It is not news that obese women encounter a lot of problems in getting pregnant. Many women choose the path to infertility treatments to get pregnant. When they have children, it is more likely that their child would also be obese.
The news that researchers have found a solution to this problem may be appealing to those suffering. Research done on mice resulted in the finding the cause for these problems.
Today obesity has become one of the major problems in the United States with around 34.9% adults who are obese. It is not just a disorder but a life threatening one. Obesity can also lead your cells to dysfunction. Obesity has been directly linked to having higher levels of cholesterol and fats which do not let your cells function properly. Due to the dysfunction, the ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum) cannot function properly and produce proteins. This is called ER stress; and it can cause a cell to explode.
In order to see if this disorder also occurs in the egg, some researchers conducted a study on mice. Two groups of mice were selected to perform the research on: one group had Blobby mice, which were obese, and the other group had lean mice. The research was done by Rebbeca Robker and her colleagues at the University of Adelaide in Australia. The Blobby mice go through mutation causing overeating and becoming obese.
They monitored the mitochondria activity in the mice egg cells and ER stress. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy. After the research, it was noted that there was a high level of ER stress in the Blobby mice as compared to the lean mice. There was also reduction in mitochondrial activity in the egg cells of the Blobby mice.
The researchers said that when they found out that the mitochondrion cells were damaged, they knew that it would affect the eggs as well. They further added that since the mother’s mitochondria plays an important role in the development of every cell in the child, therefore any damage caused to the mitochondria in the cell may result in damaged mitochondria in the child. Manuais do usuário.
David Albertini, from the University of Kansas Medical Centre, is a scientist in reproduction. He says that this research is an important one because this study provides a new outlook towards the problem of obesity through researching the effects of obesity on the quality of eggs. The diabetes drug which is in the process could be a savior for many.
The replication of the mitochondria was affected as it could not replicate inside the embryos. Due to this the offspring mice of the Bobby mice were born heavier as compared to those of the lean mice. The offspring also had less mitochondrion in their kidneys, hearts and livers.
Robker says that the new found information is significant because it provided a new prospect as to how obesity in the mother can get transferred to the child. She further adds that this could become a way to reduce obesity amongst people because people will now be aware.
If you have diabetes type 2, then there is some good news for you. Research done on over 100,000 diabetics, and data collected from 40 trials suggests that lower blood pressure can reduce the risks occurring from type 2 diabetes.
Till now we knew that lower blood pressure reduced the chances of cardiovascular diseases, but it wasn’t clear if patients will already lower BP also showed the same results.
Patients of diabetes are more prone to hypertension as compared to healthy people. Recently, guidelines about Blood Pressure levels were released stating that 140mmHg was the more suitable and safe target for diabetics, but this study reveals otherwise. It suggests that the maximum target should be 130mmHg or lower because during the study patients having blood pressure lower than that had lower risk of suffering from diabetes related complications.
The study posted in JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association), analyzed the study and found that lowering of BP by only 10mmHg resulted in reduction of 13% risk of dying.
The research was done, along with colleagues, by Kazem Rahimi from Oxford. An extensive research was done for 12 months on over 100,000 diabetic patients; 40 trials were conducted at The George Institute for Global Health. He found that reduction in only 10 points in BP was directly linked to reduction of eye diseases by 13% and diseases in the kidney by a good 17%.
Though the medication worked wonders for the patients with high BP, the impact of the same medication was comparatively very low in people with a low BP baseline (lower than 140mmHg). The medication may not have had a huge impact, but the reduced chances of heart, kidney and eye diseases were significant.
The conclusion drawn from this study was that patients of diabetes, with more than 140mmHg BP would get the most benefit from lowering their blood pressure. As for the patients with low BP to start with (lower than 140mmHg), the effect of the medication needs to be closely monitored to know the benefits of it.
This research provides enough evidence to put emphasis on the control of BP in type 2 diabetic patients. This study provides important information because it lets people know that the risks of mortality and other diseases can be lowered by significantly lowering and keeping a control over your BP.
The co-author of this study, believes that the new guidelines for the target of BP should be changed as it could be dangerous for the diabetics. He adds, that even though you have only a moderately high BP, and take the medication to lower your BP, you will be at an advantage.
