By: Moses Wright
Published: August 27, 2009
Physiological processes and the food the person eats affect the glycemia level. A glycemia level is a measurement of the concentration of glucose in the blood.
A diabetic patient can benefit from understanding glycemia levels and what affects them. Abnormally high glycemia levels can put the diabetic patient at risk for developing diabetes complications such as damage to the circulatory system or nervous system.
For a diabetic patient, the amount of food and the type of food eaten can directly affect their glycemia level. In people who do not have diabetes, their bodies release natural insulin to compensate for the raised levels of glucose into the blood after eating.
The naturally occurring insulin in the body of a diabetic patient is insufficient or ineffective for regulating blood sugar levels. Since diabetic patients do not have the benefit of natural insulin regulation, the diabetic patient must make a conscious effort to use other things to keep their glycemia levels within normal range.
Though the person's diet affects their glycemia level, diet is not the only thing that influences the glycemia levels. Exercise can be a helpful tool in the management of glycemia levels. Exercise forces glucose from the blood to be used as an energy source for muscles.
Glycemia levels can be problematic if they are too high or too low. Hypoglycemia is a condition of having low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients is often attributed to skipping meals or using too much insulin.
Hypoglycemia can cause blurred vision, mental confusion, and faintness. A diabetic patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia can lose consciousness and enter into a coma.
Hyperglycemia is excess glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia can cause dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, and recurrent infections. Increased thirst and hunger are common symptoms that the person with hyperglycemia may notice.
Diabetes patients can improve their diabetes management by educating themselves about the diabetic diet, risks associated with diabetes, and diabetes complications. The effectiveness of diabetes management can be improved by understanding glycemia levels and the factors that affect them.
There are many tools that a diabetic patient can use to keep their blood glucose levels within normal range. If a diabetic patient is using diet and exercise without good results, the diabetic patient should consult their doctor and dietitian.
About the Author:
Are you looking for the perfect diabetic diet so that you can do your diabetic diet plan better? Moses Wright can help you with that. Come to our site and get a better idea.
Natural Remedies
Friday, August 6, 2010
Natural Sweeteners Are Not All The Same, Choose Wisely
By: Jamis Hartley
Published: August 28, 2009
Are natural sweeteners right for you? Many believe all natural is the only way to go, therefore natural sweeteners are right for everyone. At this point the highest level of interest in natural sweeteners is found among those trying to lose weight or those who have a medical condition that is forcing them to reduce sugar intake. Fortunately, there are a lot of choices these days which are great all natural alternatives to sugar. But be careful, some may or may not be the right fit for you. Do a little research and make the right choice. This article will give you a few basics and recommendations to consider.
* Sugar: Has a Glycemic Index of 60 and 4 calories per gram
* Xylitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 13 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Sorbitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 9 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Isomalt: Has a Glycemic Index of 8 and 2.1 calories per gram
* Maltitol Syrup: Has a Glycemic Index of 52 and 3 calories per gram
* Lactitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 6 and 3 calories per gram
* Erythritol: Has a Glycemic Index of 0 and .2 calories per gram
Some of these natural sweeteners can cause more digestive problems. Also some, as you can see have a higher Glycemic Index than the others as well as carbohydrates (not included in the list). The only one that does not cause digestive problems is Erythritol. Erythritol, like Xylitol will not cause tooth decay, but Xylitol can cause digestive issues for some. The reason Erythritol does not affect digestion like the others is that it is partially absorbed by the small intestine and is excreted via the bladder (approximately 60-90%). This makes it a more suitable solution for those with current digestive problems.
Found naturally in many fruits and vegetables like pears, melons, potatoes and grapes, Erythritol is abundantly available. Erythritol has many of the desired qualities of sugar and is widely used as a replacement of sugar to sweeten drinks and add flavor to cooking recipes. It is approximately 70% as sweet as sugar but much better for the teeth and body. Diabetics appreciate the fact that Erythritol does not spike the blood sugar levels and makes managing their diabetes easier. There is plenty of information regarding all the different natural sweeteners online and you would do well to read through some portion of it before making the switch.
