Diabetes | Life Health Fitness

Medications That Raise Blood Sugar

Drugs that Raise Your Risk for Diabetes

It is daunting to know that many medications we are taking for various health conditions have side effects that trigger or aggravate high blood sugar levels, cause diabetes mellitus (DM), or worsen blood sugar control in persons who are already diagnosed with DM.

The American Diabetes Association reports the following statistics:

➢ Approximately 1/2 of the adult population in the United States have diabetes or pre-diabetes

➢ Every 21 seconds, another person is newly diagnosed with diabetes

➢ Nearly 1.5 million are diagnosed per year

➢ More than ½ of Americans take prescription medications for a variety of health problems that potentially affect blood sugar or insulin levels

Drug-induced Diabetes

The use of particular medications can lead to the development of a specific form of diabetes, commonly referred to as “drug-induced” diabetes. Even though your body still produces insulin, these medications prevent insulin from working effectively to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.

Unknowingly, you may be taking some of these medications that raise your blood sugar levels or even cause you to have DM. These drugs affect your body’s ability to control your blood sugar or insulin levels, especially if you have existing risk factors such as family members who have the condition, obesity, or an inactive lifestyle. So while you’re taking these medications for your health problems, your risk for acquiring DM elevates.

Which prescription medications induce diabetes?

The prescription medications listed below can push your blood sugar levels through the roof. It may be wise to talk with your doctor to understand the indication and effects associated with these drugs. Importantly, however, do not attempt to stop taking these medications at once, because it may be harmful toyou. Set an appointment with your doctor to understand your options, risks, and benefits.

➢ Steroids- these medicines are used to effectively treat inflammation-related ailments such as asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Corticosteroids, a common form of steroids, have been shown to increase your blood sugar levels; but this may only be transient. Your blood sugar levels typically return to normal range after the steroid therapy is discontinued.

➢ Statins- these wonder drugs are popular for lowering cholesterol, and have been widely prescribed and used since these were introduced in 2003. However, research evidence showed a link between taking statins and developing a higher risk for type 2 DM. As a consequence, in 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration have released advisories on the increased risk for elevated blood sugar levels as well as memory problems for individuals taking statins.

➢ Oral contraceptive pills- these birth control pills have been shown to indirectly elevate blood sugar levels, or complicate diabetes. In particular, taking combined pills that contain a high amount of estrogen or the progesterone levonorgestrel, especially among women with pregnancy-induced diabetes, leads to abnormally high blood sugar levels. Common side effects of these meds include the increased risk for complications among diabetic individuals. For example, individuals who take these pills and have both diabetes and high blood pressure have shown increased chances of acquiring kidney or eye problems.

➢ Growth hormone- in high doses, this is known to reduce sensitivity to insulin. This, in effect, forces the pancreas to make much more insulin than it should, resulting in the increase of blood sugar levels. This is primarily observed for obese and elderly individuals.

➢ Beta-blockers- these drugs are prescribed to manage heart-related problems such as chest pain, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. These medicines block the release of hormones, which in effect reduce heart rate and blood pressure. However, beta-blockers have been shown to reduce sensitivity to insulin; thus raising the risk for acquiring type 2 DM.

➢ Thiazide diuretics- also called “water” pills or tablets, these are commonly given to lower high blood pressure or remove extra water from the body. Side effects of water tablets, however, include elevated high blood sugar, and low levels of salt in the body. Blood sugar levels may (although not always) return to normal when treatment is stopped.

➢ Antipsychotic medications- these drugs are prescribed to treat mental disorders such as ‘schizophrenia’ and control the symptoms of psychosis, which are also present in individuals with dementia. Increased blood sugar levels and weight gain are common side effects of antipsychotic medications. Typically, blood sugar levels return to normal when these medications are stopped. However, when individuals have significant weight gain as a side effect of taking these medications, evidence shows that the development of diabetes type 2 for these individuals becomes permanent.

➢ Isotretinoin- is an effective drug for treating acne, but insulin resistance (cells of the body don’t respond adequately to insulin) and type 2 DM have been reported with the use of this acne therapy.

➢ Tacrolimus- this immunosuppressive agent given to an individual after organ transplant adversely causes high blood sugar levels or diabetes.

Where the prescription of these drugs for the long term isnecessary for your condition, careful monitoring and prudent use of agents that manage blood sugar levels as prescribed by your physician are crucial.

Over-the-counter Drugs that Raise Blood Sugar

➢ Pseudoephedrine- this decongestant is used in flu and cold medicines, with a side effect of raising blood sugar levels

➢ Niacin- a form of B vitamin, also known as nicotinic acid.This is used to lower the amount of fats (lipids) in your blood, specifically triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Worsening blood sugar control is, unfortunately, one of its side effects

➢ Cough syrup- regular cough syrups may contain high sugar content, which may contribute to acquiring DM

Is Drug-induced Diabetes Permanent?

For several cases, this type of DM may be reversible when the culprit medication is no longer taken. But in some instances, this may become permanent, especially if left unmanaged. Also, this form of diabetes can stay for long-term depending on other health or risk factors you may have.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing this form of diabetes, you may need to take extra effort to ensure you sustain a healthy lifestyle while you are taking the medications mentioned. Of course, being on lower doses of the drugs, and taking them at shorter periods may help reduce your likelihood of getting elevated blood sugar and drug-induced diabetes.

It is good news that most doctors will put you on the lowest, most effective dose possible to help avoid complications such as DM from progressing. But if you suspect that your blood sugar control is adversely affected by medicines you are taking (especially if you have a higher risk for the condition), it may be best to talk and clarify concerns with your physician at the earliest possible time before having changes with your treatment.

Management of Drug-induced Diabetes

If there is a need to take these medications that may have brought about your DM or worsened your blood sugar levels, your condition might be more difficult to control. But if you are able to stop taking the drug that aggravates your condition, your blood sugar levels may consequently become slightly easier to manage. Discuss the best options with your physician. Additionally, meeting recommended exercise guidelines and following healthy meal plans will also improve your chances of controlling your high blood sugar.

Are Simple Sugars Carbohydrates?

Diabetes is a medical condition in which sugars are not used properly for energy. This can be due to genes, lifestyle, medications, pregnancy or a medical condition.

Simple carbohydrates are simple sugars that are made up of glucose, fructose, and galactose. It is called simple carbohydrates because it has a chemical composition of only one sugar molecule. Thus, glucose, fructose, and galactose are called monosaccharides; mono (one); saccharide (sugar).

Food Sources:

Simple carbohydrates can be found naturally in fresh and dried fruits, honey, sodas, corn syrup, milk and dairy products, sweetened desserts, pastries, and instant cereals, refined sources like table sugar including candies.

Interesting Fact: Fructose gives honey its sweetened flavor. It is also the sweetest form of sugar.

How Simple Sugar Affects The Pancreas, Blood Sugar, And Insulin

After digestion, blood sugar rises. This reaction is normal because our body cells need to utilize glucose from the blood for energy. When you eat or drink sugary substances, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin to lower down the surge of blood sugar by allowing our muscle and fat cells to absorb blood glucose. However, a person with diabetes cannot produce enough insulin to cope up with this normal body process, which would result in high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia.