There is yet a drawback of this study. Though it has been able to clearly state that blood pressure control in diabetics is important, it has not been able to show if patients need to control their BP moderately or follow a strict routine.
Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology published a new research study which analyzes data from 26 studies on diabetes starting from 1965. This research study discovered that deaths of female patients with type 1 diabetes were 37% more than deaths among the male.
Though this result came from an extensively done research, there are certain drawbacks. As the research was done on studies from the past 60 years, there is a possibility of not considering the confounding variables in the same order as we do today. However, arguments amongst researchers have concluded that confounding factors will be the same amongst both the genders. The outcome of the study is still important.
The meta-analysis done on several studies starting from 1965 to 2010, comprised of over 200,000 patients, amongst which 15000 deaths occurred. The participants of the studies ranged from age-groups 15 to 30, and were from various parts of the world.
Even though the studies were carried out in various parts of the world, like U.S, Japan and Estonia, the results concluded the same thing: deaths among women patients were more than that among men.
This means that women have more risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease than men, but not that women die more due to acquiring diabetes, according to scientists. These studies are a way of finding the likelihood of women dying due to heart diseases. The studies provide an estimate of the risk factor in women suffering from type 1 diabetes.
Today, with the advancement of technology, medicines and research, it may be likely to say that the number of deaths are much lower than what they were before. People are becoming more aware and taking steps to prevention, but this does not mean that diabetes should be considered to be only a chronic disease when it has the potential to be life threatening.
Director, translational research, of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Helen Nickerson says the research has given a new outlook. The result tells us that even though we knew that diabetes type 1 caused loss of cardio-renal protection, the increase in the chances of death because of heart diseases (due to diabetes) was not realized.
She adds that even though the paper does not clearly state how the risk actors like, high cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar level, affected the deaths, the paper has been able to emphasize on the importance of controllable risk factors which could prevent death amongst women with type 1 diabetes.
What is the cause behind more deaths in women, due to cardiovascular diseases, than men? It may be because of the decline in glycaemic control among women than in men. In women diagnosed with diabetes type 1, this could occur during puberty, due to the dysfunction in insulin production.
Researchers believe that due to eating disorders women provide less amount of insulin to their bodies as compared to men. Bulimia is one of the common eating disorders in women.
However, others still believe that high risk of cardiovascular diseases in women could also result from that fact that they are women, because they suffer from more hormonal imbalance than men.
Recently a study on diabetes was posted on Diabetes, the journal. It was shown that John March along with his colleagues were capable in finding a cure for diabetes levels in rats.
An organ called pancreas in our bodies, releases insulin to keep the blood sugar levels in check. When either the pancreas is not able to secrete insulin or the insulin is ineffective towards the control of blood sugar, that condition is called diabetes.
This results in higher blood sugar levels than normal and called hyperglycemia. Due to this other organs of the body are impaired which can cause stroke, nerve damage and/or heart diseases.
The researchers, from Cornell, put forward the idea that bacteria found in the human gut was able to reduce blood glucose in diabetic rats. According to the report of National Diabetes Statistics of 2014, 9.3% of the American population has diabetes. From the outcome of this new study, the researchers believe that they could be closer to achieving the cure for this chronic disease.
The harmless bacteria, Lactobacillus, could release GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide 1) due to the engineering done by the researchers. Lactobacillus, a probiotic, is commonly used to treat skin disorders, diarrhea and/or Crohn’s disease. This hormone, GLP-1, would release insulin during the intake of food. When injected in mice, the blood sugar level reduced by almost 30%!
The research was conducted for 3 months, straight. The engineered probiotic was inserted in one batch of mice, who were diabetic. Throughout the 90 days, these rats were closely monitored along with the other group of diabetic rats which were not receiving the probiotic.
After the duration, it was found that the blood sugar level in the rats which received the probiotic has 30% lower blood sugar levels than those who did not.
The researchers believe that the probiotic had caused the epithelial cells of the intestine to behave like pancreatic cells which releases insulin regulating blood sugar levels in humans.
