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2012年9月18日 星期二

Diabetes and Serious Complications in The Nervous System


People suffering from chronic diabetes are likely to be affected by diabetic neuropathy. It occurs due to injury to the blood vessels that carry to nerves. A number of associated diseases also manifest themselves like paralysis and nervous disorders affecting other systems of the body also. it affects a whole lot of nerves, controlling various functions of the body. As a consequence functioning of other organs is also affected. this condition can result in a single disorder or multiple disorders of different kinds in the system. Even the functioning of the brain can be affected by diabetic neuropathy, depending on which nerves are affected.

There are different symptoms to indicate that the person has been affected by diabetic neuropathy. No part of the body is spared once this problem takes hold. The nervous system, the digestive system, the urinary system, functioning of the chest, sex, etc; are all affected. Loss of control over functioning of the various systems will have an effect on facial features, eye sight, muscular strength, etc. The throat experiences difficulty in swallowing and also in speaking. Pains all over the body, loss of muscle control are also the effect of diabetic neuropathy. In short, a whole lot of indications are there for diabetic neuropathy.

A number of circumstances which result in diabetes developing into diabetic neuropathy are listed.

Blood vessels and nerves are interdependent in their normal functioning. A construction in the blood vessel hampers the normal flow of blood to the nervous system and as a result functioning of every system gets disoriented. As this condition becomes more serious, both the nervous system and the circulatory system are in serious trouble. One way of treating this problem is dilation of the affected blood vessel. This has a marked effect on the functioning of the affected nerves.

One of the main causes for diabetic neuropathy is the very high level of glucose in the body. Glucose which has to be digested and absorbed in the blood is left free and it combines with proteins to produce an unwanted mixture with harmful effects. It has been found that such proteins place part in a diabetes patient developing diabetic neuropathy. There may be other complications also.

The more serious effect that diabetic neuropathy has on the nervous system is that nerve tissues are damaged and the normal functioning of the retina and kidney are impaired. It has been found that the nerve tissues, retina, and the kidney are not at all dependent on insulin on their normal functioning. They absorb whatever glucose is necessary and releases the balance in to the system, which in the normal circumstances and in healthy person will not affect the body functioning.

It has also been noticed nerves are affected in different ways depending on where they operate. There are nervous system controlling groups of system for example different system control arms, legs, etc; heart and lung, gastrointestinal system, urinary and reproductive system etc. Similarly the nerves going to the skull are different.

Treatment diabetic neuropathy concentrates on pain reduction and controlling sugar levels.




To learn about diabetic foot neuropathy and other foot ailments, check out author's website.





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2012年9月15日 星期六

Type 2 Diabetes - Alternatives Medications Used For Pain in Diabetic Complications


Many pain medications used in Western medicine are opiates, or narcotics, chemically similar to the opium used in other cultures. Medications such as codeine, Percodan, Lortabs, morphine, OxyContin, Percocet and others used for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy are related to opium. An article published in the journal Acta Medica in July 2011, might be something to consider if you or a loved one with Type 2 diabetes is considering taking opiates for pain. The study was performed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran.

In Iran it is a widely held belief that opium helps to prevent diabetics from getting heart and blood vessel disease, and it is used for that purpose. Two hundred and twenty-eight opium users and 228 non-users, all with diabetes, were included in the study. Coronary artery disease was found to be higher in the users than in non-users. The researchers concluded there is evidence suggesting the use of opium increases the risk of coronary artery disease in people with diabetes.

Fortunately, non-narcotic medications are available for diabetic neuropathy. If over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol and motrin are not effective, then antiepileptics, lidocaine, or antidepressants are alternatives. Anti-seizure medications used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy include:

Neurontin,
Topamax,
Lyrica,
Tegretol, and
Dilantin.

It is unclear exactly how anti-seizure drugs help neuropathic pain, but both health problems are due to difficulties in the nervous system.

Alternative drugs prescribed to help with the pain of diabetic neuropathy:

Lidocaine is an anesthetic that can be used locally with a patch which is applied directly to the skin. Up to four patches per day can be used, and the only possible side effect is a skin rash.

Duloxetine, also called Cymbalta, is an antidepressant approved for use in diabetic neuropathy. This medication allows molecules that carry messages from one nerve cell to another to stay in the spaces between nerve cells, where messages are transmitted. In November 2010 the Chinese Medical Journal published an article on the use of duloxetine compared to a placebo for diabetic neuropathy. Researchers at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing found that patients given duloxetine reported significantly less pain than patients taking placebo.

Pamelor, also called Aventyl or nortryptiline, is another antidepressant approved for use in treating diabetic neuropathy. It works by interrupting processes in the smaller nerves and spinal cord that cause pain.

Electrical stimulation is also available when medications are unsatisfactory. Electrodes are placed onto the skin and a mild current is run through them for temporary relief.

Keeping blood sugar levels in the normal range is also helpful for preventing diabetic neuropathy. There are several reasons why nerve damage does take place. It is due partly to the high blood sugar damaging the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. It's also possible there can be inflammation in the nerves, or an autoimmune attack on the nerves.

Some diabetics are able to control the pain of their diabetic neuropathy by:

light aerobics or walking, since physical activity keeps circulation healthy and prevents too much fluid from accumulating.

wearing elastic stockings,

soaking in a warm bath,

massage therapy since it helps to reduce your output of the pain-causing chemical, cortisol,

using a TENS unit which sends out tiny electrical impulses into localized areas can interrupt pain sensations for many people. Your doctor will be able to advise if this is appropriate for you




To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions ... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide





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2012年9月12日 星期三

Diabetic Complications: Diabetic Neuropathy and Charcot's Foot


Charcot's Foot was discovered in the eighteenth century by a Frenchman named, Jean-Martin Charcot (pronounced-Charcoh). I never heard of it until I got it. I wish I had never heard of it, at all. None of my friends or family ever heard of it before. Almost all of my doctors and nurses knew about it. It is a fairly common disease among Diabetics but it is not exclusively their domain. Doctors still aren't exactly sure why it happens. Some thoughts are that it is due to Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage to the feet, which is a fairly common condition among Diabetics. They think that Diabetic neuropathy softens the bones in your feet and allows them to shift and to fracture easily. Also, since you can't sense pain with Diabetic Neuropathy, you aren't even aware that anything is happening to your feet. It isn't necessary to have any trauma, for this condition to occur. At least that is one theory.

Usually the symptoms are simply that one foot is warmer than the other even though circulation is usually good. There may be some swelling or redness. This may be all the symptoms that initially show and they can come on quite quickly. These symptoms really don't alert anyone to the seriousness of this disease. If the condition is found early enough, the best treatment is rest. The foot should be completely immobilized for six to nine months. When a doctor told me that, I thought he was absolutely crazy. I was wrong. If it is not caught early enough, the most probable next step is surgery.