What is the Simple Carbohydrates Digestion Time

Simple sugar molecules require minimal to almost no breakdown when it comes to digestion. As a matter of factly, the monosaccharides in the small intestine have a quick absorption rate. After which, the absorbed molecules travel into the liver, the site of glucose conversion.

In the end, complete digestion takes place in the large intestine. Most simple sugars are absorbed in the jejunum section of the small intestine. Nevertheless, there is no definite scientific timeframe as to when a simple carbohydrate can achieve its full emptying process. But most sugars are fully digested within 1-4 hours after eating.

When is the Best Time to Eat Simple Carbohydrates

When a person with diabetes is suffering from acute hypoglycemia, a 15-gram dosage of simple sugars or carbohydrates are immediately given as an emergency treatment. The 15-gram serving of simple carbs could come from any of the following food sources: 4-6 oz of sweetened fruit juice, a ½ cup of non-diet soda or regular soft drink, 8-10 pieces of hard candies, 1 cup non-fat milk, and a serving of 2 tablespoons raisins.

Check the blood glucose level after 15 minutes. If still falls below normal, repeat the same procedure; give another 15-gram-dosage of simple sugars. Wait for another 15 minutes and check; repeat until blood glucose returns to normal.

Note: For severe cases, it is recommended to seek the immediate professional help of a healthcare response provider.

Good vs. Bad Simple Carbohydrates

Even though foods that are rich in simple carbohydrates are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, there is no scientific justification that consuming such food sources could increase your blood glucose right after eating. But it is the total amount of carbohydrates in your diet that affects your blood sugar levels post-mealtime.

On the other hand, the ADA recommends that for those who are at risk and are having diabetes, to avoid sodas, sugared beverages including vitamin water, drinks flavored with corn syrup, concentrated fruit juices. The reason for this is to prevent weight gain and reduce the possibility of developing cardio diseases and diabetes.

What is the Glycemic Index of Simple Carbohydrates

In a simpler term, a glycemic index is a reference point as to how a certain kind of food could elevate our blood sugar level. The highest rank of a glycemic index is 100%.

The simple carbs like ice-cream and yogurt have a low glycemic response. Fructose (fruit) has a low to moderate glycemic index, while the sucrose (table sugar) falls in the moderate category with a 50-60% glycemic index.

Pros and Cons of Simple Carbohydrates

Pros:

It adds palatability to food; enhancing its flavor, texture, and color.

It promotes appetite.

It is a food preservative.

For fruit and milk sugars, it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It provides calories needed for energy.

Cons:

It promotes dental caries since it is a food favored by the bacteria in the mouth.

Excessive intake of which may lead to an overconsumption of total calories, which would lead to weight gain.

An unrestricted intake of simple carbohydrates may put the total carbohydrate allowance of a person with diabetes out of balance, which in turn could cause high blood glucose levels and obesity.

Table sugar alone cannot provide micronutrients needed for proper body nourishment.

Sweet desserts are empty of micronutrients yet high in total calories.

What are the Simple Sugars or Simple Carbohydrates to Avoid

Foods rich in simple sugars are not necessarily removed or avoided. A person with diabetes can still savor a serving of sweet but with LIMITATION and must be included or served as part of a healthy meal, like a dessert.

For example, for dinner, a healthy meal plan with varied menu choices may consist of a dessert of a 1 oz slice of plain brownie or a serving of ¾ cup mixed berries.

The main point of a healthy diabetic diet is to achieve variety, balance, and moderation in terms of food intake. Yes, it’s alright to have a moderate serving of a sweet dessert, as long as it fits in your total requirement of calories and carbohydrate counting as part of your daily meal plan.

But on another note, it is best to avoid the sugar-concentrated drinks.

Interesting Fact: A tablespoon of table sugar has 15 grams of carbohydrates the same goes to a serving of fruit and sweet desserts. Alternatively, a serving of milk and yogurt will give you 12 grams of carbohydrates.

The Bottomline:

To control diabetes, emphasize in the diet the carbohydrate food sources that are complex, like whole grains, vegetables, and beans from the starch and dietary fiber carbohydrate food group. While in the simple carbohydrates, consume the sources from fruits, low-fat, fat-free, or skim milk and dairy products. Spread this carbohydrate food evenly throughout the day.

Meanwhile, foods prepared and concentrated with refined sugar must only be consumed on rare occasions in a moderate portion as part of a healthy meal plan.

REFERENCES:

Mahan, L.K., & Raymond, J.L. (2017). Krause’s Food & the Nutrition Care Process (14th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.

Hypoglycemia: When Your Blood Sugar Gets Too Low. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-hypoglycemia#2

Gordon, B. (22, November 2018). Understanding Diabetes. https://www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/understanding-diabetes

Klemm, S. (28, January 2019). Carbohydrates — Part of a Healthful Diabetes Diet. https://www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/carbohydrates-part-of-a-healthful-diabetes-diet

Rolfes, Pinna, and Whitney. (2009). Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth

High Glucose During Pregnancy: How to Manage Gestational Diabetes

How to Manage Gestational Diabetes

On you prenatal visit, your doctor break the news to you that you have Gestational Diabetes. Now what? You don’t know what to do or where to begin, and you have been feeling anxious and sleepless for the past few days. Gestational diabetes or GDM can be totally scary and unexpected, especially because you know have you worry about you and the baby growing inside your tummy.

But there’s good news! GDM can be managed in non-invasive, even natural ways. Even more, the condition can be reversed to a significant often without medication.

First, let’s take a closer look at GDM.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

This type of diabetes can occur even if you do not have a previous problem with your blood sugar or have not been diagnosed with any form of diabetes. Presently, it affects 2-10% (that’s roughly 135,000 to 200,000 women in the United States) of all pregnant women annually, typically developing around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy.

Basically, GDM happens when a woman’s body is not able to use or make the insulin it needs for the demands of pregnancy, which typically mean about three times much more than what the woman requires before conceiving.

Symptoms of GDM

Gestational diabetes will present with similar symptoms to the other forms of diabetes, including:

Increased hunger
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Blurry vision

Before worrying that you have the condition, remember that due to hormones, most pregnant women naturally experience some these changes and discomforts of pregnancy, such as a big appetite and more frequent visits to the toilet. But if you have risk factors/issues or symptoms that seem out of the “normal,” talking to your doctor would be a good idea.

Causes & Risk Factors

To date, there is no known cause for GDM, but there are several risk factors associated with this type of diabetes, including:

Family history– if someone in your family has diabetes, you may be at risk since your genes or DNA may predispose you the disease Do check your family history and take measures below to prevent the condition from occuring
Age– pregnant women more than 25 years old are at higher risk for developing GDM
Ethnicity– Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, and Asians have a higher tendency to develop GDM than Caucasians
Weight– women who are overweight before being pregnant, as well as those who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are at high risk
Previous Incidence– if you have had GDM in one of your previous pregnancies, you are more likely to acquire it again, than someone who has not had the condition before

What can happen with GDM?

Increased rate of miscarriage or birth defects –GDM may affect your baby’s major organs or result in physical abnormalities that may be life-threatening

Overnutrition or excess growth for your baby– this increases the likelihood that you’ll undergo cesarean delivery since with vaginal or natural birth, a large baby will be traumatic to the fetus

“Fat baby” or “big body” syndrome- although the pregnant mother’s insulin does not cross the placenta, the extra sugar does giving the unborn baby high sugar levels. In effect, the fetus grows abnormally large with excessive body fat. This is medically known as ‘macrosomia.’ Children with this syndrome are at higher risk for childhood obesity, breathing problems, and type 2 diabetes.