When the diabetic rats (with probiotics) were compared with normal rats, which didn’t have diabetes, it was noticed that the total time taken for blood sugar levels to lower after a meal was similar in both the groups. March added that the duty to control blood sugar levels in the diabetic rats was being moved from pancreatic cells to intestinal cells due to the injection of the probiotic.
March and his colleagues are not preparing to try another research including more doses of the engineered probiotic to see the effects. They are expecting positive results.
March said that the probiotic was also given to the normal rats but no change was noticed. It is because if the glucose levels are already in control, then the rats do not require more insulin.
The researchers have already contacted a company to produce the probiotic for humans. The biopharmaceutical company, BioPancreate, and the researchers believe that if successful, this could be the ultimate cure for the disease.
According to a recent research study on Type 1 diabetic patients states that the earlier they start controlling the level of glucose the longer they live. Written in the newspaper, Journal, of American Medical Association, was the finding of the research that those who control their blood sugar level at an early age live longer than those who don’t. This research was funded by National Institute of Health.
Dr. Catherine Cowie, member of National Institute of Health (NIH) funded the study done by Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and Epidemiology of Diabetes Control and Complications (EDIC). She said the approach of people with type 1 diabetes towards their disease is much better than before. The findings has helped people by ensuring that people who take care of the blood sugar level at the early stages of diagnosis, do have a change of surviving longer.
Type 1 diabetes is found in children and young adults. Pancreas in our bodies make insulin to keep a check on the blood sugar level, but bodies of people suffering from diabetes do not produce enough insulin to keep level of blood sugar to normal.
A study done in 1983 on 1441 people suffering from type 1 diabetes, showed that the group which was taking intensive care had less eye, kidney or any sort of nerve disease as compared to the group without any intensive care. After over 20 years of study a total of 107 people died, amongst which 64 deaths were from the group that received standard treatment and 43 were from the intensive treatment group. Though diabetes was not the cause of all deaths, around 33% deaths were due to diabetes. Other causes include cancer, extremely low or high blood sugar level, cardiovascular diseases, or accidents. It was also noted in the standard group more death were caused due to kidney diseases caused by diabetes, as compared to the intensive treatment group. It was also found that a high percentage of protein in their urine and higher sugar levels were also major factor causing death.
The lead author of the study, Trevor Orchard claims that many studies done on type 1 diabetic patients have concluded that increased protein levels in urine do have a correlation to death. Being the professor at the University of Pittsberg, he said that higher level or protein is a cause for reduced lifespan. He emphasizes on the fact that the results show important information that taking control of glucose level at an early age can increase the lifespan of diabetic patients.
After the conduction of this study in 1993, by DCCT, it has been stated that controlling blood sugar levels at the early stages of type 1 diabetes can in fact solve many other side effects of the disease while also giving the patient a longer lifespan.
Owing to this study, Director of NIDDK, Griffin P. Rogers said that millions of type 1 diabetic patients have now become more aware and can take steps to ensure a longer lifespan for themselves by either preventing or delaying it. Take intensive care will also reduce the impact of diabetes on their eyes, nerves and/or kidney.
Diabetes is a very common disorder which is widespread all over the world. This metabolic disease is characterized by the presence of large amounts of glucose or sugar in the blood stream.
Diabetes occurs in an individual due to the malfunctioning of the hormone insulin in the body, which affects the way in which sugar is absorbed by the body cells. Lower amounts of insulin in the circulatory system correspond to a higher level of blood sugar.
What are the causes of diabetes? To understand diabetes, its underlying conditions as well as the role of glucose and the hormone insulin should be considered. It is important to learn what the causes of this disorder are in order to successfully avoid it.
Diabetes affects many people all over the world especially those who are overweight people and those who have diabetes in their family. If you are concerned about diabetes, it is essential to learn about and recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Diabetes can manifest in different forms and different types of the disease require different treatment methods. Treatment of the disease can be successfully done once the disease has been properly diagnosed. Find out more about the different treatment options available for diabetes.
Type I Diabetes is a form of the disease which is observed more commonly in children and younger adults. This section deals with the causes, the signs and symptoms, the complications and also the treatment options available for Type I Diabetes.
Type II Diabetes is more commonly found in the elderly people. It is much more widespread than Type I Diabetes. Find out more about the causes, symptoms and the treatment options available today for Type II Diabetes in this section.
