Amputation of the lower limbs is one of the most dreaded complications caused by diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, there were about 82,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations done in diabetics in 2002. In a related survey, it has been found that of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations performed, 60% are done in people with diabetes. However, the ADA also assures that the risk of amputations can be reduced by 45% to 85% through comprehensive foot care programs.

Keeping your feet clean and free from any possible sources of infection is a crucial step. Protect your feet from sores, bruises, scratches or wounds which can lead to infection. Some diabetics may feel numbness in their legs and feet, a burning sensation or a tingling pain on their feet so they may not be able to know right away that there is a sore or a wound on their feet. Thus, those with diabetes are advised to examine their feet every day for any sign of sores or bruises. Below are more tips on how to protect your feet from diabetes complications.

1. Use a mirror. When inspecting your feet use a mirror so you can thoroughly see the soles of your feet. Don’t forget to check in between your toes, toe nails and ankles for blisters, sores, scratches, swelling, or discoloration. Also, inspect your feet during the day or under a bright light to easily spot any changes.

2. See your doctor. If you see anything unusual on your feet, see your doctor right away. This way, the necessary treatment can be administered to prevent infection.

3. Moisturize dry skin. When the skin is dry or scaly, it becomes more prone to cuts and fungal infections. After washing or bathing, use a clean towel to thoroughly dry your feet, especially in between your toes. Next, apply lotion or petroleum jelly to moisturize your skin.

4. Always wear the appropriate footwear. Walking barefoot or without any protection exposes your feet to dirt and germs. You may also accidentally step on sharp objects which can cause cuts or bruise on the soles of your feet. Thus, it is best to wear shoes or slippers at all times.

5. Wear comfortable shoes. When choosing shoes, make sure that they are a perfect fit. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight as this can damage your toes and ankles. Make sure that there is enough room for your feet to move inside the shoes. Also, buy shoes that provide support to your feet.

One of the most important concerns of a diabetic patient is monitoring blood sugar level.  Aside from diabetes medications, there are other tools that you need such as insulin injection, glucose meter, etc. Listed below is a checklist of must-have tools for diabetics.

Insulin Shots

People with Type 1 Diabetes are required to inject insulin to keeping their blood sugar at a safe level.  In some cases, a person with Type 2 Diabetes may also need to take insulin through injections.

There are different types of insulin products in the market but it’s important to take in only the insulin product prescribed by your physician. Using the right type of needle, strips, alcohol swabs and other necessary paraphernalia when injecting insulin is just as important so remember to always go for safety when purchasing these things.

Diabetic testing meter

Blood sugar monitoring may be done twice a week or on a daily basis, depending on the advice of your physician.  If you have diabetes, make sure that you have a Diabetic Testing Meter especially when you’re on the road or on travel.

Jet injectors

Instead of injecting insulin with a needle, jet injectors are sprayed directly on the Diabetic’s skin.  It is a painless and more convenient way to administer insulin. Jet injectors are often recommended for  patients who must take in insulin on a daily basis.

Glucose tablets

A diabetic must constantly keep his/her blood sugar in check.  Too high or too low blood sugar level can endanger a diabetic’s life.  Sometimes, a diabetic may experience a sudden rise or sudden drop of blood sugar at any time. When this happens, glucose tablet can be taken orally to keep blood sugar in control.

If you often travel, see to it that you have your own Diabetic Safety Kit which contains all your prescribed diabetes medications and tools.  If you plan to trip by plane, bring a separate safety kit packed along in your carry-on bag.

In other diabetes news, it is estimated that 54 million American have a pre-diabetes condition. When left unchecked, this condition can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. Furthermore, it is estimated that 6.2 million people are not aware that they have Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is hereditary but Type 2 is often acquired or developed. Health studies reveal that people prone to developing Type 2 diabetes are those who are overweight or obese, inactive, and those with poor eating habits.

How Type 2 Diabetes is Acquired

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to control blood sugar level. Our pancreas releases an enzyme called “insulin” which controls the glucose in our blood. People with Type 1 Diabetes do not produce insulin at all. Hence, they need to take insulin shots to keep blood sugar level in control.

What about people with type 2 Diabetes? Some people developed a resistance to insulin or their pancreas has stopped functioning properly. How so? When there is an excess of glucose in our blood, our pancreas acts quickly by producing more insulin to get rid of unnecessary glucose. However, when we eat foods with too much calories, our pancreas also work doubly hard to release more insulin. This is the reason why overweight or obese people are greatly at risk of developing Diabetes. Nowadays, teen-agers and even children have been found to develop Type 2 Diabetes at an earlier age.