Heightens the likelihood of stillbirths– this refers to the birth of an infant that has died in the mother’s womb after having survived at least the initial 28 weeks of pregnancy

Low blood sugar– also called ‘hypoglycemia’ which can manifest with symptoms of shakiness, sweating, blurred vision, hunger and dizziness

Getting Tested

Your doctor ordered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to check if you have GDM. You will be instructed to consume a sugary solution, then your blood sugar will be measured from your blood sample typically after 2 hours (or as ordered by the physician).

If it comes back positive, treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent further harm or complications for you and your baby.

If you’re diagnosed with GDM, don’t get too stressed out. You simply need to work with your doctor or healthcare providers to manage your condition in the best possible way. Complying with the recommended treatment will ensure that your baby stays healthy and that your health will be kept optimal throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

The general guidelines for screening state that:

If your OGTT result is normal in weeks 27 through 31 of your pregnancy, you don’t need more screening.
If you experienced GDM during one of your previous pregnancies, the screening should be done earlier (as early as the 13th week).
Other reasons for early screening include previous delivery of a large baby, obesity, sugar in the urine, and family history for diabetes.

Like all other forms of diabetes, the management for GDM will commonly include:

1. Special diet plans – below are guidelines for pregnant women with GDM from a nutritionists; but you need to consult with your physician and nutritionist to plan the best meals for your unique condition

Maintain a healthy weight. Avoiding obesity (especially before getting pregnant) places a mom-to-be at less risk for GDM and other pregnancy-related complications.
Generally, a pregnant woman with GDM needs to have a daily food intake with 35-38 kilocalories per kilogram of ideal body weight.
Your ingested protein should be approximately 20% of your daily kilocalories.
Your carbohydrate intake should be 50-55% of your daily kilocalories.
Your fat intake should be lower than 30% of the total kilocalories per day.
Maintain a fasting and pre-meal sugar level below 90mg/dl.

2. Watching your weight- the appropriate weight gain should depend on your baseline body mass index (BMI) and weight before pregnancy. Talk to your doctor for ideal weight changes that should not go too low or too high

3. Scheduled physical activity– moderate exercise is beneficial in controlling your blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy

4. Daily blood sugar testing– women with GDM need to maintain stricter levels of blood sugar control during pregnancy; hence, blood sugar needs to be monitored more frequently (e.g., before meals, bedtime, occasionally an hour after eating)

5. Taking multivitamin supplements

According to a study of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women who take multivitamins such as folic acid and B vitamins, significantly reduce the risk of birth defects for the baby.

Consult with your physician for the recommended multivitamin and mineral preparation for you.

6. Medications

This commonly includes insulin injections to keep blood sugar within the controlled range throughout the pregnancy.
Insulin is widely administered (as prescribed by the physician) if a pregnant woman’s diet does not sustain the fasting blood sugar (FBS) below 90 mg/dl.
Insulin will typically be stopped at the time of the baby’s delivery (or as per advice of your physician).

7. Testing for defects

Blood tests may be recommended by your doctor commonly at 15 weeks gestation to check for defects of the unborn baby.
An ultrasound may be ordered at 18 weeks that can determine malformations for the growing fetus. This will not harm or be painful for the fetus or the pregnant woman.
Some doctors request for a non-stress test, where a device will be placed on the woman’s abdomen to listen to the heartbeat of the fetus. When there is fetal movement, the heart rate of the baby normally speeds up by 15-20 beats per minute (this ‘speeding up’ should occur at least three times in 20 minutes)

Usually, GDM goes away after the birth of the baby. However, there are cases when women with the condition discover that they have diabetes (either type 1 or 2) that is no longer pregnancy-linked since signs and symptoms continue to show even after pregnancy. Statistics show that many women with GDM develop diabetes type 2 in the future. This is why a healthy, active lifestyle is recommended before, during, and after pregnancy.

About Blood Glucose Meters

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to convert glucose (sugar) into usable energy. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 8.3 percent of Americans are afflicted with the condition. ADA further asserts that 18.8 million people are diagnosed, with another 7 million people undiagnosed. Another 79 million people are prediabetic. With this diabetes such a widespread condition, the need for glucose meters is high.

What is a blood glucose meter?

A blood glucose meter is a medical device used to monitor a person’s blood glucose levels. The devices have become increasingly sophisticated as technology has advanced, leading to more accurate blood glucose level testing.

Why is a blood glucose meter important?

Blood sugar levels are connected to numerous body functions. As a result, failure to keep blood sugar levels regulated can cause significant health problems. The Mayo Clinic notes that uncontrolled blood sugar can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. The New York Department of Health adds that poor blood sugar levels can cause issues such as fast heartbeat, shaking, headache, irritability, vision problems and drowsiness. By using a blood glucose meter, a person can determine how much food or drink is safe to consume to keep blood glucose levels stable. They also can figure out whether they need to take medication to further stabilize their blood sugar. This can prevent or lessen symptoms related to diabetes.

What types of blood glucose meters are available?

Individuals who need blood glucose meters have several options from which to choose. When a person first is consulting with a physician about their health and blood sugar, the doctor often prescribes the use of a continuous meter, which provides many readings over several days to give the doctor an idea of best to treat the patient. Some meters are used to track glucose levels before and after eating or drinking. Many meters are of the all-in-one type, meaning the lancet is built in. Others include a blood pressure cuff, which is a benefit because many patients with diabetes also suffer from high blood pressure.

In the past, traditional blood glucose monitors required the patient to prick through his skin in order to obtain a physical blood sample. The glucose meter used the physical sample to provide a blood sugar level analysis. Today, thanks to technological advances, individuals can opt for wrist meters, which use electrodes to monitor blood sugar and therefore no longer require a person to prick the skin. Some meters even accommodate other health issues or disabilities. For example, there are meters that will “speak” the blood glucose result as an aid to the visually impaired. If a patient is unsure about what meter is best for him, his doctor can make suggestions about which type of meter would be a good fit. Many patients end up changing meters over time, either because technology advances and provides a better system or because the old meter wears out, so it is normal for patients to try several different meters to manage their health.

How much does a blood glucose monitor cost?

In some cases, individuals can get a very basic, no-frills blood glucose monitor completely free from diabetes- or health-related organizations, provided they have evidence from a physician or reputable medical facility that the meter is a medical necessity. Insurance companies typically cover the cost of blood glucose meters, as well, again requiring evidence of a medical condition connected to blood glucose. Some newer models with added features easily top $1,000 as of 2012, however, so if a person does not have insurance or cannot get approval through a diabetes- or health-related agency, meters can be costly.

References:

diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/

health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/diabetes/controlling_blood_sugar_importance.htm

mayoclinic.com/health/blood-sugar-control/MY01317

How to Know When Your Diabetes is Out of Control

Taking care of your health after a diabetes diagnosis isn’t just a matter of taking your medicine. Diabetes is an unpredictable condition that can change quickly in relation to your daily choices. Knowing the details of your condition and the best way to improve your symptoms can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Contributing Factors

Diabetes is an illness with many factors that contribute to the way you feel and how you manage your health. The progression of the disease depends on your ability to pay attention to your symptoms and make healthy choices. The foods you eat, your activity level, and your ability to track your health all have a major effect on how you keep diabetes under control.