Pregnant women can suffer from a reversible type of diabetes known as Gestational Diabetes. This section deals with the causes of gestational diabetes, the effects on a pregnant woman and the child and also the treatment options for the disorder.
Diabetics are urged to follow a strict diabetic diet. This section deals with all the foods that are considered to be unhealthy for a diabetic and offers alternatives to these. A diet is one of the most important segments in the treatment plan of the disorder and must be adhered to as best as possible.
There are various medications available today that can keep blood sugar levels low and can help control the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Find out more about the different types of medication and their effects on the body in this section.
Diabetics need to manage the condition throughout their lives as it is a chronic disease. This section contains helpful lifestyle tips and remedies which can help patients better manage the condition. Effective management can greatly improve the quality of life of a diabetic.
Diabetes can affect men in ways different than that to women. This section deals with diabetes in men, its causes, symptoms and also the effects that the disorder can have on a man’s body and also on the quality of life.
Women are as prone to diabetes as men added to the fact that gestational diabetes is exclusive only to women. This section will help you find out more about how the different types of diabetes can affect a woman.
Not only humans, but even pets such as cats and dogs can be affected by diabetes. The epidemic of domestic pets being diagnosed with diabetes is on the rise. Learn more about the symptoms and how to manage and treat the disorder in dogs.
Prediabetes is a special condition which is precursor to diabetes. If not remedied, prediabetes will most definitely lead to diabetes in the future. This section includes the causes, the signs and symptoms of prediabetes and the treatment options available.
Alcohol can prove to affect a diabetic’s calorie count and may also affect the blood sugar levels. Learn more about what effects alcohol have on a diabetic’s body and also what the appropriate drinking habits for a diabetic should be.Manuali utente.
Anybody can be affected by diabetes be they rich or poor, male or female. This section takes a look at some of the best known celebrities from across the world who have struggled with diabetes and also its associated complications.
Congenital diabetes, also knows as Neonatal Diabetes, is a rare condition which affects new born children below 1 year. If undiagnosed, the disease may prove to fatal for the infant. This section includes the causes, the signs and symptoms of Congenital Diabetes and the treatment options available.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease which is prevalent all over the world and is increasing rapidly [1]. Diabetes is caused due increased levels of blood glucose which in turn can be caused due to a number of factors. Diabetes is of two major types – Type I Diabetes mellitus where the body cells are unable to produce that amount of insulin required to our body and Type II Diabetes in which the body cells are resistant to insulin. Type II diabetes is also popularly known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. There is a third type of diabetes also – Gestational diabetes – which is exclusively found in pregnant women who never had a history of diabetes before, however this is a much rarer form of diabetes in humans.
Diabetes and Hollywood
Diabetes is a disease which can affect anyone in the world whether it is poor or rich, a common sedentary man or highly professional athlete, a young or old, anyone [3][4]. There are many celebrities who have risk of developing diabetes infect some have, but they all fight with bravery to this slow poisoning disease and has changed their lifestyles and diet to live their life actively and blissfully. The risk factors for the celebrities may vary due to difference in their race, ethnicity, weight or family history [2]. Here we are listing some of the celebrities which are struck with diabetes or diabetes mellitus.
Celebrities suffering from Type I diabetes
JAY CUTLER
He is an American football player. He was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when he was 25 years old. He started losing his weight when he started developing this disease but he faced this disease with bravery and now he uses insulin pump to monitor his blood sugar.
BRET MICHAELS
He is a singer for the famous band Poison. He was diagnosed with this type of diabetes when he was 6 years old. But now despite of all the complication, he gives his best performance in his work.
MISSY FOY
She is the well-known and influential marathon runner who was diagnosed with Diabetes Type I when she was 33 years old. She has set example for all the patient suffering from diabetes by becoming the first athlete with diabetes to qualify for Olympic Marathon trial.
MARY TYLER MOORE
She is a famous actress who is now in her 70s. Mary was diagnosed with the disorder when she was 33 years old. She is the chairperson of the international Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
JEAN SMART
This actress was only 13 when she was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. She is a dedicated activist, mentor and also fundraiser for the disease. She has starred in a number of movies, television shows and theatrical plays.
