diabetes who are on certain diabetic pills or insulin. Common cause: too much insulin or too high a dose of diabetic medication (that stimulate insulin release) ate less than usual, missed/delayed a meal excess activity or exercise alcohol excess can induce a low blood sugar medical illness like...

Proof that good glucose control reduces complications in Type 1 Diabetes Diabetes Control and Complication Trial (DCCT)    This NIH sponsored study compared two groups of Type 1 diabetics. One group aimed to keep their blood sugars close to the normal range (intensive group), and the other group followed conventional control (standard group) at that time (1983). Over a 10 year period,...

Gestational Diabetes Definition  High blood sugars first detected during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes (GDM). Cause of GDM It occurs due to insulin resistance (insulin not as effective as usual), exacerbated by the excessive hormones of pregnancy that block insulin. The high blood sugars resolve after childbirth. Up to 4% of pregnant women develop GDM. It typically occurs during...

Mechanisms leading to Type 2 Diabetes How it goes wrong  Multiple gene defects are felt to cause Type 2 Diabetes. It is not due to a single gene defect. These gene defects in the presence of environmental factors such as a poor diet rich in carbohydrates, and a sedentary lifestyle, predispose to Type 2 Diabetes. If one identical twin develops Type 2 Diabetes, the other twin has almost a...

Criteria for metabolic syndrome Any 3 of the following criteria are necessary for diagnosis.   A triglyceride level of 150-mg/dl or higher. High-density lipoprotein cholestrol, that is HDL (Bad) cholesterol <40-ml/dl in men or <50-mg/dl in women. Blood pressure >130/80-mmHg. Fasting plasma glucose of 100-mg/dl or higher. Abdominal obesity (waist circumference of >40-inches in...

Causes of Diabetes Type 1 Diabetics don't produce insulin. They need insulin for survival; without insulin, they develop diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe medical emergency). Insulin is secreted by Beta cells in the pancreas. In Type 1 Diabetes, these Beta cells are destroyed by antibodies: islet cells and Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies. Type 1 Diabetics are typically thin, <30...

Normal Glucose Metabolism  After digestion, food is broken down to glucose in the gut. Glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream. It is carried in the blood to every cell of your body. Cells need glucose for their energy needs. To get inside the cell, glucose needs insulin's help. What can go wrong? If one has insulin resistance as in Type 2 Diabetes or an absolute lack of insulin as in...

Do you have any risk factors?   A family history of diabetes in a first-degree relative. Obesity (body mass index >30. In Asians >27). Women with a history of gestational diabetes or women who have given birth to children 9-lbs or heavier. History of previous impaired fasting glucose (>99mg/dl) HDL cholesterol less than or equal to 35 mg/dl, triglyceride greater than 250 mg/dl,...

Important principles Diabetes and Diet The most important part of diabetes management is the diet. Talking to a Registered Dietitian or a Diabetic Nurse Educator is crucial to develop a diet plan.Diet should be designed to help weight loss since 90% of Type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese. Hence calories should be restricted, and carbohydrates kept consistent as part of a diabetic...

Do you want to be part of a research study? Current Clinical Studies ClinicalTrials.gov allows you to search for ongoing studies. You could volunteer to participate if you choose. Click Here     Be Informed. Get In Control. Prevent.Better late than neverComing Soon!Available Aug 16, 2019 Diabetes Cure Be Informed. Get In Control.Our Blog Follow AlongCurabitur ultricies blandit nisi ut...

Should I be on Aspirin? Aspirin Therapy In Diabetes  Aspirin therapy for Diabetics with previous vascular events (secondary prevention) significantly reduces the risk of subsequent myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death; however, in people with diabetes without previous Coronary disease or stroke, there is only a 7% decrease in cardiovascular events (not significant). Aspirin...

Does Cinnamon help Cinnamon for Diabetes   A study by William L. Baker et al. published in Diabetes Care concludes that Cinnamon does not appear to improve A1c, Fasting blood glucose, or lipid parameters in patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Be Informed. Get In Control. Prevent.Better late than neverComing Soon!Available Aug 16, 2019 Diabetes Cure Be Informed. Get In Control.Our Blog...

Proof that good glucose control reduces complications in Type 1 Diabetes Diabetes Control and Complication Trial (DCCT)    This NIH sponsored study compared two groups of Type 1 diabetics. One group aimed to keep their blood sugars close to the normal range (intensive group), and the other group followed conventional control (standard group) at that time (1983). Over a 10 year period,...

Important to reduce all risk factors Diabetic Eye Issues Diabetic Retinopathy People with diabetes get eye problems more commonly than non-diabetics. Diabetic retinopathy is unique to diabetes. Cataracts and glaucoma are commoners in people with diabetes. Two types of diabetic retinopathy occur Non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Non-proliferative retinopathy is usually...

Dedicated to the millions of Diabetics worldwide What is Diabetes?  Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a condition in which the body cannot handle glucose appropriately after absorption. DM is associated with fasting, high blood sugar, and high glucose after meals. DM can be either Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 DM is due to a lack of insulin production in the pancreas. This is more common in young...

Syndrome X Diagnostic Criteria are Insulin resistance (insulin not effective) Acanthosis nigricans (darkened areas of skin at the neck, armpits) Central obesity (waist circumference greater than 102-cm for men, greater than 88-cm in women). HDL less than 50 for women, less than 40 for men, or triglyceride more than 150-mg/dl. High Blood Pressure (>130/85). Elevated fasting glucose...

What does A1c indicate? HbA1c    Red blood cells have a protein called hemoglobin; this carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. This hemoglobin protein tends to combine with glucose. This is called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the blood sugar, the more the glycated hemoglobin formed. Once formed, the glycated hemoglobin remains unchanged for the duration of the red...

Are Incretins Safe? Incretin Drug Class Safety   Incretin Mimetics are thought to be associated with an increased risk for pancreatitis and precancerous cellular changes called pancreatic-duct metaplasia. The incretin mimetics include exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), liraglutide (Victoza), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus), sitagliptin (Januvia, Janumet, Janumet XR,...

Injection Should Not Be Painful Good Injection Technique  Clean the injection site using an alcohol wipe. Clean the top of the insulin vial with an alcohol wipe. Mix the insulin by rolling it in your hand. Insulin, such as regular insulin, lispro, and aspartate, does not need mixing. If you have to draw 20units of insulin, draw the syringe's plunger to the 20unit mark, then inject this air...

Important to attain Goals To Aim For Blood Sugar Goals: Ideal Blood glucose readings should be between 80 and 120-mg/dl before meals and less than 140 two hours after the meals. At bedtime, blood sugars are to be between 120 and 140-mg/dl. Blood glucose monitoring should be done before meals. Once the targets are achieved (see guidelines above), then blood sugars should be checked 2 hours after...

See Your Dentist Every 6 Months Diabetes & Oral Health Gum disease and mouth infections are more common in people with diabetes than in nondiabetics. Regular brushing and flossing should be part of daily dental care. Visits to a Dentist once every six months should be done. Your Dentist may want to see you more or less frequently, depending on your dental state.  Signs of gum disease include...

Important to check Glucose Levels Glucometer Depending on whether you are being treated with diet, diabetic pills, or insulin, you may need to check the blood sugars at different times to see how well your blood sugars are controlled with your meal, exercise, and other variables. Checking blood sugars after meals tells how well your body can handle the number of carbohydrates you ate. Certain...