Two Types Diabetes Tests

How would you know if you are a diabetic? There are two ways to acquire diabetes diagnosis – the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both tests are done to calculate the glucose level in the person’s blood.

The FPG test requires a patient is required to go through an overnight fasting before the test is conducted. On the other hand, OGTT is done by taking a first test after fasting and a second test 2 hours after drinking a drink with high-glucose content.

Upon having a proper diabetes diagnosis, positive steps can be done to keep Diabetes under control. According to the Diabetes Prevention Program Study, moderate exercise of at least 30 minutes daily combined and a healthy-weight loss program improves the body’s response to insulin and keeps the glucose at a safe level.

Whether you have been diagnosed to have diabetes or a pre-diabetes condition, it is important to work closely with your physician to prevent your condition from worsening. Early diabetes diagnosis is a crucial step as it greatly increases a patient’s chance of managing diabetes more effectively.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which involves the level of sugar or glucose in the blood. Recent diabetes news by the World Health Organization reveals three types of Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes. Gestational Diabetes can be developed by women during their pregnancy or gestation period and disappear after the child’s delivery.

Type 1 Diabetes is often hereditary where the pancreas is not able to produce insulin. Insulin is needed to keep the blood sugar level in control. Without insulin, there can be an excess or uncontrolled levels of sugar in the blood.

Meanwhile, Type 2 Diabetes is often acquired or developed as a result of unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. If you live an inactive lifestyle, you can be more prone to developing this disease. A person can have normal pancreas which later on may stop working properly. In some cases, a person can develop a resistance in insulin.

These changes in the body may occur as a person ages. However, recent diabetes news reveals that even young people can develop Type 2 Diabetes due to unhealthy eating habits. Clearly, healthy eating habits and lifestyle are the keys to avoid developing diabetes.

Natural Remedies and Diabetes

What are the most common natural remedies for diabetes? Here is a list:

Bitter Gourd. Bitter gourd can be eaten fresh or cooked or drank as juice. It is known to contain components that helps improve the blood’s condition.

Bitter Melon. Bitter melon contains charantins, peptides and alkaloids which are known to have a hypoglemic effect or lowers blood sugar levels.

Alpha-lipoic Acid. This dietary supplement is known to have several good effects in the treatment of diabetes such as reducing insulin resistance and promotes the removal of glucose in the bloodstreams.

Fenugreek. This herbal plant is also known to have hypoglemic effect in diabetics.

Aside from the above examples, there are other fruits and vegetables that can be used as natural remedies to help keep the blood sugar level in control such as garlic, onion, almonds, oranges and apples. Fish that are contain omega oils, flaxseed, and olive oil. However, keep in mind that these are not meant to be substitutes for diabetes medications prescribed by your physician.

A Balanced Diabetic Diet Plan

Fiber-rich vegetables and fruits such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce and urugula are healthy substitutes to processed food products. Meanwhile, whole grain products like brown rice, brown pasta and wheat bread are great substitutes to the white variety. Fish are great source of protein and omega-3. In fact, people with diabetes are encouraged to eat fish at least 3 times a week. Skim milk and non-fat dairy products are also recommended.

People with diabetes must avoid ready-to-drink fruit juices, soda, and the like. Even the so-called “diet” or “sugar-free” drinks available in the market must be avoided since these contain artificial sweeteners which are also not great for the body.

Instead of using ordinary oil for cooking, it is recommended to u e zero trans fat and cholesterol free oil and use it as sparingly as possible.

Most snacks and desserts have extremely high calorie content. Eating desserts once in a while in small servings is fine as long as the diabetic monitors his/her blood sugar level. Remember, moderation is crucial to keeping your diabetic diet plan balanced and healthy.

Check What the Food Labels Say

When shopping for food products, check out what the label says. A diabetic must avoid products that contain high sodium levels, high carbohydrates, saturated fat, trans fat and chemicals. When evaluating the nutritional value check the amount of sodium, fat and carbohydrates per serving size.

As a general rule, a diabetic diet plan must include 10-20% protein, 25-30% calories from fat, and 50-60% carbohydrates in their diet. It is advisable to consult a professional dietitian or nutritionist who can help you a diet plan that will meet your needs.