DORIAN GREGORY
The host of the show Soul Train, Dorian was diagnosed with having Type I Diabetes at the early age of 9. Diabetes has been a part of Dorian’s family and he has also issued a lot of public statements on how to effectively manage living with the disorder.
NICK JONAS
This teen idol was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at a young age. In a public comment made to FOX, part of the Jonas brothers, Nick hopes to inspire other people to be able to fight the disease and manage living with the condition.
ANNE RICE
In 1998, author Anne Rice was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. She had also slipped into a diabetic coma prior to her diagnosis.
DAMON DASH
The former CEO of Roc A Fella Records has tried to guard the fact that he is a Type I Diabetic Sufferer as he felt that he is good to manage living with the condition on his own.
SONIA SOTOMAYOR
This judge was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of 8. She has maintained an active and a well-maintained lifestyle ever since in order to combat living with the disorder.
CASEY JOHNSON
The heiress to the Johnson & Johnson fortune was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and she unfortunately passed away as she could not effectively manage living with the disorder. She had twice failed to take her insulin dosages and had been hospitalized earlier as well.
GARY HALL, Jr.
This Olympic swimmer had proven everybody wrong by competing in an Olympic level event after being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes.
Celebrity Stories on Life with Diabetes!
Celebrities suffering from Type II diabetes
LARY KING
He is an American TV host. He is suffering from type 2 diabetes. Due to this disease he has developed many complications like heart disease and many other serious body organs problems. But diabetes was not only risk factor to all these problems, alcohol and smoking had also contributed. But after being operated for bypass surgery for heart, he helped his heart by taking care of diabetes.
RANDY JACKSON
He is an African-American and was obese. As both of these factors contribute to high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, this American Idol judge struggled hard to lose his weight and control his glucose level in the body. He weighed in excess of 300 pounds and had an abnormally high blood sugar level. After diagnosis of Type II Diabetes, a gastric bypass surgery was performed on Randy, which enabled him to shed off 100 pounds.
PAULA DEEN
She is famous chef, well known for her buttery and sugary recipes. When she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she faced the problem with full spirit and wants the public to know that disease can be controlled and is not a death sentence.
TOM HANKS
This infamous actor was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and unnecessary weight gain at the age of 36. Since then Tom has been dedicated to battling the disease and managing life with the disorder.
PAUL SORVINO
This famous actor to be featured in Goodfellas and in Law and Order was diagnosed with having Type II Diabetes in 2006. Paul has the disease under control thanks to following a healthy diet, exercise and medications.
MIKE HUCKABEE
Mike was a host at FOX News and also a former presidential hopeful candidate. He had been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2003 and has since reduced his calorie intake and has maintained a healthy diet and lifestyle. Today, Mike claims that he has reversed his conditions successfully.
DELTA BURKE
This star to be featured in Designing Women was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 1997 when she was 41 years old. Delta has been resorting to a diabetic diet and medications in order to keep her blood sugar levels under control.
DICK CLARK
This legend in broadcasting stated that he had been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes at the age of 64. He had also suffered from a stroke post his diagnosis. Dick passed away at the age of 82 after a heart attack.
BILLIE JEAN KING
Tennis champion Billie Jean King is a perfect example of how diabetes can affect anybody. She was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes at the age of 63. Billie has a family history of diabetes and she manages to keep her condition in check by following a healthy diet, medications and also with lots of physical activity. Billie makes sure to monitor her blood sugar levels at least one or twice in a day.
PATTI LABELLE
This Grammy award winner passed out on stage due to Type II Diabetes in 1994. There were cases of severe diabetes in her family and Patti got in shape and maintained a healthy diet ever since. She has also launched three different books for cooking which include recipes for diabetic individuals.
HALLE BERRY
This actress caused quite a lot of controversy when she claimed that she was a Type II sufferer after having been long recognized as a Type I Diabetes sufferer. This misdiagnosis had occurred when the famous actress was only 22.
SHERRI SHEPHERD
The cohost of The View, Sherri was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2007. She has since slimmed down and effectively managed to battle the disease by working closely with a personal trainer and a nutritionist.