The Effects of Carbs

Since carbohydrates turn to sugar when broken down, they can quickly change your blood sugar levels and the way you feel. It’s vital to keep track of your carb intake to keep the right balance both daily and long-term. Carbohydrates are present in many foods, and it’s easy to overindulge with a snack or a favorite meal. Utilizing portion control and eating complex carbs that are also a good source of protein can help keep your sugar levels under control.

Tracking the Numbers

You should have a schedule to check your blood sugar daily. Using additional spot checks can give you a clearer picture of where you stand at all times. Keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as you can is the best way to keep diabetes under control. Tracking your numbers multiple times a day will help you learn what actions to take for optimal success.

Activity Levels

If you have diabetes, exercise is like medicine. Diabetes is a condition that causes the insulin in your blood to work less effectively. During an activity, insulin becomes more effective. This effectiveness is maintained for hours after you exercise.

Your medications are only useful if you take them every day. Exercise works the same way. Even if you’ve been exercising regularly for a year, the effects can wear off as early as a week after you stop. Finding an enjoyable way to incorporate 30 minutes of daily exercise into your schedule can help keep your blood sugar stable.

Signs your Diabetes is not Under Control

Controlled diabetes is not an immediate danger to your daily health. However, if your condition is not under control, you could quickly be on your way to serious side effects that will land you in the emergency room. If you aren’t keeping track of your blood sugar levels, your sugar may be creeping up to dangerous levels without you realizing it. These subtle symptoms might be a sign your diabetes isn’t under control:

•Increased hunger without weight gain – When insulin doesn’t turn sugar to energy, your body uses other available sources like fat and muscle mass. The food you eat isn’t doing its job, so your body thinks you need more which results in chronic hunger.

•Extreme fatigue – When insulin isn’t doing its job, sugar doesn’t convert to energy. The result is fatigue and lethargy.

•Excessive thirst and frequent urination – When sugar builds up in your blood, your kidneys work harder to eliminate it. Frequent urination can quickly cause excessive thirst and dehydration.

•Blurry vision – High blood sugar levels create fluid buildup. This fluid can leak into your eyes causing the lenses to swell. Blurred vision and difficulty focusing are the most common symptoms.

•Skin changes – Skin tags or dark patches are indicators of insulin resistance. Other skin problems like blisters and infections can be a sign of high blood sugar levels.

•Numbness and tingling in hands and feet –Numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet (diabetic neuropathy) are usually symptoms of progressive diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can also cause these symptoms.

•Slow healing injuries – Poor circulation and nerve damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes restricts blood flow and slows healing.

Potential Dangers

Early symptoms of diabetes often go unnoticed by patients. For the same reasons, it may not be obvious when the condition is getting worse. Ignoring symptoms can be dangerous or even fatal. Diabetes affects every part of your body. Keeping your sugar levels under control can help you manage the symptoms and control the progression of the disease.

Ignoring your health plan to keep your diabetes under control has immediate effects on the way you feel. Lack of energy and other physical symptoms are present immediately as sugar levels rise. Ignoring your symptoms will lead to rapid progression of other serious symptoms. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, nerve damage, coma, and death. Understanding your condition and taking measures to keep it under control can help you stay healthy and avoid dangerous symptoms.

Routine visits to your doctor and a healthy lifestyle are essential tools in fighting the progression of diabetes. If you are unsure whether your diabetes is under control, contact your doctor today.

Sources:

1.WebMD – 5 Steps to Get Your Diabetes Under Control

2.Livestrong – Things that Impact Fasting Glucose Level

3.Everyday Health – 7 Signs your Blood Sugar Is Out of Control

Low Carb Snack for Diabetes

10 Low Sugar Snacks

If you want to control your blood sugar, do you know what to eat to keep your sugar from spiking then dropping a few hours later? Although fat is high in calories, a diet low in fat contains more carbohydrates, particularly sugars, which tend to increase your blood sugar. One likely mechanism for high carb diets hindering fat loss is that carbohydrates are broken down into the sugar glucose, raising levels of the hormone insulin, which triggers fat storage and hunger. Another possible reason why carb-rich diets are bad news for you is their lower protein content, as protein helps you stay fuller for longer. While you can still include moderate amounts of low GI carbs at mealtimes, such as oats and sweet potatoes , you should avoid sugary snacks. Even fruit gives you a lot of sugar if you have a large portion, so if you want to keep your blood sugar level in check to control your diabetes try the following ten low sugar snack ideas.

Almonds

An ounce of almonds provides 160kcal and just 1g of sugar. If you usually aim for snacks under 100kcal, don’t be put off by the higher calorie count, as research shows almond will cause an increase in your blood sugar and is considered a low glycemic food.

Pumpkin seeds

With 150kcal and zero sugar, you also get a boost of the minerals iron, magnesium and manganese when you choose pumpkin seeds as a snack.

Avocado

One-third of an avocado gives you just 80kcal and less than 0.5g of sugar, while providing useful amounts of vitamin C and various B vitamins. Simply mash avocado with lemon juice and black pepper before loading on to a rye crisp bread.

Hardboiled egg

A large egg contains 75kcal and 1g sugar, as well as providing 6g of protein to aid satiety. Mash an egg with a diced tomato and use as a topping for an oatmeal cracker.

Greek yogurt

Regularly eating foods rich in calcium is associated with weight loss, so Greek yogurt makes an ideal snack if you’re watching your waistline and your blood sugar. A 3oz portion comes in at just 80kcal and 3g of naturally occurring sugars. With 7g of protein in a serving, you’ll stay full till your next meal.

Cottage Cheese

Another good option for protein, cottage cheese provides 10g of protein in 3oz, while giving you just 70kcal and 2g of natural sugars. You can add your own diced vegetables and seasoning to spice up cottage cheese before using it as a vegetable dip or a topping for low GI crackers.

Salsa and vegetable sticks

There are just a few calories and minimal sugar in a tablespoon of salsa, but store-bought salsa is high in salt. Tomato-based salsas also have the added bonus of lycopene, which besides lowering your risk of prostate cancer, may also make bladder, breast, colon, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancer less likely. Additionally, making lycopene a regular part of your diet may protect your blood vessels from narrowing.

Hummus

With 25kcal per tablespoon and no sugar, hummus makes a good bet for blood sugar control. You needn’t worry about the natural sugars in carrot, pepper and cucumber sticks, as they are all low on the Glycemic Index.

Homemade vegetable soup

If you steer clear of potatoes and parsnips, you can make a low- calorie soup that is low in sugars and has a low GI. You can bring down the glycemic index of soup further by adding lentils or beans.

Nut butter and celery

Load a tablespoon of almond butter into celery sticks and you’ll get 100kcal without any sugar. Just make sure you choose a nut butter without added salt or make your own.

Although you still need to watch your calorie intake, choosing a low-sugar diet that incorporates healthy snacks can keep your blood sugar under control. Varying the snacks you choose each day keeps your diet interesting, allowing you to maintain your efforts towards being healthy The ten snack ideas discussed above are just a start. What other low-sugar snacks can you come up with?