Muscles can no longer support the foot. Damage to the foot can easily go unnoticed because of Diabetic neuropathy and not feeling your feet. As a result ulcers and deformity of the foot can occur. The arch may collapse. The foot alignment may also go haywire.

This is what happened to me. It seemed like it happened suddenly, out of nowhere. My arch totally collapsed, I developed a huge bump (from bones shifting and breaking) in the middle of my foot, on the inside, where my arch was. It is unbelievable but I felt No pain because of the nerve damage. My foot veered way off to the right. When I went to see my Podiatrist, he dubbed me,"Mr. Crooked Foot". It looked awful. I can't recall any trauma that began this condition. It just seemed to happen.

From researching on the internet and talking with my Podiatrist it became very clear that the only way to stabilize my foot was with surgery. My doctor told me he would have to fuse the joints of my foot so that they would not deteriorate any further. In layman's terms, this meant putting a bunch of titanium screws in the bones of my foot to hold them together until they were able to fuse naturally. It is about a nine to twelve month process for the bones to heal and fuse completely. That means being in a cast or a boot up to my calf for that time period. Also, being mostly on crutches or in a wheelchair. It was essential that there was no pressure or weight-bearing on my foot for this whole time. Whoopee! Thank God for my computer. It definitely kept me sane while I was in-firmed.

So, on May 4, 2010 I had yet another surgery on my foot. This one lasted for seven hours. The doctor made three incisions on the top of my right foot. Each one was about two inches long. He inserted thirteen titanium screws into the bones at the joint where my arch was. It had collapsed and the bones now sort of overlapped each other. The screws job is to hold the bones in place until they could fuse together. Amazingly, I felt no pain, before, during or after surgery. I really like that part. He also added two kind of braces to help align my foot. The screws held the braces in place. When looking at my X rays, I count thirteen screws. It could even be more. I guess I'll never be going through metal detectors any time soon. I broke one of the screws while healing. I'm a big guy. My doctor said that was not uncommon. It was kind of scary though.

For the next nine months, I saw the foot doctor about every three weeks. First, X-rays were taken before each visit for the doctor to study. He could see how the healing was progressing, inside my foot. Weight-bearing was not permitted on that foot. My days and nights were in a wheel chair. If I needed to walk, it was on crutches. Sad to say, I gained quite a bit of weight because of my inactivity. That will come back off in the next six or nine months. (I hope!)

If you are really courageous and aren't easily grossed out Go to Google, type in Charcot's foot and then click on images. There are many pictures of what this disease looks like and they ain't pretty.

In retrospect, I wish I had taken my Type 2 Diabetes more seriously from the start and kept my blood sugar under better control. I had no idea how dangerous a disease it was. I can't change what happened now. I doubt that I would have had these complications if my blood sugar had been under better control. My ignorance of Diabetes cost me greatly. The good that has come out of this experience is that my blood sugar is now very strictly controlled. My health has improved. I am conscious of what I eat at all times (well almost all times. I still have some weaknesses). I count carbohydrates for better blood sugar control. I exercise. I like to walk but it seems that when I do, I get blisters or open sores on my feet. They may be dangerous. So now I am riding a bicycle for exercise. It's a lot less demanding on the feet. That's something I haven't done since I was fourteen years old. It is fun, though and I enjoy it.

Some doctors told me that they thought that I probably had my Diabetes for ten to fifteen years before diagnoses. That sure came as a shock! A simple blood test will give you a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reading that tells what your average blood sugar was for the past three months. This is necessary for the doctors to see where your blood sugar has been in the long-term. It tells you more than just one moment in time which you can get from a finger stick. My current doctor has me shoot for an A1c of under 7. (my last test was 6.2 which is excellent). Every Diabetic should have their A1c tested every three months. Then once your blood sugar is under good control you can stretch the testing to every six months. When I first walked into the doctor my A1c reading was 15.6. That's about equal to blood sugars in the mid 500's. For a Type 2 Diabetic they should be around 160 or less. I was pretty sick and didn't even know it. I believe that my inaction and ignorance was what led to the complications that I have suffered through, since.

My sincere goal is that anyone who reads my story, may look at Diabetes a little more seriously. You should see a doctor for a diagnoses if you have any suspicions or family history of it. The symptoms are pretty easy to see. Family history of Diabetes. Unending thirst. Many, many trips to the bathroom. Burning, tingling, or "pins and needle" sensations in the feet and /or hands. These are only some of the main symptoms to look out for. If you manage to control Diabetes early, many of the serious complications, that happened to me, shouldn't happen. If you let it go on, it could be years before it is even noticed. By then, it's too late. Diabetic Neuropathy and its many possible complications may have already begun. Share your story with me. I know mine isn't the worst.




I am Robert Emanon and I am a retired carpenter with the double whammy of diabetes (type 2) and tinnitus. I am going to write about my experiences with both and recommend help that I have found through my research. Take this dangerous disease seriously. It can attack every part of your body!

If you want further information please contact me at: bobemanon65@gmail.com





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2012年8月10日 星期五

Diabetic Complications - Can Benfotiamine Help Prevent Them?


Diabetic complications contribute too many life threatening diseases globally. The root cause of diabetic complications is elevated glucose levels which contribute to blood vessel damage. Diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, or neuropathy are caused by damage to small blood vessel in the eyes, nerves and kidneys, etc. The bottom line of this damage is the lowering of the life expectancy of millions of diabetics worldwide.

What Can Be Done About It?

Few therapies are available today that treat diabetic complications. Most healthcare professionals recommend that their patients monitor their blood sugar by taking several blood readings a day to determine the amount of sugar in their blood. Blood sugar readings are generally higher from one to two hours after a meal.

It is suggested by these professionals that keeping blood sugar readings as close to normal as possible will reduce the onset of diabetic complications. Research has shown that there are four, chemical pathways that lead to diabetic complications. Instead of trying to explain these rather difficult chemical pathways, let the reader understand that diabetic complications are mainly caused by excess sugar in the cells, a condition known by the term advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) formation.

The research that was released in 2003 by a team of researchers from the Albert Einstein Collage of Medicine opened the possibilities that it may be possible to actually prevent and/or contain diabetic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy and heart/circulatory conditions brought about by the presence of advanced glycation endproducts.

What Did This Research Suggest?

The Einstein researchers' work showed that a substance called, "benfotiamine", could reduce the effects of AGE by increasing the amount of an enzyme called transketolase. The research indicated that transketolase was increased by 300% which was enough to make a serious reduction of three of the four chemical pathways that open the door for diabetic complications in terms of vascular damage in diabetics. This vascular damage is directly responsible for the diabetic complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy and heart/circulatory conditions that lead to heart attack and stroke.

Can Benfotaimine Be Considered A Prudent Preventative?