DREW CAREY
This comedian and sitcom star revealed that he was suffering from Type II Diabetes in 2010. Since then, Drew has dropped over 80 pounds and has been following a strictly healthy lifestyle in order to battle the conditions of diabetes.
DAVID WELLS
Popularly referred to as ‘Boomer’, this baseball player struggled with weight issues throughout his career. He was diagnosed with having Type II Diabetes in 2007 and has since been on a strict diet regime in order to manage living with the condition.
Celebrities suffering from Gestational diabetes
SALMA HAYEK
The actress suffered from gestational diabetes, the diabetes develops in pregnant woman. She also has family history of diabetes. This type of diabetes usually gets corrected as pregnancy goes away but it increases the chances of developing diabetes type 2 in future [5].
Diabetes can affect any individual, whether they are rich or poor, or whether they are famous or not. There have been many celebrities who have suffered from this disease and this fact shows that the condition could happen to just about anyone.
References
[1] Diabetes TV News Coverage Lags Behind, Stephania T. Miller, PHD1, Marquita N. Campbell and James W. Pichert,; vol. 25 no. 3 607 – March 2002 – 10.2337/diacare.25.3.607, http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/3/607.short
[2] Effective spokespersons in a public service announcement: National celebrities, local celebrities and victims, Mark Toncar, Jane S. Reid,; 11 Iss: 3, pp.258 – 275 – August, 2007 – DOI: 10.1108/13632540710780247, http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/13632540710780247
[4] The effects of DTCA on patient compliance: Exploring the impact of endorser selection and message tonality on patients with diabetes, Kai N. Bergner, Tomas Falk , 7 Iss: 4, pp.391 – 409 – May 2013 – DOI: 10.1108/IJPHM-05-2013-0031, http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/IJPHM-05-2013-0031
[5] Promoting Healthful Eating Patterns Among Patients With Diabetes – Carrie S. Swift, MS, RD, BC-ADM, CDE,; vol. 25 no. 2 67-68 – May 2012 – DOI: 10.2337/diaspect.25.2.67, http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/2/67.short
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs due to defective insulin production or due to decreased responsiveness to insulin leading to raised blood glucose levels [1]. It is a common disease with increased prevalence throughout the world due to various factors. Diabetes if not controlled adequately and timely may also result in fatality. Various studies have shown that there is a close link between alcohol consumption and diabetes. It was found that alcohol consumption on occasional basis and in lesser quantities benefits by increasing the insulin sensitivity n the body and lowers the risk of diabetes. But at the same time, in moderate to heavy drinkers, there is a higher risk of development of diabetes.
Alcohol consumption should always be carefully considered if a person is suspected to be at a risk of developing diabetes. Not only alcohol, but also the drink which is used to mix the alcohol can prove to upset the delicate calorie count in a diabetic individual’s diet. Alcohols and mixers can prove to have a lot of calories.
Some of the different ways in which consumption of alcohol may adversely affect diabetics include the following [2]:
Excess amounts of alcohol can cause the sugar level in the blood stream to fall to extremely low levels.
Sweet wine and beer can have a large amount of carbohydrates and may increase the sugar levels in the blood stream.
Alcohol can also prove to stimulate the appetite causing individuals to overeat. Alcohol can also prove to affect the abilities of judgment of individuals and lead them to make poor choices in food. Consumption of excess alcohol can be tempting, but it can lead to very poor choices of both food and other decisions.
Consumption of alcohol may tend to increase the blood pressure levels in individuals.
Excess alcohol consumption is linked to an excess of triglycerides in the body.
Alcohol may also prove to cause nausea and an increased heart rate, both of which are also complications associated with diabetes.
Drinking excess of alcohol can also increase the risk of hypoglycemia even after sleeping and waking up the next day.
In case diabetes has already caused some type of damage to the blood vessels or the nerves, consumption of alcohol can prove to increase the discomfort.
On drinking an alcoholic beverage, it is found that the alcohol penetrates into your blood stream without undergoing any breakdown in the stomach. This results in an increased level of alcohol content in the bloodstream within just 5-10 minutes of consumption. Since the metabolism of alcohol takes place in the liver, for an average weighing individual it takes almost two hours for metabolizing a single drink. If excess alcohol is consumed, then the excess alcohol travels through your bloodstream and enter other vital organs of your body, including the brain as the body is not able to metabolize alcohol at the rate same as your consumption rate. This is the primary reason why buzzing is felt after the consumption of alcohol.