About the Author:
Jamis Hartley has been searching for sugar reducing and nutrient rich foods for years as an athlete and health conscious human being. Jamis has since found Erythritol as the preferred of all Natural Sweeteners for its taste, digestive and physical properties. Go now to DoctorGrands.com to learn more about Natural Sweeteners and other sugar free healthy whole foods.
Published: August 28, 2009
Are natural sweeteners right for you? Many believe all natural is the only way to go, therefore natural sweeteners are right for everyone. At this point the highest level of interest in natural sweeteners is found among those trying to lose weight or those who have a medical condition that is forcing them to reduce sugar intake. Fortunately, there are a lot of choices these days which are great all natural alternatives to sugar. But be careful, some may or may not be the right fit for you. Do a little research and make the right choice. This article will give you a few basics and recommendations to consider.
* Sugar: Has a Glycemic Index of 60 and 4 calories per gram
* Xylitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 13 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Sorbitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 9 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Isomalt: Has a Glycemic Index of 8 and 2.1 calories per gram
* Maltitol Syrup: Has a Glycemic Index of 52 and 3 calories per gram
* Lactitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 6 and 3 calories per gram
* Erythritol: Has a Glycemic Index of 0 and .2 calories per gram
Some of these natural sweeteners can cause more digestive problems. Also some, as you can see have a higher Glycemic Index than the others as well as carbohydrates (not included in the list). The only one that does not cause digestive problems is Erythritol. Erythritol, like Xylitol will not cause tooth decay, but Xylitol can cause digestive issues for some. The reason Erythritol does not affect digestion like the others is that it is partially absorbed by the small intestine and is excreted via the bladder (approximately 60-90%). This makes it a more suitable solution for those with current digestive problems.
Found naturally in many fruits and vegetables like pears, melons, potatoes and grapes, Erythritol is abundantly available. Erythritol has many of the desired qualities of sugar and is widely used as a replacement of sugar to sweeten drinks and add flavor to cooking recipes. It is approximately 70% as sweet as sugar but much better for the teeth and body. Diabetics appreciate the fact that Erythritol does not spike the blood sugar levels and makes managing their diabetes easier. There is plenty of information regarding all the different natural sweeteners online and you would do well to read through some portion of it before making the switch.
About the Author:
Jamis Hartley has been searching for sugar reducing and nutrient rich foods for years as an athlete and health conscious human being. Jamis has since found Erythritol as the preferred of all Natural Sweeteners for its taste, digestive and physical properties. Go now to DoctorGrands.com to learn more about Natural Sweeteners and other sugar free healthy whole foods.
What Is Hyperglycemia?
By: Moses Wright
Published: September 1, 2009
Hyperglycemia refers to the presence of high concentrations of glucose in the blood. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes are susceptible to hyperglycemia. Pre-diabetes is a susceptibility to hyperglycemia and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are similar terms that should not be confused. Hypoglycemia is the opposite of hyperglycemia and described the condition of having low blood sugar. Both conditions are dangerous if left untreated.
The early symptoms of hyperglycemia are the same as the early symptoms of diabetes. These signs of hyperglycemia and diabetes are increased hunger, frequent urination, and increased thirst.
Fatigue, weight loss, impotence, dry skin, dry mouth, and recurrent infections such as yeast infections are symptoms of hyperglycemia. A person with hyperglycemia may also notice that wounds like cuts do not heal as well as they used to.
Hyperglycemia is worse for diabetic patients during illness or stress. During times of illness, diabetic patients may have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. Many diabetic patients could benefit from stress management as part of their diabetes management plans.
Hyperglycemia may be triggered by illness or stress. During times of illness, diabetic patients may struggle to control their blood glucose levels. Stress management is often included in diabetes management plans.
People with diabetes test their blood sugar levels to check for hyperglycemia. If the blood glucose levels are high, diabetic patients often have medication such as insulin to take to reduce their blood glucose levels.
The levels of glucose in the blood can be reduced by exercising. Exercise encourages the utilization of gluclose from the blood by the muscles. Before exercising to reduce blood glucose levels, diabetic patients should test for the presence of ketones since ketones can cause blood glucose levels to rise from exercise.