Current research suggests that benfotiamine could possibly reduce the chances of diabetics developing the aforementioned complications. Many healthcare professionals readily recommend patients to add this nutritional supplement to their toolkit in the battle to prevent these insidious conditions that shorten the lives of thousands of diabetics annually.

Where Can I Find More Information About Benfotiamine?

More information about benfotiamine can be found by visiting the web site below and following the links. These links will give the reader a good base to make an informed decision about the use of benfotiamine in the battle against diabetic complications brought about by the presence of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) which is excess sugar in the blood.

Research:

Hans-Peter Hammes, Xueliang Du, Diane Edelstein, Tetsuya Taguchi, Takeshi Matsumura, Qida Ju, Jihong Lin, Angelika Bierhaus, Peter Nawroth, Dieter Hannak, Michael Neumaier, Regine Bergfeld, Ida Giardino, Michael Brownlee. Benfotiamine blocks three major pathways of hyperglycemic damage and prevents experimental diabetic retinopathy. Nature Medicine 9, 294 - 299 (01 Mar 2003).

Michael Brownlee. Biochemistry and molecular cell biology of diabetic complications Nature 414, 813 - 820 (13 Dec 2001).

Roya Babaei-Jadidi, Nikolaos Karachalias, Naila Ahmed, Sinan Battah, Paul J. Thornalley. Prevention of incipient diabetic nephropathy by high-dose thiamine and benfotiamine - Complications. Diabetes. (August 2003).




Zach Malott is CEO of Brentwood Health International, a nutritional supplement company involved in distribution and supplying wholesale, retail and end users.

Mr. Malott is available to discuss the research as it applies to benfotiamine in the treatment and prevention of diabetic complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy.

He can be reached at:

Phone: 505.354.0526

Website: [http://www.emuhealthproducts.com]





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2012年8月3日 星期五

Complications of Feline Diabetes


Feline diabetes can have many complications. Skin problems, liver and kidney damage, weakness in your kitty's legs, and an increased risk of infections are possible. It's important to monitor your furry friend's blood sugar levels carefully every day to prevent these problems.

Your kitty develops this disease when his pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin, or when his body doesn't use insulin efficiently. The lack of insulin causes his body to start breaking down his own fat and protein for energy, instead of the starches and carbohydrates in his food. This causes him to lose weight, even though he's eating more. His body tries to flush out the extra sugar in his blood by making him drink more, and this leads to increased urination.

Feline diabetes, if not treated, will certainly shorten your friend's lifespan. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially fatal condition that's caused when your kitty's body uses his fat for energy. The result is that acids called ketones are produced. When they circulate in the blood, ketones cause loss of appetite, nausea, and lethargy.

DKA is often a result of undiagnosed diabetes. This is an emergency, and your furry friend needs immediate veterinary care with IV fluids to stabilize him. Diabetic neuropathy in cats may be an early sign of this disease in your kitty. It can also show up in later stages. Weakness in his back legs is a result of nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels. Your kitty will walk or stand with his hocks (the "elbows" of his back legs) touching the ground.

If your buddy had this disease for a long time before it was controlled, he may lose some function in his back legs, due to the nerve damage. But sometimes the weakness in his legs is called by muscle wasting from disuse. In this case, exercise is helpful, and it can reduce his dependence on insulin.

Hepatic lipidosis is a liver disease that is a serious complication. Overweight kitties seem to develop this problem more often. When your buddy stops eating for whatever reason, his body starts using his fat for energy. If too much fat is broken down, it builds up in his liver, causing it to swell. Symptoms of hepatic lipidosis include refusing to eat, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and jaundice. Your kitty may have a yellowish look to the whites of his eyes, his gums, and the insides of his ears.

Trying to get him to eat is essential. Your vet may have to put in a feeding tube if he won't eat anything. While this condition is usually fatal if it's not treated, most kitties do recover after tube feeding.

Vomiting and diarrhea and other stomach upsets are common with diabetic kitties. Pancreatitis, which is a painful inflammation of the pancreas, can lead to maldigestion syndrome. In this condition, the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes. Your kitty can't digest the food he eats, and he can starve, even though he's eating.

Your buddy is more prone to infections, too. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, and UTIs that keep coming back can be a sign that your buddy's blood sugar levels are too high.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be very dangerous. It's usually caused by an overdose of insulin. This can happen if he's skipped a meal or threw up after you gave him insulin. Hypoglycemia can also be caused by extra exercise, too.

Low blood sugar may cause your furball to become weak and listless, start drooling, and lose his coordination. He may have convulsions or go into a coma, which can be fatal. Feed him right away, and if he can't swallow, rub some corn syrup on his gums. Don't put your fingers in his mouth if he's having seizures!

To avoid complications, it's important to establish a routine with your furry friend. He needs to eat the same amount of food every day at the same time. Try to avoid making big changes in the amount of exercise he gets. Be sure he get the same dose of insulin at the same time each day too.




Can feline diabetes be controlled with natural remedies? Visit Tips For Controlling Feline Diabetes Holistically to learn how to help your cat.

Darlene L. Norris has been owned by many kitties over the years. Now I've combined my love for cats and my life-long interest in herbs and healing at my new blog, Cool Cat Care Stuff. Information on natural remedies for cats can be hard to find. Stay up-to-date on the latest herbal and homeopathic treatments for your feline friends!

Can herbs really help to control your kitty's diabetes? Visit [http://www.your-cat-care-guide.com/diabetes.html] now to discover a safe, effective natural remedy to lower his blood sugar levels.





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2012年7月31日 星期二

Diabetes Complications - The Top 5 Problems Caused by the Disease


Most people do not like to dwell on the negative, but diabetes complications create real problems for people that cannot be ignored. If for no other reason, the following list can help you or a love one focus on good blood sugar management and avoid these problems altogether. So without further ado, here are the Top 5 Problems caused by diabetes.



Cardiovascular Diseases: Incredibly, heart disease and strokes account for almost 65% of all diabetic deaths. Diabetics are almost twice as likely to suffer from these afflictions as non-diabetics. So what causes this huge problem?

Diabetics tend to have higher blood glucose levels. Higher glucose levels can raise the level of LDL cholesterol in one's blood, causing the arteries to harden or narrow. Narrow or hardened blood vessels can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Almost 74% of adult diabetic's suffer from high blood pressure or use prescription medication for hypertension.

Kidney Disease: Approximately 44% of all kidney failures in the United States occur in diabetics. Kidney disease is very gradual, normally occurring over decades. Mysteriously, there is no real consensus on what causes the higher kidney disease rate in diabetics. The only agreement amongst scientists is that there appears to be a link between elevated blood glucose levels and high blood pressure.