For diabetic patients, especially those who are on insulin or other oral hypoglycemic drugs, heavy alcohol consumption poses higher risks as it interferes with the normal liver functioning. The liver instead of regulating the blood sugar level is diverted to eliminate alcohol from the blood stream, leading to much lower blood sugar levels that may also cause hypoglycemic shock.
Type I Diabetes sufferers are usually young adults and as such, they need to maintain caution if they are looking to consume alcohol. Some of the tips for consumption of alcohol include:
Always keep a glass half full. If a second drink is offered, the half empty glass can help in making a polite refusal.
Always make sure to have no more than two drinks a day. It is also important to have the drinks slowly and along with food. Food must also be taken before going to bed.
In case a diabetic sufferer feels extremely drowsy and sleepy after moderate amounts of alcohol, then immediate medical attention will need to be provided.
Insulin will always need to be administered no matter if the diabetic is consuming alcohol or not.
It is best to let everybody know of the diabetes disorder when drinking in a group.
Some of the facts regarding the consumption of alcohol and diabetes include the following [3]:
Alcohol prevents the liver from doing it regular functions and instead makes it focus on eliminating the alcohol from the blood stream.
Alcohol consumption on an empty stomach can prove to reduce the blood sugar levels at an alarmingly quick rate.
Blood sugar levels should always be monitored before, during and after the consumption of alcohol. The threat of hypoglycemia still lingers even after 24 hours from the consumption of alcohol and as such, the blood sugar levels always need to be monitored and made sure to be in check.
Excess alcohol can easily cause hypoglycemia which has similar signs and symptoms as drinking too much. As such, care must be taken in order to distinguish between these two.
Drinking slowly and along with food greatly reduces the chances of hypoglycemia and should always be followed.
The recommended limits of drinking should always be observed in order to prevent any unnecessary complications.
It is always recommended that diabetic individuals should carry around instant glucose medications while consuming alcohol to prevent the chances of episodes of hypoglycemia occurring.
It is really difficult for alcohol addicts to quit drinking. Thus there are a few basic tips for diabetic patients who are into alcohol consumption
Heavy drinking should always be avoided. As per the American Diabetes Association, it is suggested that men should not have more than 2 drinks per day, while women should not have more than one, for both diabetics as well as non-diabetics.
Preparedness for emergencies must always be observed. Diabetics should always carry sugar tablets or some source of sugar along with them to avoid chances of a sudden hypoglycemic shock.
Consultation from physician for advice should always be taken. It is always better to reveal drinking habits to a physician and know the effects of alcohol on the health rather than try and manage two problems together.
Alcohol consumption should never be combined with exercise. Exercise and alcohol consumption when done in conjunction, increases the risk of low blood sugar conditions.
Regular monitoring of blood sugar before and after consuming alcohol should be observed. Monitoring of blood sugar should also be observed before going to bed.
Alcohol consumption when on an empty stomach should always be avoided. The presence of food in stomach lowers the rate of absorption of alcohol into bloodstream.
Diabetics should always carry an identity proof with the conditions of diabetes mentioned over it in order to get immediate management in case of a hypoglycemic shock. The symptoms of low blood sugar and excess consumption of alcohol are quite similar and include disorientation, nausea and sleepiness. There is a high chance of diabetic indivuals not getting appropriate attention for they are mistaken to be on excess alcohol.
Alcohol, if consumed, should be consumed slowly and should not be mixed with other drinks. Alcohol may be mixed with water, soda or sugar free diet drinks.
Diabetics who have consumed alcohol should never drive a vehicle as there may be sudden complications that can cause injuries.
It is absolutely essential for diabetics to know what drink they are having and also to eat well and know the recommended drinking limits.
Diabetics must ensure that they understand the symptoms of hypoglycemia and that they also relay this information out to close friends and loved ones. Cases of hypoglycemia can occur very suddenly. As such, diabetics and the people around them should know all about the symptoms and how they can be triggered by drinking alcohol.