How To Test For Diabetes

Testing for Diabetes

You should get tested for Diabetes mellitus (also called DM or just “diabetes”) if you’re frequently experiencing symptoms that include:

Extreme thirst and hunger
Fatigue or feeling tired
Urinating often
Having wounds that don’t heal
Weight gain or loss
Having blurry vision
Feeling irritable

Also, it is wise to get tested according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) if you belong to or have any of the following:

You’re overweight or obese (body mass index more than 25)
You live an unhealthy (inactive) lifestyle
You have parents/siblings or a family line with diabetes
You are African-American, Native American, Latino, Asian-American, a Pacific Islander
You have high cholesterol or triglycerides, high blood pressure, or heart problems
You have a history of insulin or high blood sugar problems
You are more than 45 years old

Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that may include fasting blood sugar, glucose tolerance test, or HbA1c. According to the ADA, diabetes can be diagnosed if any one of the following criteria is met:

Glycosylated or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) equal to or greater than 6.5%

A fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 126mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher- fasting means that the person has not consumed food for 8 hours before a blood sample is taken.

An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) blood sugar level of 200mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher- this is taken two hours after drinking the recommended 75-gram solutionfor the test

A random blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher – monitoring of blood sugar levels may be advised by doctors for individuals with classicsymptoms of high blood sugar.

These blood tests will be ordered by your doctor and may require preparations, or a number of steps to complete. Blood will be drawn from your vein and sent to a pathology laboratory. Once you receive your test results, discuss with your doctor so you can fully understand and clarify concerns.

Typically, testing positive for diabetes once isn’t enough to be diagnosed with the condition. Your doctor may order a repeat test (or other confirmatory tests) at another date to verify and make the diagnosis.

Preparation for Fasting Blood Sugar

Your doctor may have ordered a fasting blood sugar or FBS test for you. This has a preparation which involves not eating or drinking (except water) for eight hours before having your blood sample taken. Specific instructions such as the number of hours for fasting can also be instructed by your physician.

What Happens When You Fast?

During the time that you fast before your blood sample is drawn, a hormone inside your body called “glucagon” is stimulated. The stimulation of glucagon naturally elevates the blood sugar levels in your body. If you don’t have diabetes, your body will produce the regulating hormone “insulin” so your body canregain its balance, and bring down your blood sugar levels to normal range.

However, if you have DM, two things can happen. Your body will not use insulin effectively, so your blood sugar levels will not normalize (which is typical in diabetes type 2). Or your body does not produce sufficient insulin to bring back the balance in your blood sugar levels (which happens in type 1 diabetes).

What is Fasting Blood Sugar used for?

Apart from being used as an indicator for possible diabetes, FBS can also examine the effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle modifications you are doing in relation to your blood sugar levels. The effect of different medications on your system (especially if you already have diabetes) will also reflect in your result.

Further, your blood sugar can increase as a result of medical conditions such as “Cushing’s syndrome,” “pancreatitis,” or “eclampsia,” and other disorders that affect your kidney or liver.However, these conditions are often diagnosed by your doctor using more specific laboratory tests.

FBS Normal Range and Values

3.9 – 5.5 mmol/l (70 – 99 mg/dl) – generally, this range will be interpreted by your doctor as normal.

5.6 – 6.9 mmol/l (100 – 125 mg/dl) – a little over the normalmay indicate a pre-diabetic stage or that you may have started to develop impaired blood sugar tolerance. This implies that you need to have major lifestyle and diet changes to prevent or delay a full-blown diabetes state.

7.0 mmol/l (126 mg/dl) or higher – typically, this may alert your doctor to run a second test or order other confirmatory tests, as this may mean that you already have diabetes.

Glucose Tolerance Test

This medical test checks how your body processes sugar (glucose). The test has different versions, but the most commonly used is the oral glucose tolerance test or OGTT. In this test, you will be instructed to take a beverage that is mostly sugar in content. Then, your blood will be taken to check for your blood sugar after two hours (or as requested by your physician).

Preparation for OGTT

No restrictions in your usual intake of food days or weeks before the test is done. The preparation begins a day before the actual test, where you need to fast from eating/drinking for 8-12 hours before the test (or as per instruction of your physician).

What happens during OGTT?

1. Typically, the procedure starts when your first blood sample is taken in the morning, upon your arrival at the laboratory.2. You will then be instructed to drink a high-sugar solution within five minutes.3. After 2 hours (or depending on the interval and number of times requested by your doctor), your blood sample may be drawn to test for your blood sugar or insulin levels.

OGTT Normal Range and Values

Less than 140 mg/dL – Normal

140 mg/dL – 199 mg/dL – Pre-diabetes

200 mg/dL or higher – Diabetes

HbA1c

Another simple but useful screening for diabetes also used to monitor the blood sugar control of individuals who already DMis referred to as hemoglobin A1c, glycated, or glycosylated hemoglobin, or simply HbA1c. What makes this different from other sugar tests is that it gives an approximate of the sugar (glucose) in your blood over the last few months.

Why is the test done?

Doctors may recommend individuals with diabetes to have an HbA1c test every 3-6 months, as this can show blood sugar levels over the past 8 to 12 weeks. If the result for this test turns out elevated, this may indicate an increased risk for diabetes, or that you have a greater risk for developing complications with your kidneys, eyes, and other major organs.

For individuals who have DM, HbA1c may be used with a home blood sugar monitoring device to give a picture of whether medical management is effective.

Preparation for HbA1c

HbA1c is a simple laboratory test that can be completed with no preparation required. After your blood sample is taken, results will be available no more than 24 hours.

Normal Range and Values

3.5-5.6% (15-38 mmol/mol)- considered as the normal rangefor HbA1c

5.7-6.4% (39-46 mmol/mol) – this may mean you have poor control of your diabetes. Or if you have not been diagnosed before, you may be in a pre-diabetic phase. Also, yourphysician may make a diagnosis of diabetes after running confirmatory tests to verify.

6.5% (48mmol/mol) or higher – is generally considered to mean you have diabetes; but a repeat test may be requested by your physician to confirm the results, especially if you have no symptoms.

It is important to know that there are medical conditions, such as anemia, that can affect your HbA1c result, so you need to talk to your doctor to understand your results.

How Does Glycemic Index Affect Blood Sugar?

Glucose And The Glycemic Index

Glucose or C6H12O6 as it is called in biology, is an important constituent of the human body. It is the body’s main source of energy and is mostly derived from digesting sugar and starch from carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, fruits and pasty.

The digestive system breaks down the starch and sugar in these foods, to produce glucose. Once the glucose reaches the bloodstream, insulin, excreted by the pancreas joins with the glucose.

Some of the glucose enters the body’s cells giving the body enough energy to undertake its day-to-day activities.The rest of the glucose is stored in the muscles and liver for later use. Excess sugar becomes fat, which is stored throughout the body. This explains why you are getting fat from eating too much rice.

Glucose is particularly important to the brain and red blood cells, which use no other type of fuel. The brain is particularly sensitive to shortages in glucose, which is why diabetics tend to feel very “light headed” when their sugar levels are low. Luckily the body has a number of mechanisms that keep a supply of glucose to the brain. Should the glucose levels fall too low then the person will go into a coma, so that fuel to the brain can be maintained.