Diabetic Neuropathy: Nervous system damage may be the scariest of all Top 5 complications. While nerve damage is not usually fatal, it does affect nearly 60%-70% of diabetics in one form or another. This is a massive number of people. Neuropathy damage differs widely both in severity and type of affliction. A person's extremities are often adversely affected. Reduced sensation or even pain in feet, arms and/or legs, or hands is fairly common. Severe nerve damage can also lead to amputations.

Besides damage to one's extremities, the autonomous nervous system, which controls breathing, sexual function (men and women), circulation, urination, digestion and temperature regulation is also commonly affected.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic eye disease results in approximately 12,000 to 24,000 cases a year and is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20 to 74. How is this caused? You guessed it, high blood glucose. Over time, the increased glucose in the blood damages the small blood vessels in the eye. Cataracts and glaucoma are common and in severe cases, blindness can result.

Dental Complications: Almost 30% of diabetics have a severe case of periodontal disease. In fact, the risk of a diabetic developing gum disease is almost twice that of non-diabetics. Causes? High Blood Sugar. Bacteria in the mouth love glucose. The higher your blood glucose, the more of a feeding frenzy the bacteria have in your mouth. Clearly, this is not a pretty picture.

There you have it, the Top 5 problems caused by diabetes. If you have diabetes, good blood sugar management is critical to lowering your chances of developing these complications. Please see your doctor to make sure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy and decrease your risk.




To learn extensively about diabetes complications or diabetes in general, check out our site at http://www.diabeteswellbeing.com





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Take Better Care of Yourself - Complications Arising From Untreated and Mismanaged Diabetes


Learn about both the short term and long term complications that can arise from the mismanagement of diabetes in order to avoid irreparable damage.

Short Term:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis- While this is a short term complication it is also potentially fatal. Diabetic Ketoacidosis occurs when there is a rapid build-up of impurities (ketones) in the blood causing acid in the blood. The patient becomes dangerously dehydrated leading to potential coma and death. Immediate treatment by rehydration and insulin dosing to replace the electrolyte balance and flush the ketones from the blood can help the patient make a full recovery. This condition often requires admission to the hospital for proper treatment and assessment of metabolic damage to the system following recovery.

Yeast Infections- Both oral (Thrush) and vaginal yeast infections occur more frequently in patients with diabetes due to the increased levels of sugar in the saliva and urine. Thrush will present as an opaque white film on the tongue and interior of the mouth and unlike milk or dairy residue cannot be scrapped off without bleeding. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching, burning, redness and an abnormal discharge. However, because many different vaginal infections and diseases can present in the same way, it is imperative to have a doctor correctly identify the source of the infection to ensure that you are treating it with the correct medication. Properly controlling your blood sugar and regulating your fluid levels is the best prevention for yeast infections. Prompt detection and doctor approved treatment can provide relief of the symptoms and a speedy recovery.

High Blood Pressure- Also known as hypertension, can lead to long term issues such as heart disease and stroke when left untreated. High blood pressure control through weight loss, exercise, healthy food choices and medications is an essential part of a healthy diabetic lifestyle. Although a serious concern for diabetics, high blood pressure is a treatable problem when it is detected early and the patient commits to blood pressure monitoring.

Diabetic Ulcers- This is a fancy term for open sores that occur due to diabetic neuropathy, slow wound healing and infections that are aggravated by poor circulation. There is a direct link between diabetic ulcers and a failure to properly control blood sugar levels. Treatment involves antibiotics for the infections, proper bandaging and wound care and potentially amputation of the affected limb when the wounds continue to progress despite medical care. Amputations can often be avoided through diligent attention to foot care and fastidious treatment of even the smallest cut or abrasion, regular exercising to strengthen the circulatory system and maintaining balanced levels of blood glucose levels.

Long Term:

Diabetic Nephropathy- The kidneys begin to malfunction and stop processing protein properly, allowing it to be flushed out with the urine. Unfortunately, there is no cure once kidney disease has begun, although you can only slow the progress of the deterioration. Often diagnosed by the increased levels of protein in a urine test, other symptoms of diabetic nephropathy include obvious water retention, vomiting, fatigue, itching and dry skin and recurrent hiccups. As the kidneys continue to fail, the patient will need to use dialysis to cleanse the blood of impurities while they await a transplant. Clearly prevention is the best option.

Heart Disease and Stroke- Diabetics have an increased risk of developing heart disease and/or stroke at an earlier age than the rest of the population due to a diabetic's tendency towards high blood pressure. Heart attacks and strokes are both urgent and life threatening conditions that are treatable if caught in the early stages. However, they can each have lasting debilitating ramifications so prevention through healthy lifestyle choices is the best protocol.

Diabetic Neuropathy- This is a term for the nerve damage caused by diabetes. The blood vessels that connect to the nerves are impaired creating several different reactions by the body. The affected nerves can be found in the peripheral limbs such as hands and feet or internally, affecting the major organs. With the loss of sensation comes an inability to function properly which could be dangerous for a diabetic with nerve damage affecting their digestive tract. If the nerves are damaged in such a way that they continue to fire messages to the brain without stopping, the diabetic may find themselves in continuous pain. Many diabetics experience intense foot pain due to neuropathy and find some relief through the use of compression stockings and diabetic socks. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy involves a mixture of different pain alleviating medications as well as tighter control of blood glucose levels and some physiotherapeutic treatments of electrical nerve stimulation. There isn't a cure for this complication, so properly managing your blood glucose levels and maintaining a healthy circulatory system is the best prevention.

Diabetic Retinopathy- This complication can lead to complete blindness. The retina (part of the eye) is damaged through poorly controlled levels of sugar in the blood. There are generally little to no symptoms of the development of diabetic retinopathy and it is usually caught through a regular eye exam. If caught early and treated, vision can be mostly restored.




Devon Delaney is fastidious about his feet and wound care. He advocates for better education of the diabetic community to ensure a greater commitment to foot care as a prevention to more serious diabetic complications.





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2012年7月30日 星期一

Three Common Complications of Diabetes


Diabetes is a condition that is characterized by the disruption in the way that the body processes carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are broken down from complex to simple sugars, called glucose. When glucose levels remain too high in the body, it can cause malfunction of multiple important processes. These complications can be devastating!

Three common complications of diabetes are:

1. Diabetic Nephropathy: Diabetic nephropathy means that the kidneys are damaged by high blood sugar levels. Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and a top cause of renal transplant and dialysis. The best way to prevent kidney failure is to maintain good sugar control and to complete routine testing. Your doctor should check your kidney function using both urine and blood tests every year.

2. Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that is characterized by damage to the nerve cells due to high glucose levels. When these levels are high the nerves that are responsible for sensation and regulation of certain body processes are affected and damaged. The most commonly affected nerves are the nerves that supply the hands and feet. This condition is called peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that results in loss of sensation in the hands and feet. Patients that have neuropathy can suffer from difficult regulating heart rate, temperature and difficulties with sensation. Diabetic neuropathy contributes to foot complications that can lead to infection and amputations.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy means that there is damage to the retina of the eyes due to persistently elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness. For this reason, it is important that all patients with diabetes be screened by an ophthalmologist annually. Type 2 diabetics should start their exams within the first year of diagnosis while type 1 diabetics can wait a few years before they have their first eye exam.

The progression of all of these conditions can be slowed through strict blood sugar control. To achieve good blood glucose levels the patient should follow his diabetic diet, stick to his prescribed medications and exercise. Patients that work hard to improve their sugars and monitor their progress will have the best results and fewest complications. It is very important that all patients with diabetes see their doctor routinely and complete the necessary screening tests. Early detection, coupled with good sugar control is truly one of the key components to a long life with this condition that does not have to result in these tragic complications




Unfortunately there is no diabetes cure but excellent blood glucose control is a great way to reduce your risks of complications from diabetes.

If you suffer from any of these conditions or need orthopedic shoes for diabetics check out our site at knowyoursugar.com for more information. Visit often as we expand our website to provide you with more information about diabetes and more!





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2012年7月29日 星期日

Diabetic Complications You Must Be Aware Of


As with any other illness, you want to learn as much as possible about your diabetes. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to cope with and manage your diabetes. Knowledge can also help those who don't yet have it to be more careful and hopefully avoid the illness altogether.

In addition to having knowledge about diabetes such as symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment, it is also important to know about any related complications. This will help you prepare yourself -- emotionally and physically -- with the possibilities of having to cope not just with your diabetes but also with any other complications that are related to it as well.

Some factors, such as heredity, age, and ethnicity, can have an effect on people who are prone to diabetes. But no matter the risk factors, the related complications will be the same. Following are some of the complications that people who are prone to diabetes must be aware of:

1. Heart Disease And Stroke. According to the experts, people with diabetes have a much greater risk of coronary heart disease and stroke compared to those without diabetes. As a matter of fact, these complications are the leading cause of death among diabetics the world over.

Diabetics are prone to heart diseases and stroke because of deposits of fat brought by severe changes in the body can block arteries causing heart attacks. Because diabetics have less insulin in the body compared to non-diabetics, diabetics have a greater incidence of blood clotting and may also cause high blood pressure or hypertension.

2. Diabetic Kidney Disease. Kidney disease is the most common complication among diabetics because the parts of the kidneys that filter blood become damaged. Once the kidneys are damaged, important proteins are brought along with urine and eventually, the kidneys will no longer be able to get rid of waste products in the blood.

Fortunately, not every diabetic will experience End-Stage Kidney Disease which could be life threatening. If you want to avoid this, you need to quit smoking, keep your blood pressure under control, and always follow your doctor's orders.

3. Diabetic Eye Disease. This is a group of eye problems that people with diabetes might get as a result their diabetes. In some cases, diabetes may lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and increased fluid in the lens of the eye that can damage the optic nerve. Each of these, if not treated immediately and properly monitored can lead to blindness.

4. Diabetic Neuropathy. If you smoke or drink, or if you don't have good control of your glucose levels, you will be more likely to develop neuropathy compared to diabetics who don't have these bad habits.

5. Gastroparesis. This is a condition that affects the ability of the stomach to empty its contents, but there is no blockage. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of diabetics with type 1 diabetes are prone to gastroparesis because it damages the vagus nerve which keeps the food moving through your digestive tract. While people with type 2 diabetes can get gastroparesis, it is much more rare.




In addition to writing about diabetes Jason Warner is interested in barbeque grilling [http://barbequegrillreview.com] and barbeque smoker grill [http://www.barbequegrillreview.com/].





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年7月23日 星期一

Diabetic Complications: Diabetic Neuropathy and Charcot's Foot


Charcot's Foot was discovered in the eighteenth century by a Frenchman named, Jean-Martin Charcot (pronounced-Charcoh). I never heard of it until I got it. I wish I had never heard of it, at all. None of my friends or family ever heard of it before. Almost all of my doctors and nurses knew about it. It is a fairly common disease among Diabetics but it is not exclusively their domain. Doctors still aren't exactly sure why it happens. Some thoughts are that it is due to Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage to the feet, which is a fairly common condition among Diabetics. They think that Diabetic neuropathy softens the bones in your feet and allows them to shift and to fracture easily. Also, since you can't sense pain with Diabetic Neuropathy, you aren't even aware that anything is happening to your feet. It isn't necessary to have any trauma, for this condition to occur. At least that is one theory.

Usually the symptoms are simply that one foot is warmer than the other even though circulation is usually good. There may be some swelling or redness. This may be all the symptoms that initially show and they can come on quite quickly. These symptoms really don't alert anyone to the seriousness of this disease. If the condition is found early enough, the best treatment is rest. The foot should be completely immobilized for six to nine months. When a doctor told me that, I thought he was absolutely crazy. I was wrong. If it is not caught early enough, the most probable next step is surgery.

Muscles can no longer support the foot. Damage to the foot can easily go unnoticed because of Diabetic neuropathy and not feeling your feet. As a result ulcers and deformity of the foot can occur. The arch may collapse. The foot alignment may also go haywire.

This is what happened to me. It seemed like it happened suddenly, out of nowhere. My arch totally collapsed, I developed a huge bump (from bones shifting and breaking) in the middle of my foot, on the inside, where my arch was. It is unbelievable but I felt No pain because of the nerve damage. My foot veered way off to the right. When I went to see my Podiatrist, he dubbed me,"Mr. Crooked Foot". It looked awful. I can't recall any trauma that began this condition. It just seemed to happen.

From researching on the internet and talking with my Podiatrist it became very clear that the only way to stabilize my foot was with surgery. My doctor told me he would have to fuse the joints of my foot so that they would not deteriorate any further. In layman's terms, this meant putting a bunch of titanium screws in the bones of my foot to hold them together until they were able to fuse naturally. It is about a nine to twelve month process for the bones to heal and fuse completely. That means being in a cast or a boot up to my calf for that time period. Also, being mostly on crutches or in a wheelchair. It was essential that there was no pressure or weight-bearing on my foot for this whole time. Whoopee! Thank God for my computer. It definitely kept me sane while I was in-firmed.

So, on May 4, 2010 I had yet another surgery on my foot. This one lasted for seven hours. The doctor made three incisions on the top of my right foot. Each one was about two inches long. He inserted thirteen titanium screws into the bones at the joint where my arch was. It had collapsed and the bones now sort of overlapped each other. The screws job is to hold the bones in place until they could fuse together. Amazingly, I felt no pain, before, during or after surgery. I really like that part. He also added two kind of braces to help align my foot. The screws held the braces in place. When looking at my X rays, I count thirteen screws. It could even be more. I guess I'll never be going through metal detectors any time soon. I broke one of the screws while healing. I'm a big guy. My doctor said that was not uncommon. It was kind of scary though.