Ketoacidosis is a dangerous medical condition that can be caused by hyperglycemia. Without the appropriate amount of insulin, the body cannot utilize glucose in the blood for energy. Therefore, the body begins to break down fats for energy which causes ketones to be produced.
Skipping meals and hypoglycemia can also make the person susceptible to developing ketoacidosis. Without enough glucose from food eaten, the body is forced to break down fat for energy which causes ketones.
The symptoms of ketoacidosis are nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dry mouth, fruity smelling breath, and shortness of breath. Ketoacidosis is a very serious condition that can lead to a diabetic coma or death. If someone suspects that they are developing ketoacidosis, they should seek emergency medical treatment.
About the Author:
Looking for a list of foods for diabetic to eat? Get your diabetic diet information at Moses Wright's diabetic diet resource site. Create your diabetic diet plans now.
Published: September 1, 2009
Hyperglycemia refers to the presence of high concentrations of glucose in the blood. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes are susceptible to hyperglycemia. Pre-diabetes is a susceptibility to hyperglycemia and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are similar terms that should not be confused. Hypoglycemia is the opposite of hyperglycemia and described the condition of having low blood sugar. Both conditions are dangerous if left untreated.
The early symptoms of hyperglycemia are the same as the early symptoms of diabetes. These signs of hyperglycemia and diabetes are increased hunger, frequent urination, and increased thirst.
Fatigue, weight loss, impotence, dry skin, dry mouth, and recurrent infections such as yeast infections are symptoms of hyperglycemia. A person with hyperglycemia may also notice that wounds like cuts do not heal as well as they used to.
Hyperglycemia is worse for diabetic patients during illness or stress. During times of illness, diabetic patients may have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. Many diabetic patients could benefit from stress management as part of their diabetes management plans.
Hyperglycemia may be triggered by illness or stress. During times of illness, diabetic patients may struggle to control their blood glucose levels. Stress management is often included in diabetes management plans.
People with diabetes test their blood sugar levels to check for hyperglycemia. If the blood glucose levels are high, diabetic patients often have medication such as insulin to take to reduce their blood glucose levels.
The levels of glucose in the blood can be reduced by exercising. Exercise encourages the utilization of gluclose from the blood by the muscles. Before exercising to reduce blood glucose levels, diabetic patients should test for the presence of ketones since ketones can cause blood glucose levels to rise from exercise.
Ketoacidosis is a dangerous medical condition that can be caused by hyperglycemia. Without the appropriate amount of insulin, the body cannot utilize glucose in the blood for energy. Therefore, the body begins to break down fats for energy which causes ketones to be produced.
Skipping meals and hypoglycemia can also make the person susceptible to developing ketoacidosis. Without enough glucose from food eaten, the body is forced to break down fat for energy which causes ketones.
The symptoms of ketoacidosis are nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dry mouth, fruity smelling breath, and shortness of breath. Ketoacidosis is a very serious condition that can lead to a diabetic coma or death. If someone suspects that they are developing ketoacidosis, they should seek emergency medical treatment.
About the Author:
Looking for a list of foods for diabetic to eat? Get your diabetic diet information at Moses Wright's diabetic diet resource site. Create your diabetic diet plans now.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Effects Of Gestational Diabetes
By: Moses Wright
Published: October 1, 2009
When a pregnant woman develops diabetes, this is known as gestational diabetes. Unlike pre-existing diabetes, the pregnant woman who develops gestational diabetes did not have diabetes prior to the pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes affects about four percent of pregnancies. Though the cause of gestational diabetes is not completely understood, a hormone that is produced that encourages the growth of the baby can inhibit the ability of the mother's natural insulin to metabolize glucose.
Birth defects are not a risk of gestational diabetes since gestational diabetes occurs late in the pregnancy. Since gestational diabetes increases the baby's size, the baby may be at increased risk of injury during birth.
Newborns of mothers who had gestational diabetes are prone to breathing problems. The newborns may also have very low blood glucose levels at birth and be susceptible to obesity and type II diabetes later in life.
Blood tests are done to check for gestational diabetes. A blood sample may be drawn at the beginning of the test. The pregnant woman is required to drink a glucose solution and have at least one more blood test after time has passed.