Glucose in its purest form is found in a considerable number of foods. In the USA and many western countries the most common food additive comes from cornstarch. There are also other forms of glucose used in food production such as fructose which is derived from fruits and vegetables.

In 1981, Dr. David Jenkins, a professor at the University or Toronto developed the Glycemic Index (GI). This is a rating system for foods and each type of carbohydrate has an assigned numerical value. These values give the food its Glycemic Index or GI which is based on how each food affects the body’s sugar levels.

The Glycemic Index uses pure glucose as its control food and rates all other carbohydrates in relation this base-line. Thus white bread, also used as the control food, is rated as “100” and all other foods related as high, medium and low with a corresponding numerical value. The tests were on how the foods affect a person’s blood sugar, insulin and lipid levels compared to the base-line of glucose or white bread.

A “high” rating corresponds to a GI of above 70 and a “low” rating is considered to be 55 or lower. Therefore a “medium” GI food is within the range of 56 to 69.

Although all foods affect different people in different ways, the actual Glycemic Index testing was undertaken in a very scientific manner and many different test subjects from different backgrounds were used within the tests.

Foods that have a high GI are broken down quickly by the body and the glucose, vitamins and minerals from the food quickly enter a person’s bloodstream. This often gives the person a feeling of energy and euphoria – often called a “sugar high”. This explains the love of sweet foods such as candy, ice cream and chocolate, particularly when a person is unhappy.

Low GI foods are absorbed by the body in a slower fashion, avoiding any sudden highs and ensuring that energy is available to the body over a longer time period.

Foods also have an effect on insulin levels with the body. Insulin is the traffic police of the body. It tells the body’s cells whey they have had enough glucose and other nutrients. It then re-routes the extra glucose to the liver and muscles to be stored for later use. Any excess is then rerouted as fat cells to be stored in those all too familiar places on the body.

Eating too many high GI foods regularly forces insulin to be continuously released by the beta cells within the pancreas. Insulin unlocks cells throughout the body, allowing glucose to enter and become available for fuel.

If the insulin cannot keep up with the work load, this is called “insulin resistance” and is the leading cause of Diabetes 2, which can be managed by diet and exercise or pills.

Where insulin is not released or released in insufficient amounts, this can lead to Diabetes 1 and insulin will need to be injected for the rest of the person’s life.

Both kinds of diabetics have to regularly measure the amount of glucose or sugar in their bloodstreams. Following a GI diet makes it far easier to control a person’s sugar levels and lessen the possibilities of the medical problems that diabetes can trigger. Too much glucose within the blood stream triggers a number of symptoms and long term medical problems, particularly within the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes.

Many hospitals are now absorbing and following the Glycemic Index study and teaching their overweight and/or diabetic patients how to more easily regulate their glucose levels and stop excess glucose being turned into fat within the body. There are also a considerable number of diets that follow the teachings of the Glycemic Index study, meaning that people can now be sure of which carbohydrates will cause problems and lead to too much glucose within a person’s bloodstream.

How Does Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?

The Effects of Cinnamon on Diabetes

Type II Diabetes usually occurs in middle aged people when their body develops resistance to insulin. This type of diabetes usually requires medication to bring the blood sugar under control. If you have been diagnosed DM II, this might be you. An exciting household remedy which has been under investigation for the past few years is the use of cinnamon in the control of diabetes. The initial studies have not been conducted on large groups of people but it has been seen that the blood sugar levels of persons who take about a gram of cinnamon a day drops by an average of 20%.

At one time cinnamon was a precious spice that was thought to have great medicinal properties. Ancient civilizations knew that cinnamon could retard bacteria growth. It was used for embalming purposes in early Egyptian times and it was mixed with warm water and cloves during the middle ages and placed in the rooms of those suffering from the Bubonic Plague.

Fast forward to now, recent scientific studies have proven that cinnamon does indeed have medicinal qualities and that it favorably affects function of the brain. The big news is that researchers in Maryland were testing foods to see what effect they had on blood glucose levels. What they discovered was amazing. They found that cinnamon flavored apple pie actually decreased blood glucose levels.

When the scientists discovered this, they decided to research the effect of cinnamon on diabetics further. They tested 60 people in Pakistan. All of those who took part in the study were type 2 diabetics and they were all on medication to lower their blood sugar levels. None were taking insulin. These people were administered small doses of cinnamon – between ¼ teaspoon and 2 teaspoons daily – for forty days. Researchers concluded that cinnamon increased the natural output of insulin, lowered blood sugar levels and also lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol. HDL (good) cholesterol was not reduced.

Cinnamon, which is commonly used as a spice in Indian cooking, baking and can be splashed on your favorite latte, is the bark of the Cinnamon cassia tree. It is sold as pieces or rolls of bark or as cinnamon powder and has a sweetish spicy taste. Research has established that the blood sugar lowering property of cinnamon is found in its water soluble components and not in cinnamon oil. Further, heat does not affect the blood sugar lowering properties of cinnamon. This makes it easy to reap the benefits of the spice by having it in the form of cinnamon tea or using it in cooking.

Cinnamon powder can also be consumed directly by itself though the taste can be a little sharp. At breakfast time cinnamon powder can be added to orange juice, coffee before it is brewed or to oatmeal. Introduce cinnamon during lunch by adding it to meats and salads. Half a spoon of cinnamon powder or a few cinnamon sticks can be either soaked in tea or coffee or boiled in water. After boiling the water for a few minutes, the solids are allowed to settle at the bottom and the liquid makes a delicious, clear tea.

Research has shown that half a spoon of cinnamon powder, which is equivalent to one gram, can significantly lower the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients. Its active ingredient known as hydroxychalcone is believed to enhance the effect of insulin. It is also supposed to help promote glucose uptake into cells and tissues of the body, thus lowering the level of glucose circulating in the blood. Further, it may even promote the formation of glycogen, which is the form in which glucose is stored in the body.

In addition to lowering blood sugar levels, cinnamon also reduces the Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels in the blood, all of which are often raised in Type II Diabetes and certain heart conditions. However, it has no effect on the blood sugar levels or cholesterol levels of post-menopusal women. It is also not advisable for pregnant women to take cinnamon in excess.

While cinnamon has been seen to lower the blood sugar levels of persons who take oral hypoglycemic medication and those who take insulin injections, it surprisingly has no effect on the Glycosylated Hemoglobin or HbA1C level.This a test which indicates how well blood sugar has been controlled over a period of three months. Research has also shown that the quantity of cinnamon taken does not alter its sugar lowering effect significantly. The effect is the same for 1 gram or 3 grams of cinnamon.

The findings of this study brings great news to people who are susceptible to insulin resistance. Improving cholesterol ratios and lowering blood glucose levels can often reverse insulin resistance, which in turn can assist in weight loss. Diabetes is often associated with excess weight and obesity.

If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor before taking cinnamon capsules or introducing high amounts of cinnamon into your diet. If you are taking medication for type 2 diabetes, ask your doctor how to safely incorporate cinnamon into your diet to naturally decrease blood sugar levels.

If you are on any medication for diabetes or other ailments you should not take large amounts of cinnamon without consulting your doctor. The dosage of medication may have to adjusted in these cases. Further, in certain medical conditions the chemicals present in cinnamon may even interfere with the prescribed medication.