For the next nine months, I saw the foot doctor about every three weeks. First, X-rays were taken before each visit for the doctor to study. He could see how the healing was progressing, inside my foot. Weight-bearing was not permitted on that foot. My days and nights were in a wheel chair. If I needed to walk, it was on crutches. Sad to say, I gained quite a bit of weight because of my inactivity. That will come back off in the next six or nine months. (I hope!)

If you are really courageous and aren't easily grossed out Go to Google, type in Charcot's foot and then click on images. There are many pictures of what this disease looks like and they ain't pretty.

In retrospect, I wish I had taken my Type 2 Diabetes more seriously from the start and kept my blood sugar under better control. I had no idea how dangerous a disease it was. I can't change what happened now. I doubt that I would have had these complications if my blood sugar had been under better control. My ignorance of Diabetes cost me greatly. The good that has come out of this experience is that my blood sugar is now very strictly controlled. My health has improved. I am conscious of what I eat at all times (well almost all times. I still have some weaknesses). I count carbohydrates for better blood sugar control. I exercise. I like to walk but it seems that when I do, I get blisters or open sores on my feet. They may be dangerous. So now I am riding a bicycle for exercise. It's a lot less demanding on the feet. That's something I haven't done since I was fourteen years old. It is fun, though and I enjoy it.

Some doctors told me that they thought that I probably had my Diabetes for ten to fifteen years before diagnoses. That sure came as a shock! A simple blood test will give you a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reading that tells what your average blood sugar was for the past three months. This is necessary for the doctors to see where your blood sugar has been in the long-term. It tells you more than just one moment in time which you can get from a finger stick. My current doctor has me shoot for an A1c of under 7. (my last test was 6.2 which is excellent). Every Diabetic should have their A1c tested every three months. Then once your blood sugar is under good control you can stretch the testing to every six months. When I first walked into the doctor my A1c reading was 15.6. That's about equal to blood sugars in the mid 500's. For a Type 2 Diabetic they should be around 160 or less. I was pretty sick and didn't even know it. I believe that my inaction and ignorance was what led to the complications that I have suffered through, since.

My sincere goal is that anyone who reads my story, may look at Diabetes a little more seriously. You should see a doctor for a diagnoses if you have any suspicions or family history of it. The symptoms are pretty easy to see. Family history of Diabetes. Unending thirst. Many, many trips to the bathroom. Burning, tingling, or "pins and needle" sensations in the feet and /or hands. These are only some of the main symptoms to look out for. If you manage to control Diabetes early, many of the serious complications, that happened to me, shouldn't happen. If you let it go on, it could be years before it is even noticed. By then, it's too late. Diabetic Neuropathy and its many possible complications may have already begun. Share your story with me. I know mine isn't the worst.




I am Robert Emanon and I am a retired carpenter with the double whammy of diabetes (type 2) and tinnitus. I am going to write about my experiences with both and recommend help that I have found through my research. Take this dangerous disease seriously. It can attack every part of your body!

If you want further information please contact me at: bobemanon65@gmail.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年7月22日 星期日

Diabetes and Serious Complications in The Nervous System


People suffering from chronic diabetes are likely to be affected by diabetic neuropathy. It occurs due to injury to the blood vessels that carry to nerves. A number of associated diseases also manifest themselves like paralysis and nervous disorders affecting other systems of the body also. it affects a whole lot of nerves, controlling various functions of the body. As a consequence functioning of other organs is also affected. this condition can result in a single disorder or multiple disorders of different kinds in the system. Even the functioning of the brain can be affected by diabetic neuropathy, depending on which nerves are affected.

There are different symptoms to indicate that the person has been affected by diabetic neuropathy. No part of the body is spared once this problem takes hold. The nervous system, the digestive system, the urinary system, functioning of the chest, sex, etc; are all affected. Loss of control over functioning of the various systems will have an effect on facial features, eye sight, muscular strength, etc. The throat experiences difficulty in swallowing and also in speaking. Pains all over the body, loss of muscle control are also the effect of diabetic neuropathy. In short, a whole lot of indications are there for diabetic neuropathy.

A number of circumstances which result in diabetes developing into diabetic neuropathy are listed.

Blood vessels and nerves are interdependent in their normal functioning. A construction in the blood vessel hampers the normal flow of blood to the nervous system and as a result functioning of every system gets disoriented. As this condition becomes more serious, both the nervous system and the circulatory system are in serious trouble. One way of treating this problem is dilation of the affected blood vessel. This has a marked effect on the functioning of the affected nerves.

One of the main causes for diabetic neuropathy is the very high level of glucose in the body. Glucose which has to be digested and absorbed in the blood is left free and it combines with proteins to produce an unwanted mixture with harmful effects. It has been found that such proteins place part in a diabetes patient developing diabetic neuropathy. There may be other complications also.

The more serious effect that diabetic neuropathy has on the nervous system is that nerve tissues are damaged and the normal functioning of the retina and kidney are impaired. It has been found that the nerve tissues, retina, and the kidney are not at all dependent on insulin on their normal functioning. They absorb whatever glucose is necessary and releases the balance in to the system, which in the normal circumstances and in healthy person will not affect the body functioning.

It has also been noticed nerves are affected in different ways depending on where they operate. There are nervous system controlling groups of system for example different system control arms, legs, etc; heart and lung, gastrointestinal system, urinary and reproductive system etc. Similarly the nerves going to the skull are different.

Treatment diabetic neuropathy concentrates on pain reduction and controlling sugar levels.




To learn about diabetic foot neuropathy and other foot ailments, check out author's website.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年7月21日 星期六

Type 2 Diabetes - Alternatives Medications Used For Pain in Diabetic Complications


Many pain medications used in Western medicine are opiates, or narcotics, chemically similar to the opium used in other cultures. Medications such as codeine, Percodan, Lortabs, morphine, OxyContin, Percocet and others used for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy are related to opium. An article published in the journal Acta Medica in July 2011, might be something to consider if you or a loved one with Type 2 diabetes is considering taking opiates for pain. The study was performed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran.

In Iran it is a widely held belief that opium helps to prevent diabetics from getting heart and blood vessel disease, and it is used for that purpose. Two hundred and twenty-eight opium users and 228 non-users, all with diabetes, were included in the study. Coronary artery disease was found to be higher in the users than in non-users. The researchers concluded there is evidence suggesting the use of opium increases the risk of coronary artery disease in people with diabetes.

Fortunately, non-narcotic medications are available for diabetic neuropathy. If over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol and motrin are not effective, then antiepileptics, lidocaine, or antidepressants are alternatives. Anti-seizure medications used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy include:

Neurontin,
Topamax,
Lyrica,
Tegretol, and
Dilantin.