Gestational diabetes is treated with a diabetic diet. A pregnant woman with gestational diabetes may need to meet with a dietitian who will create a diabetic diet for the pregnant woman to follow.
The diabetic diet typically includes three meals and two snacks each day. The diet usually specifies how many servings of each food group should be eaten with each meal and snack. The dietician may provide a food exchange list that includes suggestions and serving sizes for each food group.
Checking blood sugar levels is an important part of managing gestational diabetes. The woman may be required to check her blood sugar levels multiple times a day and report the readings to the doctor's office. If the gestational diabetes is not well managed, the pregnant woman may need to start taking insulin by injection.
The newborn and mother do not usually have diabetes after birth. Women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of type II diabetes. When the gestational diabetes is managed properly, the lasting effects are minimal.
About the Author:
Are you looking for the ideal diabetic diet so that you can do your diabetic diet plan better? Moses Wright can help you with that. Come to our site and get a better idea.
Published: October 1, 2009
When a pregnant woman develops diabetes, this is known as gestational diabetes. Unlike pre-existing diabetes, the pregnant woman who develops gestational diabetes did not have diabetes prior to the pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes affects about four percent of pregnancies. Though the cause of gestational diabetes is not completely understood, a hormone that is produced that encourages the growth of the baby can inhibit the ability of the mother's natural insulin to metabolize glucose.
Birth defects are not a risk of gestational diabetes since gestational diabetes occurs late in the pregnancy. Since gestational diabetes increases the baby's size, the baby may be at increased risk of injury during birth.
Newborns of mothers who had gestational diabetes are prone to breathing problems. The newborns may also have very low blood glucose levels at birth and be susceptible to obesity and type II diabetes later in life.
Blood tests are done to check for gestational diabetes. A blood sample may be drawn at the beginning of the test. The pregnant woman is required to drink a glucose solution and have at least one more blood test after time has passed.
Gestational diabetes is treated with a diabetic diet. A pregnant woman with gestational diabetes may need to meet with a dietitian who will create a diabetic diet for the pregnant woman to follow.
The diabetic diet typically includes three meals and two snacks each day. The diet usually specifies how many servings of each food group should be eaten with each meal and snack. The dietician may provide a food exchange list that includes suggestions and serving sizes for each food group.
Checking blood sugar levels is an important part of managing gestational diabetes. The woman may be required to check her blood sugar levels multiple times a day and report the readings to the doctor's office. If the gestational diabetes is not well managed, the pregnant woman may need to start taking insulin by injection.
The newborn and mother do not usually have diabetes after birth. Women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of type II diabetes. When the gestational diabetes is managed properly, the lasting effects are minimal.
About the Author:
Are you looking for the ideal diabetic diet so that you can do your diabetic diet plan better? Moses Wright can help you with that. Come to our site and get a better idea.
Find Out What A Diabetic Needs To Do When Their Blood Sugar Levels Get To Low
By: Brock Thurlow
Published: October 21, 2009
From time to time, even though you are doing everything you can to keep your diabetes under control, you may experience low blood sugar. You will notice that your blood pressure is getting low because you will feel like your going to pass out. This is a bad sign and you need to act quick.
If your a Diabetic then you need check your blood sugar often to see how your body reacts to different kinds of foods and activities. There are times when you don't have your testing supplies with you so you need to know the signs of low blood sugar. If you are experiencing sweating, fatigue, disorientation, or shakiness then you know your sugar level is going down. The normal blood sugar levels for non-diabetics is 70 and 110 milligrams per deciliter.
Being diabetic means tat you need to take some precautions. If a diabetics blood sugar level drops below 70 it is considered low. When this happens you need to act quickly. You have a few options when something like this happens.
Taking glucose tablets will help raise your levels quickly. You should always carry these in your vehicle or somewhere nearby if you experience low blood sugar levels. Juice is great at boosting your levels. Orange juice is popular because of the fast acting sugar it contains. Many people also drink a can of soda pop when their levels drop. Be sure that it is regular and not diet or sugar free. All of these are great ways to boost your levels quickly.