What Causes Diabetes Mellitus and How Is It Diagnosed?

If some in your family has diabetes or your are overweight, you should want to know what causes Diabetes Mellitus and how it is diagnosed. A family history of Diabetes Mellitus and obesity are to major risk factors for you to also become diabetic.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), typically referred to as just “diabetes,” refers to a group of chronic diseases that happen when the body does not effectively use or produce the crucial regulatory hormone “insulin.”

According to the CDC or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

In the US alone, 30.3 million adults have diabetes, with one in four people unaware that they have the condition.
It is the 7^th leading cause of deaths in the US, and the leading cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, and lower-limb amputations.
The number of adults diagnosed with DM in the past two decades has grown more than three times, with roughly 400 million people in the world afflicted with the disease today.

If you happen to be diagnosed with DM, you should understand how this condition results in abnormally high or low blood sugar levels, along with other vital information you need to know. You may have heard that it is essential for you to watch out for “hyperglycemia” (high blood sugar) or “hypoglycemia” (low blood sugar).

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus: Breaking the Code

DM is linked with high blood sugar levels. It is a disease in which the body either does not efficiently utilize insulin or does not produce sufficient insulin. Insulin, once again, is the regulatory hormone that converts starches and sugars, and other food that we eat into energy needed to function. With DM, your body cannot efficiently use glucose (blood sugar) as an energy source, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels. Eventually, you may urinate sugar out of your body. Hence, the warning that diabetics can literally starve themselves to death!

How Diabetes Affects Your Body

DM can affect every organ in your body, and more especially the kidneys, the eyes, the nervous system, and the heart. These complications are mainly due to high blood sugar and occur only after years that the condition has damaged your body.

The good news is, most types of diabetes (that have turned into “epidemics,” sweeping millions in recent history) are preventable and can still be completely reversed. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, is a dietary illness and can be altered with essential diet and lifestyle changes. Robust evidence shows that medications may not be the only way.

Below are the four primary forms of DM:

Type 1– used to be called “juvenile” or “childhood-onset” diabetes, since type 1 is typically diagnosed in very young adults and children (commonly occurring before age 30). However, so many cases are found in adults, so that the term juvenile is no longer used. A person with type 1 DM virtually does not produces insulin anymore. Hence, insulin medication will be needed for the rest of the person’s life. This is the reason why this was also referred to as “insulin-dependent” diabetes.
Type 2 – previously, this was known as the “non-insulin dependent” or “adult-onset” DM since injecting insulin was traditionally not necessary; and this type occurred majorly in older adults (especially among people over the age of 30 years). Today, however, the condition exists with the younger populations, even among teens and children. It remains the most common type comprising 90% of all DM cases.
Gestational diabetes – develops during pregnancy, usually around the 24^th week. This is not a chronic form of DM but can be considered a risk factor for developing chronic types in the future. This type affects roughly 18% of all pregnant women.
Medication-induced – also called “drug-induced” DM, is considered the fourth type of diabetes, associated with taking certain medications or hormonal treatments.

Let’s take a closer look at the variations among the four types.

Type 1

Your body needs a steady, constant supply of insulin. This regulatory hormone converts the food that you eat, particularly the sugar and starch into energy, and moves glucose (a simple sugar which is an essential energy source) into all the cells in your body for use. When your pancreas no longer produces insulin, then you may have type 1 diabetes.

This is classified as an “autoimmune disease,” which means that those who are afflicted have an immune system attacking the cells of his or her own pancreas (specifically, the “beta cells”) that are responsible for producing insulin.

If you have type 1 diabetes, serious symptoms would often appear swiftly because your body will make very little or no insulin. And without this regulatory hormone, the cells in your body wouldn’t be able to function properly. This explains why most people feel very sick and may need to be rushed to the hospital as emergency cases because of very high blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes.

Approximately one in 20 people or about 5% who have DM suffer from this type of condition. Having this form of DM means you belong to the minority group in the population of diabetics.

Symptoms & Tests

Common Symptoms

Frequent urination – since your body tries to flush out excess sugar in your bloodstream (also called “polyuria” in medical terms)
Extreme thirst – due to dehydration (also called “polydipsia”)
Excessive hunger (or “polyphagia”)
Fatigue – because the necessary blood sugar (“glucose”) is not getting into your cells
Blurred vision – due to the build-up of fluid in your eyes or the elevated blood sugar levels
Weight loss – even if you have increased appetite

Tests

To screen for type 1 DM, your doctor may order tests including:

HbA1c
Fasting blood sugar
Random blood sugar
Urine test for ketones – “ketones” are by-products of the body when breaking down energy or fats
Blood test for auto-antibodies – the presence of auto-antibodies can mean you have type 1 diabetes
C-peptide test – this measures the amounts of insulin being produced in the body

Causes

The exact cause remains unknown
Experts suspect the involvement of an individual’s genetic make-up, as well as the environment
The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of their own pancreas- an “autoimmune response” that can happen over months or years
Other experts believe that exposure to a virus that attacks the pancreas (and in effect diminishing the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin) may contribute to the development of the disease

Risk factors

Some risk factors linked with type 1 DM include:

Genetics & family history- if someone in your family has this type of diabetes, you may be at risk as this is believed to be passed down in the genes
Age- most cases of type 1 surface early in life between ages four to seven, and ages 10 to 14
Geographic location – it is also believed that the place where you live may actually put you at higher risk; in particular, those living farther from the equator have higher risk according to statistics than those who live closer to the equator

Precaution & Prevention

The biggest danger for this type of diabetes is the risk for “hypoglycemia” or an extremely low blood sugar level. This may occur when you have type 1 DM, and have injected excess insulin into your bloodstream–and can no longer take it back. This may occur with individuals who have not eaten properly or recently (after having insulin), or if a person afflicted has exerted too much energy rapidly. Talk to your doctor about healthy habits and practices to complement your medication regimen properly.

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent type 1 DM. Scientists at present are working to find ways to reduce the severity or delay this condition. Nonetheless, it can be treated effectively with regimen compliance and the following steps:

Blood sugar control
Insulin management
Proper nutrition
Regular exercise

Type 2

This type of DM is different. It is the type that eventually results from sugar and carbohydrate-heavy diets and a physically inactive lifestyle that has led to a state of “insulin resistance,” along with a list of all kinds of severe health problems.

Unlike in type 1 DM, the body’s response to type 2 DM is to produce abnormally high amounts of insulin, as an attempt to control all the ingested sugar. Also, this type has a gradual onset rather than the severe, emergency nature that is a characteristic of type 1.

Basically, a person with type 2 diabetes would have his or her body cells becoming “insulin-resistant.” This means that the cells no longer react to insulin because of its excessive proportions in the body. This is currently the most common type of DM, affecting roughly 95% of the diabetic population. This is not associated with autoimmunity issues.

Symptoms & Tests

Common Symptoms

Symptoms will be similar to type 1, but may be less severe; which is why it could take years or decades after its onset that complications arise and the condition is diagnosed.

The following manifestations are good indicators of type 2 DM. If you experience 2 or more, and you haven’t been diagnosed with the condition yet, it would be a brilliant idea to talk with your doctor.