It is unclear exactly how anti-seizure drugs help neuropathic pain, but both health problems are due to difficulties in the nervous system.

Alternative drugs prescribed to help with the pain of diabetic neuropathy:

Lidocaine is an anesthetic that can be used locally with a patch which is applied directly to the skin. Up to four patches per day can be used, and the only possible side effect is a skin rash.

Duloxetine, also called Cymbalta, is an antidepressant approved for use in diabetic neuropathy. This medication allows molecules that carry messages from one nerve cell to another to stay in the spaces between nerve cells, where messages are transmitted. In November 2010 the Chinese Medical Journal published an article on the use of duloxetine compared to a placebo for diabetic neuropathy. Researchers at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing found that patients given duloxetine reported significantly less pain than patients taking placebo.

Pamelor, also called Aventyl or nortryptiline, is another antidepressant approved for use in treating diabetic neuropathy. It works by interrupting processes in the smaller nerves and spinal cord that cause pain.

Electrical stimulation is also available when medications are unsatisfactory. Electrodes are placed onto the skin and a mild current is run through them for temporary relief.

Keeping blood sugar levels in the normal range is also helpful for preventing diabetic neuropathy. There are several reasons why nerve damage does take place. It is due partly to the high blood sugar damaging the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. It's also possible there can be inflammation in the nerves, or an autoimmune attack on the nerves.

Some diabetics are able to control the pain of their diabetic neuropathy by:

light aerobics or walking, since physical activity keeps circulation healthy and prevents too much fluid from accumulating.

wearing elastic stockings,

soaking in a warm bath,

massage therapy since it helps to reduce your output of the pain-causing chemical, cortisol,

using a TENS unit which sends out tiny electrical impulses into localized areas can interrupt pain sensations for many people. Your doctor will be able to advise if this is appropriate for you




To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions ... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年6月5日 星期二

Diabetic Complications: Diabetic Neuropathy and Charcot's Foot


Charcot's Foot was discovered in the eighteenth century by a Frenchman named, Jean-Martin Charcot (pronounced-Charcoh). I never heard of it until I got it. I wish I had never heard of it, at all. None of my friends or family ever heard of it before. Almost all of my doctors and nurses knew about it. It is a fairly common disease among Diabetics but it is not exclusively their domain. Doctors still aren't exactly sure why it happens. Some thoughts are that it is due to Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage to the feet, which is a fairly common condition among Diabetics. They think that Diabetic neuropathy softens the bones in your feet and allows them to shift and to fracture easily. Also, since you can't sense pain with Diabetic Neuropathy, you aren't even aware that anything is happening to your feet. It isn't necessary to have any trauma, for this condition to occur. At least that is one theory.

Usually the symptoms are simply that one foot is warmer than the other even though circulation is usually good. There may be some swelling or redness. This may be all the symptoms that initially show and they can come on quite quickly. These symptoms really don't alert anyone to the seriousness of this disease. If the condition is found early enough, the best treatment is rest. The foot should be completely immobilized for six to nine months. When a doctor told me that, I thought he was absolutely crazy. I was wrong. If it is not caught early enough, the most probable next step is surgery.

Muscles can no longer support the foot. Damage to the foot can easily go unnoticed because of Diabetic neuropathy and not feeling your feet. As a result ulcers and deformity of the foot can occur. The arch may collapse. The foot alignment may also go haywire.

This is what happened to me. It seemed like it happened suddenly, out of nowhere. My arch totally collapsed, I developed a huge bump (from bones shifting and breaking) in the middle of my foot, on the inside, where my arch was. It is unbelievable but I felt No pain because of the nerve damage. My foot veered way off to the right. When I went to see my Podiatrist, he dubbed me,"Mr. Crooked Foot". It looked awful. I can't recall any trauma that began this condition. It just seemed to happen.

From researching on the internet and talking with my Podiatrist it became very clear that the only way to stabilize my foot was with surgery. My doctor told me he would have to fuse the joints of my foot so that they would not deteriorate any further. In layman's terms, this meant putting a bunch of titanium screws in the bones of my foot to hold them together until they were able to fuse naturally. It is about a nine to twelve month process for the bones to heal and fuse completely. That means being in a cast or a boot up to my calf for that time period. Also, being mostly on crutches or in a wheelchair. It was essential that there was no pressure or weight-bearing on my foot for this whole time. Whoopee! Thank God for my computer. It definitely kept me sane while I was in-firmed.

So, on May 4, 2010 I had yet another surgery on my foot. This one lasted for seven hours. The doctor made three incisions on the top of my right foot. Each one was about two inches long. He inserted thirteen titanium screws into the bones at the joint where my arch was. It had collapsed and the bones now sort of overlapped each other. The screws job is to hold the bones in place until they could fuse together. Amazingly, I felt no pain, before, during or after surgery. I really like that part. He also added two kind of braces to help align my foot. The screws held the braces in place. When looking at my X rays, I count thirteen screws. It could even be more. I guess I'll never be going through metal detectors any time soon. I broke one of the screws while healing. I'm a big guy. My doctor said that was not uncommon. It was kind of scary though.

For the next nine months, I saw the foot doctor about every three weeks. First, X-rays were taken before each visit for the doctor to study. He could see how the healing was progressing, inside my foot. Weight-bearing was not permitted on that foot. My days and nights were in a wheel chair. If I needed to walk, it was on crutches. Sad to say, I gained quite a bit of weight because of my inactivity. That will come back off in the next six or nine months. (I hope!)

If you are really courageous and aren't easily grossed out Go to Google, type in Charcot's foot and then click on images. There are many pictures of what this disease looks like and they ain't pretty.

In retrospect, I wish I had taken my Type 2 Diabetes more seriously from the start and kept my blood sugar under better control. I had no idea how dangerous a disease it was. I can't change what happened now. I doubt that I would have had these complications if my blood sugar had been under better control. My ignorance of Diabetes cost me greatly. The good that has come out of this experience is that my blood sugar is now very strictly controlled. My health has improved. I am conscious of what I eat at all times (well almost all times. I still have some weaknesses). I count carbohydrates for better blood sugar control. I exercise. I like to walk but it seems that when I do, I get blisters or open sores on my feet. They may be dangerous. So now I am riding a bicycle for exercise. It's a lot less demanding on the feet. That's something I haven't done since I was fourteen years old. It is fun, though and I enjoy it.

Some doctors told me that they thought that I probably had my Diabetes for ten to fifteen years before diagnoses. That sure came as a shock! A simple blood test will give you a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reading that tells what your average blood sugar was for the past three months. This is necessary for the doctors to see where your blood sugar has been in the long-term. It tells you more than just one moment in time which you can get from a finger stick. My current doctor has me shoot for an A1c of under 7. (my last test was 6.2 which is excellent). Every Diabetic should have their A1c tested every three months. Then once your blood sugar is under good control you can stretch the testing to every six months. When I first walked into the doctor my A1c reading was 15.6. That's about equal to blood sugars in the mid 500's. For a Type 2 Diabetic they should be around 160 or less. I was pretty sick and didn't even know it. I believe that my inaction and ignorance was what led to the complications that I have suffered through, since.