A glucagon injection kit is available and they are a great thing to have. You could have this in your car, at work, or at home. Having this kit is great because it can be used if your blood sugar levels get so low that you are unable to inject yourself.
Typically these kits consist of a needle and a syringe filled with a diluting solution. The solution is then injected into the vial that contains powder. This is mixed until all of the powder dissolves nd is drawn up through the syringe and then injected. All family members should know how to use this kit in case of an http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifemergency. It's not a bad idea to show your close friends how to do it either.
About the Author:
Brock Thurlow has been writing articles online for almost 5 years now. His latest website is about Sharp Fax Machines. If your interested in thermal paper fax machines then you should check out his site.
Published: October 21, 2009
From time to time, even though you are doing everything you can to keep your diabetes under control, you may experience low blood sugar. You will notice that your blood pressure is getting low because you will feel like your going to pass out. This is a bad sign and you need to act quick.
If your a Diabetic then you need check your blood sugar often to see how your body reacts to different kinds of foods and activities. There are times when you don't have your testing supplies with you so you need to know the signs of low blood sugar. If you are experiencing sweating, fatigue, disorientation, or shakiness then you know your sugar level is going down. The normal blood sugar levels for non-diabetics is 70 and 110 milligrams per deciliter.
Being diabetic means tat you need to take some precautions. If a diabetics blood sugar level drops below 70 it is considered low. When this happens you need to act quickly. You have a few options when something like this happens.
Taking glucose tablets will help raise your levels quickly. You should always carry these in your vehicle or somewhere nearby if you experience low blood sugar levels. Juice is great at boosting your levels. Orange juice is popular because of the fast acting sugar it contains. Many people also drink a can of soda pop when their levels drop. Be sure that it is regular and not diet or sugar free. All of these are great ways to boost your levels quickly.
A glucagon injection kit is available and they are a great thing to have. You could have this in your car, at work, or at home. Having this kit is great because it can be used if your blood sugar levels get so low that you are unable to inject yourself.
Typically these kits consist of a needle and a syringe filled with a diluting solution. The solution is then injected into the vial that contains powder. This is mixed until all of the powder dissolves nd is drawn up through the syringe and then injected. All family members should know how to use this kit in case of an http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifemergency. It's not a bad idea to show your close friends how to do it either.
About the Author:
Brock Thurlow has been writing articles online for almost 5 years now. His latest website is about Sharp Fax Machines. If your interested in thermal paper fax machines then you should check out his site.
Black Tea Benefits - Reduced Plasma Sugar
By: Kirsten Whittaker
Published: October 19, 2009
When next you've got the chance to try black tea - Forget the five thousand years of use in Asia and consider instead about the multiple health benefits that Black Tea could bring to your body, which include lower blood sugar levels.
You've most likely heard about how black tea improves protection and heart health, now studies appearing in the June 30, 2009 issue of the book of Food Science, adds diabetes treatment to the list of infirmities where a cup of dark tea ( without milk or sugar ) may be just what you want.
The up to date research out of Tianjin university in China discovered that black tea does contain a compound that works just like oral medicines Precose and Glyset - prescribed drugs currently used to manipulate blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes.
The natural polysaccharide compound in black tea is at levels greater than in either green or oolong tea.
Haixia Chen and colleagues report the polysaccharides found in black tea limit the activity of an enzyme known as alpha-glucosidase that transforms starches to sugar.
This is the way the pharmaceuticals work also.
Research has proven for some time that polysaccharides might be of value to those with diabetes because they help to stop the absorption of sugar. According to the team, the black spread or tea was also discovered to possess the best scavenging effect on free radicals, those worrying substances assumed by many to be concerned in the development of cancer and other illnesses.
So are you able to drink black tea in the place of an oral diabetic medication?
No - Never make a change without speaking with your own doctor.
Chen's team must not say for certain that just drinking the tea would be enough . The research used chemical extraction systems, not the brewing as you may at home, to get the polysaccharides from the teas they'd purchased at local markets.