Plan Your Meals

Plan your meals in advance. It’s a good idea to create a weekly food plan so you can make use of fresh and healthy ingredients. It will also give you the chance to find recipes which are especially are not only nutritious but delicious as well. Most importantly, following a diabetic diet plan will ensure that you can keep your blood sugar level in control.

Is there a cure for diabetes? Medical experts advise that the best way to manage diabetes is to prevent its onset. How? Through a healthy diet and lifestyle.Medical studies are presently being conducted to find a cure for both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are trying to find a cure for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes using different approaches. These approaches include the Transplantation of the Pancreas, Transplantation of Islet cells (cells that produce insulin), development of an artificial Pancreas and Genetic Manipulation.

Each approach mentioned above presents challenges and have yet to be perfected. For instance, with the Transplantation of Islet cells, there is the challenge of keeping the cells alive before and during the transplantation process. Despite the obstacles, researchers have high hopes that a cure will sound be found.

Is Insulin the Cure for Diabetes?

Is insulin the cure for diabetes? People with Type 1 Diabetes are unable to produce insulin on their own so they need to take insulin shots to control their blood sugar level. It’s important to understand that injecting insulin should be done with utmost care.

If a diabetic with very low blood sugar level takes an insulin shot, it may cause adverse reactions in the body. These reactions include confusion, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, coma and death. Injecting insulin that is below the required range can also cause damages to a person’s internal organs (eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, blood vessels).

What about people who have Type 2 diabetes? These patients either have malfunctioning Pancreas that produce too little or too much insulin or have developed a resistance to insulin. For them, their blood sugar levels can be controlled by eating the right kinds of food and leading a healthy lifestyle. Insulin shots are often not necessary.

Studies conducted by the ADA reveals that people with pre-diabetes condition can avoid developing Type 2 diabetes through healthy diet. Meanwhile, those who already have diabetes can avoid complications by leading a healthier lifestyle. Yes, enjoying life even with a chronic disease like diabetes is possible if you know how to correctly manage your health condition.

If tests show that you have a higher glucose level than the normal range, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, then you are in a pre-diabetic stage. This means you are at a higher risk to develop diabetes. When left unchecked, a person in a pre-diabetic condition can easily develop Type 2 Diabetes. A study conducted by the American Diabetes Association reveals that an estimated 54 million people in the US have a pre-diabetes condition.

In a related survey conducted during the 2002 Diabetes Prevention Program, statistics show that people who lead an inactive lifestyle and with poor eating habits are more prone to developing Type 2 Diabetes by more than a 50% rate. Clearly, being aware of your glucose condition will give you the opportunity to avoid the risks.

Testing Glucose Levels for People with Diabetes

There are two types of tests used to determine a person’s glucose level- the Fasting Blood Glucose Level test and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

The Fasting Blood Glucose Level – This test calls for complete fasting or abstinence from food and water from midnight until after the test has been done. If the result is more than 140 mg/dl, then the person has a diabetic condition. The test is usually done two or more times to ensure accuracy.

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – Before the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, the patient must not drink water or any liquid for 10 hours. The fasting should not exceed 16 hours. During testing, a blood sample would be extracted. Afterwards, patient must drink “glucola” or glucose cola, a high-sugar mixture that contains about 75 grams of glucose. After 30 minutes to 3 hours, a new blood sample would be extracted. The results of the two blood samples would then be compared to determine whether or not the patient has diabetes.

People who have been diagnosed with diabetes need to closely watch their diet and lifestyle. Your physician may recommend a specific diet that suits your body condition. A physician may also ask assistance from a nutritionist or dietician to create a meal plan for you. Medication may also be prescribed to keep your blood sugar level under control.

Regular monitoring of the patient’s blood glucose level is crucial. A portable glucose meter is used so that a person can check his/her blood sugar reading at any time. Despite the fact that diabetes is a chronic disease, it is great to know that the condition that is manageable. Through proper diet and healthy lifestyle, complications and risks can be avoided.

But despite the fact that diabetes is a chronic disease, it is a relief to learn that the condition is manageable. According to the American Diabetes Association based on its landmark study conducted during the 2002 Diabetes Prevention Program, people who are in the pre-diabetic stage can lower the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes through proper diet, correct physical activity and self-management education.

On the other hand, people with Type 2 Diabetes can keep their condition under control and avoid the serious complications by changing their eating habits and lifestyle. Indeed, our eating habits play a big role in maintaining good health.