Frequent urination since your body tries to flush out excess blood sugar in the blood (also called “polyuria” in medical terms)
Extreme thirst due to dehydration (also called “polydipsia”)
Excessive hunger (or “polyphagia”)
Extreme fatigue- you feel tired because your body’s cells are not getting the blood sugar fuel that you need
Blurred vision- as your blood sugar levels rise and fall, the lenses of your eyes swell and shrink; your eyes can’t adjust quickly to these lens changes which is the reason why your vision blurs
Unexplained bouts of itching (such as genital itching)- yeast infections love a high sugar environment, so DM is often accompanied by discomfort and itching
Weight loss
Bruises or cuts that are slow to heal
Numbness or tingling pain in the hands and feet – you may experience this because of “neuropathy,” a type of nerve damage, which is a common long-term complication of diabetes

Tests

HbA1C
Fasting blood sugar
Random blood sugar

Typically, a second screening test will be ordered by your doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

Causes

Experts don’t know the exact reason why the pancreas stops working properly
Some believe that progressively, the pancreas fails to make enough insulin or releases it too slowly; or that the pancreas simply “burns out” through the years
Others claim that the system that tells the pancreas to make more insulin is broken

Risk factors

Apart from obesity and lack of physical activity, which are associated with 95% of the cases in the US alone, other risk factors include:

Genetics- similar to type 1, if type 2 diabetes runs in your family, you may be at higher risk
Age- the risk increases after age 45, then significantly elevates more after age 65
Ethnicity- cases are prevalent among African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos
Alcohol intake- with heavy alcohol drinking, individuals may damage their pancreas, reduce their body’s sensitivity to insulin, and increase their chances of becoming overweight, which contribute to the development of DM
High blood pressure- two in three people who develop diabetes have high blood pressure

Precaution & Prevention

Unlike type 1 diabetes, this type is easily preventable with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Some people who have this type may also need insulin shots and other medications, which along with exercise and a healthy diet are the best treatment for the condition.

It may sound like a no brainer, but the best way to prevent this type of DM is to maintain a healthy weight and be fit. And that’s easier said than done. But it can be done! Evidence shows that individuals at high risk for diabetes may be able to prevent it with exercise, weight loss, and healthy eating.

Gestational diabetes

Just when you’re going through a rollercoaster of changes in your body during pregnancy (and even if you’ve never had diabetes before), it is possible for you to acquire a type of diabetes called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This occurs without a prior incidence of diabetes in your life before pregnancy. It affects two to 10% of pregnant women and typically develops in the last part of pregnancy, commonly at about the 24^th to 28^th week.

Symptoms & Tests

Often, pregnant women will show no symptoms or will not be able to identify the different symptoms that go with GDM because these manifestations would simply be associated with the common pregnancy woes. It is important, thus, for pregnant women to have prenatal screening, at the proper time in your pregnancy.

Common Symptoms

Typically this has the same presentation as other types of DM, and includes the following symptoms:

The three P’s: “polyuria” (frequent urination), “polydipsia” (extreme thirst), and “polyphagia” (increased hunger)
fatigue
dizziness or lightheadedness
vision problems

Before worrying that you have GDM, remember that all pregnant women will naturally experience symptoms of more frequent visits to the restroom and a bigger appetite. If you have risk factors for the condition or suspect symptoms different from the normal, however, it is best to work with your doctor for proper management.

Tests

Oral glucose tolerance test- if this screening test indicates GDM, the pregnant woman must start treatment immediately

Causes

The specific cause of gestational diabetes remains unknown

Risk factors

The following risk factors are associated with the condition:

Hormones- these play a significant role in the baby’s growth, but may also be responsible for blocking insulin’s action in the mother’s body, thereby causing resistance to insulin
Genes & family history- individuals with a sibling or parent with DM are more prone to having this type of diabetes
Race and ethnicity- Hispanics, Asians, African Americans or American Indians, based on statistics, are more likely to develop gestational DM
Obesity & age- pregnant women who are overweight, or are 25 years or older, have a higher risk for the disorder

Precaution & Prevention

The good news is, GDM is typically a temporary condition occurring during pregnancy. Additionally, it is treatable; but remember that the condition must be treated without delay before any damage can be done to your baby. If no management or medical advice is done for the condition during pregnancy, this can lead to significant risks for you and your baby.

Once again, the best way to prevent the condition is to eat healthy food, maintain a healthy weight, and be physically active. The ultimate goal is to get your body in excellent shape before you get pregnant. Know that left uncontrolled, GDM can result in a large baby size, a difficult birthing experience, and potentially serious complications. Having the condition increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Medication-induced

Medication-induced diabetes may come as a milder form, and initially can be reversible. However, if left uncontrolled, this will result in the chronic form of diabetes. If you’re taking medications such as “hydrochlorothiazide,” “Niacin,” and even the wonder drugs that lower cholesterol called “statins,” your blood sugar levels can go up. Certain “beta-blockers,” (medicines used to manage abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure), and some “antipsychotics” (given for individuals with personality disorders) are also linked with the development of diabetes.

Another known reason for developing the drug-induced type is when you are taking hormonal treatments for certain medical conditions. Common examples would include taking “hydrocortisone,” “prednisone,” and “dexamethasone,” which are drugs that prevent or treat inflammation-related diseases such as asthma or arthritis.

Symptoms & Tests

One or more of these common early symptoms may be present in this type.

Common Symptoms

Frequent urination and thirst- the blood sugar in your urine draws more water from your blood, giving you the sensation or urge to urinate more often; you feel thirsty when the amount of water in your blood decreases
Extreme hunger- the inability of the body to get energy in the form of glucose (sugar) into the cells of muscles, contributes to a feeling of hunger
Fatigue- with ineffective or lack of insulin, sugar can’t enter body cells; as a result, sugar can’t be used as fuel to facilitate energy release, so a person with DM often complains of fatigue
Persistent vaginal infection
Weight loss

Tests

To screen for this type of DM, your doctor may order tests including:

- HbA1c
- Fasting blood sugar
- Random blood sugar

Urine test for ketones – “ketones” are by-products of the body when breaking down energy or fats

Causes

The exact cause remains unknown, but is associated with taking certain medications like steroids, statins, beta-blockers, and antipsychotics; also associated with taking medications like Cyclosporine, and Tacrolimus, among other drugs.

Risk factors

Glucose intolerance- this can be linked to borderline (100-125mg/dL) blood sugar levels even after fasting for a number of hours (usually 6-8 hours)
Age- most cases of this type of DM occur in individuals older than 45 years old
Family history- if a relative or family member has been diagnosed with DM, you may be at risk
Ethnic background- this type of DM is associated with Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders

Precaution & Prevention

Some people will have elevated blood sugar levels only when taking any of the mentioned medications, among other drugs associated with this side effect. While others may need to monitor their blood sugar even after these medications are stopped.

Additionally, as with the other types of DM, it is recommended for individuals at risk or diagnosed with this type to limit the intake of fatty food and avoid gaining extra weight. It is likewise essential to avoid food and drinks that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.

If possible, it is advised to check your blood sugar levels before, during, and after activity. Walking and biking will be beneficial physical routines to burn excess sugar in your bloodstream. Remember to consult with your physician at the early stages to know if it will be best for you to take diabetes pills or insulin that will keep you healthy, in control of your blood sugar, and prevent further complications.