Traditional teas come from exactly the same plant. It's actually the amount of processing that makes the difference in the color, the black having oxidized ( interacted with oxygen until the leaves darkened ) as it is going through all the steps in the tea making process. Conventional processing of the black variety is not anything like fermenting, there isn't any yeast concerned, just the tea leaves and oxygen.
It is important to know that due to the way black tea is processed, it does have a far higher caffeine content than the other teas - green, white or oolong. One cup of black tea has about fifty mg of caffeine when compared to coffee, which has from sixty five to 175 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Actually, in many parts of the planet tea, not coffee is used as the wake-me-up at the start of the day.
You can purchase teas at most grocery stores, or try the organic types from online ( or local ) natural health food stores.
Black varieties can be packed as a single tea or as a part of a mix - you'll be amazed at the various selections. You'll be wanting to try several brands to find the flavour and depth of color you like best, and be sure to brew the leaves lose in a pleasant, pot-bellied teapot so they can unfurl all the way to make a drink that is's powerful and delicious, and highly likely good for you too!
The black tea benefits are actually inspiring, and with this research we could be close to another breakthrough for regulating blood sugar levels.
About the Author:
Next - just head on over to the Daily Health Bulletin for more information on how to lower blood sugar, plus for a limited time get 5 free fantastic health reports. Click here for more details on how to lower blood sugar.
Published: October 19, 2009
When next you've got the chance to try black tea - Forget the five thousand years of use in Asia and consider instead about the multiple health benefits that Black Tea could bring to your body, which include lower blood sugar levels.
You've most likely heard about how black tea improves protection and heart health, now studies appearing in the June 30, 2009 issue of the book of Food Science, adds diabetes treatment to the list of infirmities where a cup of dark tea ( without milk or sugar ) may be just what you want.
The up to date research out of Tianjin university in China discovered that black tea does contain a compound that works just like oral medicines Precose and Glyset - prescribed drugs currently used to manipulate blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes.
The natural polysaccharide compound in black tea is at levels greater than in either green or oolong tea.
Haixia Chen and colleagues report the polysaccharides found in black tea limit the activity of an enzyme known as alpha-glucosidase that transforms starches to sugar.
This is the way the pharmaceuticals work also.
Research has proven for some time that polysaccharides might be of value to those with diabetes because they help to stop the absorption of sugar. According to the team, the black spread or tea was also discovered to possess the best scavenging effect on free radicals, those worrying substances assumed by many to be concerned in the development of cancer and other illnesses.
So are you able to drink black tea in the place of an oral diabetic medication?
No - Never make a change without speaking with your own doctor.
Chen's team must not say for certain that just drinking the tea would be enough . The research used chemical extraction systems, not the brewing as you may at home, to get the polysaccharides from the teas they'd purchased at local markets.
Traditional teas come from exactly the same plant. It's actually the amount of processing that makes the difference in the color, the black having oxidized ( interacted with oxygen until the leaves darkened ) as it is going through all the steps in the tea making process. Conventional processing of the black variety is not anything like fermenting, there isn't any yeast concerned, just the tea leaves and oxygen.
It is important to know that due to the way black tea is processed, it does have a far higher caffeine content than the other teas - green, white or oolong. One cup of black tea has about fifty mg of caffeine when compared to coffee, which has from sixty five to 175 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Actually, in many parts of the planet tea, not coffee is used as the wake-me-up at the start of the day.
You can purchase teas at most grocery stores, or try the organic types from online ( or local ) natural health food stores.
Black varieties can be packed as a single tea or as a part of a mix - you'll be amazed at the various selections. You'll be wanting to try several brands to find the flavour and depth of color you like best, and be sure to brew the leaves lose in a pleasant, pot-bellied teapot so they can unfurl all the way to make a drink that is's powerful and delicious, and highly likely good for you too!
The black tea benefits are actually inspiring, and with this research we could be close to another breakthrough for regulating blood sugar levels.
About the Author:
Next - just head on over to the Daily Health Bulletin for more information on how to lower blood sugar, plus for a limited time get 5 free fantastic health reports. Click here for more details on how to lower blood sugar.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Diabetes Diagnosis: How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
By: Barb Hicks
Published: August 22, 2009
What Is Diabetes?