The Diabetes Food Guide

What kind of diet is recommended for people with diabetes? Obviously, diabetics must carefully keep their blood sugar levels in check. To maintain a normal blood sugar range, calorie-intake must be carefully monitored.

Generally, foods that contain fat, carbohydrates and high sugar must be avoided. Because each of us have different caloric needs, people with diabetes are strongly advised to ask help from a professional dietician or nutritionist to follow a suitable diet plan.

Eating vegetables is definitely a must for everyone especially for people with diabetes. According to Dr. James Anderson of the Human Nutrition Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture, a diabetic’s diet should primarily include foods that are high in fiber and has the capability to lower bad cholesterol in our body.

Examples of vegetables that are recommended for diabetics are lettuce, tomato, soya bean, onion, garlic, bitter melon, Brussel’s sprout, etc. These foods are known to be rich in fiber, low in cholesterol, low in sugar, and highly nutritious. Aside from vegetables, fruits are also great sources of vitamins and antioxidants that our body needs.

A healthy lifestyle would mean being free from vices like smoking and drinking, and following a regular exercise regimen. Last but not least, self-discipline and positivity are important attributes not only for people with diabetes, but for everyone as well.

Educate Yourself
Living with diabetes, you need to feel personal responsibility in managing your health condition. You need to cooperate with your physician and educate yourself about your disease. Remember, your physician, friends, and family can only give you the support you need. Ultimately, it is up to you to take control of you life.

Awareness and accurate information is very important. When visiting your physician, do not hesitate to ask questions about your condition. Take the initiative to do more research. Read health books about diabetes and use the internet to expand your knowledge.

According to the American Diabetes Association, self-management and education are two crucial factors in preventing serious complications brought about by diabetes. Understanding your condition will eliminate any unfounded fears and doubts that you may have. Correct information will help you manage your disease more effectively.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
Monitoring your blood sugar level is crucial in keeping diabetes in control. Make sure that you know how to measure your blood sugar level accurately. Even when you have a family member or a friend monitoring your blood sugar for you, you should also personally know how it is done.

Take Care of Your Health
Diabetics tend to be prone to infections and diseases such as high blood pressure, heart complications, kidney failure, blindness, etc. Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics should pay close attention to their diet and lifestyle. Proper diet, moderate exercise and positive attitude are essentials to managing diabetes.

Daily Self-examination
Daily physical self-examination is another important step that must never be overlooked. Why is this important? It is important to make sure that the infections are treated immediately.

Some diabetics who have lost feeling on their lower limbs may not be aware that they have a wound or a bruise or a skin disease on their feet or legs. Remember, untreated wounds on the feet or legs may eventually lead to amputation. That is why, it is strongly recommended for people with diabetes to take care for their bodies and not to neglect their feet. By examining your body on a regular basis, proper treatment can be administered right away.

According to the World Health Organization, there are three types of Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes. Pregnant women may develop Gestational Diabetes and can cease after childbirth. On the other hand, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are lifetime conditions.

People who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes do not produce insulin so they need continuous shots to balance their bodies’ insulin levels. What about people with Type 2 Diabetes? These people have failing pancreas which may produce too little or too much insulin or develop a resistance to insulin. Type 2 Diabetes can be acquired as a result of a person’s eating habits and lifestyle.

Symptoms of Diabetes
What are the signs of diabetes in adults? People with diabetes may show feel constantly thirsty and urinate frequently. Other common symptoms include sudden loss of weight, constant hunger, numbness of the limbs, weakness, slow healing of wounds, recurrent yeast infection (in women), fatigue and irritability.

Diabetes can bring about damages to other tissues or organs. This is why diabetics are more prone to other illnesses such as high blood pressure, poor vision, pancreatitis, skin diseases, etc. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is crucial to pay attention to your diet and lifestyle to avoid developing more complications.

Some Diabetes symptoms may be similar to other diseases. For this reason, people are advised to seek professional advice immediately if they notice any kind of symptoms mentioned above. Early detection of diabetes can be a great help to avoid developing related illnesses. The sooner a person with diabetes receives proper diagnosis, the better his/her chances of managing diabetes more easily.

The good news is that people with Diabetes respond well to treatment. IF you discover that you are diabetic, know that your situation is not a hopeless situation. Understanding what Diabetes is, its causes and treatment will enable you to manage your condition more effectively.

Keep in mind that as a diabetic, you are more prone to infections and complications. Therefore, work closely with your physician particularly with regards to choosing your diet plan and finding an exercise routine that suits your health condition.