My sincere goal is that anyone who reads my story, may look at Diabetes a little more seriously. You should see a doctor for a diagnoses if you have any suspicions or family history of it. The symptoms are pretty easy to see. Family history of Diabetes. Unending thirst. Many, many trips to the bathroom. Burning, tingling, or "pins and needle" sensations in the feet and /or hands. These are only some of the main symptoms to look out for. If you manage to control Diabetes early, many of the serious complications, that happened to me, shouldn't happen. If you let it go on, it could be years before it is even noticed. By then, it's too late. Diabetic Neuropathy and its many possible complications may have already begun. Share your story with me. I know mine isn't the worst.




I am Robert Emanon and I am a retired carpenter with the double whammy of diabetes (type 2) and tinnitus. I am going to write about my experiences with both and recommend help that I have found through my research. Take this dangerous disease seriously. It can attack every part of your body!

If you want further information please contact me at: bobemanon65@gmail.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年6月1日 星期五

Diabetes and Serious Complications in The Nervous System


People suffering from chronic diabetes are likely to be affected by diabetic neuropathy. It occurs due to injury to the blood vessels that carry to nerves. A number of associated diseases also manifest themselves like paralysis and nervous disorders affecting other systems of the body also. it affects a whole lot of nerves, controlling various functions of the body. As a consequence functioning of other organs is also affected. this condition can result in a single disorder or multiple disorders of different kinds in the system. Even the functioning of the brain can be affected by diabetic neuropathy, depending on which nerves are affected.

There are different symptoms to indicate that the person has been affected by diabetic neuropathy. No part of the body is spared once this problem takes hold. The nervous system, the digestive system, the urinary system, functioning of the chest, sex, etc; are all affected. Loss of control over functioning of the various systems will have an effect on facial features, eye sight, muscular strength, etc. The throat experiences difficulty in swallowing and also in speaking. Pains all over the body, loss of muscle control are also the effect of diabetic neuropathy. In short, a whole lot of indications are there for diabetic neuropathy.

A number of circumstances which result in diabetes developing into diabetic neuropathy are listed.

Blood vessels and nerves are interdependent in their normal functioning. A construction in the blood vessel hampers the normal flow of blood to the nervous system and as a result functioning of every system gets disoriented. As this condition becomes more serious, both the nervous system and the circulatory system are in serious trouble. One way of treating this problem is dilation of the affected blood vessel. This has a marked effect on the functioning of the affected nerves.

One of the main causes for diabetic neuropathy is the very high level of glucose in the body. Glucose which has to be digested and absorbed in the blood is left free and it combines with proteins to produce an unwanted mixture with harmful effects. It has been found that such proteins place part in a diabetes patient developing diabetic neuropathy. There may be other complications also.

The more serious effect that diabetic neuropathy has on the nervous system is that nerve tissues are damaged and the normal functioning of the retina and kidney are impaired. It has been found that the nerve tissues, retina, and the kidney are not at all dependent on insulin on their normal functioning. They absorb whatever glucose is necessary and releases the balance in to the system, which in the normal circumstances and in healthy person will not affect the body functioning.

It has also been noticed nerves are affected in different ways depending on where they operate. There are nervous system controlling groups of system for example different system control arms, legs, etc; heart and lung, gastrointestinal system, urinary and reproductive system etc. Similarly the nerves going to the skull are different.

Treatment diabetic neuropathy concentrates on pain reduction and controlling sugar levels.




To learn about diabetic foot neuropathy and other foot ailments, check out author's website.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年5月31日 星期四

Type 2 Diabetes - Alternatives Medications Used For Pain in Diabetic Complications


Many pain medications used in Western medicine are opiates, or narcotics, chemically similar to the opium used in other cultures. Medications such as codeine, Percodan, Lortabs, morphine, OxyContin, Percocet and others used for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy are related to opium. An article published in the journal Acta Medica in July 2011, might be something to consider if you or a loved one with Type 2 diabetes is considering taking opiates for pain. The study was performed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran.

In Iran it is a widely held belief that opium helps to prevent diabetics from getting heart and blood vessel disease, and it is used for that purpose. Two hundred and twenty-eight opium users and 228 non-users, all with diabetes, were included in the study. Coronary artery disease was found to be higher in the users than in non-users. The researchers concluded there is evidence suggesting the use of opium increases the risk of coronary artery disease in people with diabetes.

Fortunately, non-narcotic medications are available for diabetic neuropathy. If over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol and motrin are not effective, then antiepileptics, lidocaine, or antidepressants are alternatives. Anti-seizure medications used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy include:

Neurontin,
Topamax,
Lyrica,
Tegretol, and
Dilantin.

It is unclear exactly how anti-seizure drugs help neuropathic pain, but both health problems are due to difficulties in the nervous system.

Alternative drugs prescribed to help with the pain of diabetic neuropathy:

Lidocaine is an anesthetic that can be used locally with a patch which is applied directly to the skin. Up to four patches per day can be used, and the only possible side effect is a skin rash.

Duloxetine, also called Cymbalta, is an antidepressant approved for use in diabetic neuropathy. This medication allows molecules that carry messages from one nerve cell to another to stay in the spaces between nerve cells, where messages are transmitted. In November 2010 the Chinese Medical Journal published an article on the use of duloxetine compared to a placebo for diabetic neuropathy. Researchers at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing found that patients given duloxetine reported significantly less pain than patients taking placebo.

Pamelor, also called Aventyl or nortryptiline, is another antidepressant approved for use in treating diabetic neuropathy. It works by interrupting processes in the smaller nerves and spinal cord that cause pain.

Electrical stimulation is also available when medications are unsatisfactory. Electrodes are placed onto the skin and a mild current is run through them for temporary relief.

Keeping blood sugar levels in the normal range is also helpful for preventing diabetic neuropathy. There are several reasons why nerve damage does take place. It is due partly to the high blood sugar damaging the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. It's also possible there can be inflammation in the nerves, or an autoimmune attack on the nerves.

Some diabetics are able to control the pain of their diabetic neuropathy by:

light aerobics or walking, since physical activity keeps circulation healthy and prevents too much fluid from accumulating.

wearing elastic stockings,

soaking in a warm bath,

massage therapy since it helps to reduce your output of the pain-causing chemical, cortisol,

using a TENS unit which sends out tiny electrical impulses into localized areas can interrupt pain sensations for many people. Your doctor will be able to advise if this is appropriate for you




To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions ... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

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