When there is an imbalance of insulin and glucose in the blood that causes glucose levels to be abnormally high, this is a condition called diabetes, or hyperglycemia. Insulin serves to regulate glucose levels to stay within normal values. In the absence of adequate insulin, glucose isn't changed into energy for the cells to use as fuel, leading to organ damage and complications.
The proper definiteion of diabetes is the elevated level of glucose or sugar in the blood. The body naturally regulates these levels by producing insulin which converts glucose into energy for the cells to use as fuel. If insulin cannot perform its job properly, glucose levels rise resulting in complications of this disease. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination and excessive thirst.
Here are the two forms of diabetes:
Type 1: This form of diabetes is genetic and is commonly diagnosed in children. In this case, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. Type 2: This form of diabetes is metabolic and is the result of the proper production of insulin, but the body is resistant to it.
Both types cause increased glucose in the blood that must be monitored daily.
You are at risk for the development of diabetes if you are overweight, have family members diagnosed with it, and live a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
There are many different symptoms of diabetes. In addition, not everyone will display any or all of these signs. Some of the symptoms include:
- Headache, irritability, extreme thirst, frequent urination and non healing wounds.
The body tries to protect itself by getting rid of the excess glucose through the kidneys. This results in frequent urination which then leads to dehydration. Dehydration cause headache and excessive thirst just as it does as a result of a hangover.
Living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight are risk factors for development of the disease.
How do I find out if I have it?
Knowing the symptoms is the first step, as well as learning what your risk factors are. If you suspect that you may have this condition, there are diagnostic tests that your doctor can administer to determine if you indeed have the disease. How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
In general, a glucose level of 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl is normal. A doctor will perform testing in order to measure your specific blood glucose levels.
What are the means of treatment?
Treatment of diabetes includes changes in diet, regular exercise at least 3-4 times per week, daily monitoring of glucose levels, and insulin injections by syringe, insulin pump, or prefilled pens.
The goal of treatment is to control glucose levels within the normal range to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge about Diabetes Early Symptoms. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Hypoglycemia Causes.
Published: August 22, 2009
What Is Diabetes?
When there is an imbalance of insulin and glucose in the blood that causes glucose levels to be abnormally high, this is a condition called diabetes, or hyperglycemia. Insulin serves to regulate glucose levels to stay within normal values. In the absence of adequate insulin, glucose isn't changed into energy for the cells to use as fuel, leading to organ damage and complications.
The proper definiteion of diabetes is the elevated level of glucose or sugar in the blood. The body naturally regulates these levels by producing insulin which converts glucose into energy for the cells to use as fuel. If insulin cannot perform its job properly, glucose levels rise resulting in complications of this disease. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination and excessive thirst.
Here are the two forms of diabetes:
Type 1: This form of diabetes is genetic and is commonly diagnosed in children. In this case, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. Type 2: This form of diabetes is metabolic and is the result of the proper production of insulin, but the body is resistant to it.
Both types cause increased glucose in the blood that must be monitored daily.
You are at risk for the development of diabetes if you are overweight, have family members diagnosed with it, and live a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
There are many different symptoms of diabetes. In addition, not everyone will display any or all of these signs. Some of the symptoms include:
- Headache, irritability, extreme thirst, frequent urination and non healing wounds.
The body tries to protect itself by getting rid of the excess glucose through the kidneys. This results in frequent urination which then leads to dehydration. Dehydration cause headache and excessive thirst just as it does as a result of a hangover.
Living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight are risk factors for development of the disease.
How do I find out if I have it?
Knowing the symptoms is the first step, as well as learning what your risk factors are. If you suspect that you may have this condition, there are diagnostic tests that your doctor can administer to determine if you indeed have the disease. How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
In general, a glucose level of 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl is normal. A doctor will perform testing in order to measure your specific blood glucose levels.
What are the means of treatment?
Treatment of diabetes includes changes in diet, regular exercise at least 3-4 times per week, daily monitoring of glucose levels, and insulin injections by syringe, insulin pump, or prefilled pens.
The goal of treatment is to control glucose levels within the normal range to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge about Diabetes Early Symptoms. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Hypoglycemia Causes.
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