Diabetics who consume alcohol should always keep a watch on both their waistline as well as the heart. Diabetics can have a number of illnesses related to the cardiovascular system and also other body organs. Consumption of alcohol can trigger complications, elevating the risk of diseases being encountered.
An alcoholic beverage may take above two hours to be completely digested and metabolized by the liver [4]. As such, it is essential that diabetics consume their drinks as slowly as possible. Excess of alcohol puts a lot of unnecessary stress on the liver and also, the complications of drinking at a quick speed may manifest after a few hours and may elevate at alarmingly quick rates. It is essential to always have food along with alcohol in order to counter the excess stress put on the liver and also to slow down the rate of absorption of alcohol into the blood stream.
Alcohol and Diabetes: Do They Mix?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends alcoholics to ask themselves 3 basic questions:
Is your diabetes is under control?
Know from your physician if you have any health problems like diabetes or hypertension that alcohol may worsen?
Do you know the ill effects of alcohol on your health especially on diabetes?
Some of the tips in choosing alcoholic beverages for consumption include the following:
Alcohol intake should be limited in case of Type II Diabetes sufferers as they are generally obese and are looking to reduce weight. Alcohol can provide a lot of empty calories to the body and this can result in weight gain.
Diet juices, soda, water and sugar free alcohol mixers should be chosen.
Dry wines should be preferred instead of sweet wines, sparkling wines and dessert wines.
Light beer should be preferred over regular beer.
It is important that diabetic individuals maintain as much care as possible while consuming alcohol. Dangerous activities such as dealing with heavy machinery, driving a vehicle, activities which require coordination or concentration and also activities which require alertness should always be avoided. Alcohol consumption should never be combined with hot baths, saunas or steam baths as the heat in conjunction with the alcohol can cause the blood pressure levels to drop at an alarming rate.
A diabetic does not need to completely give up on alcohol, but however, individuals will need to take care of their drinking habits. There are also some substitutes for alcohol available which can greatly help addicts who also have diabetes symptoms. Drinking in moderate limits and within the recommended levels does not prove to cause complications in diabetes. However, care should always be taken by diabetic individuals as there may be sudden and serious complications at any point in time. It is essential to always consult a dietician or a professional healthcare provider before deciding on whether alcohol consumption is off limits for diabetics or not. Alcohol can prove to weaken the resolve of individuals battling diabetes. Alcohol can greatly affect the judgmental abilities of individuals and it may tempt them into making poorer food choices as well as lifestyle choices. While diabetics need not give up on enjoying the consumption of alcohol, they must proceed with extreme caution when doing so. Alcohol by itself can prove to cause a lot of trouble and impairment to individuals and when combined with other disorders such as diabetes, conditions could even worsen to the state of serious and life threatening ones.
In case diabetics decide on giving up alcohol for good, it is the best possible scenario [5]. However, giving up on alcohol, something which is so prevalent in society is not an easy task. Diabetics will need to decide for themselves whether the cost and the efforts they put into the consumption of alcohol is worth it or not. Furthermore, the expenses and the trouble that can be caused by alcohol related complications can be greatly detrimental to all aspects of a diabetic’s life. Diabetics will require a support group as well as advice from medical professionals before proceeding on with alcohol consumption.
References
[1] Moderate Alcohol Consumption Lowers the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes – A meta-analysis of prospective observational studies, Lando L.J. Koppes, Jacqueline M. Dekker,; vol. 28 no. 3 719-725 – March 2005 – DOI: 10.2337/diacare.28.3.719, http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/28/3/719.short
[2] Prospective study of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and the risk of diabetes in men, Eric B Rimm,June Chan,; BMJ1995;310:555 – 04 March 1995 – DOI: 1136/bmj.310.6979.555, http://www.bmj.com/content/310/6979/555.short
[3] Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review, Andrea A. Howard, MD, MS; Julia H. Arnsten, MD, MPH; and Marc N. Gourevitch, MD, MPH.; 140(3):211-219 – 3February 2004 – DOI: 7326/0003-4819-140-6-200403160-00011, http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=717163
[4] Smoking and diabetes in Chinese men, G T C Ko, J C N Chan, L W W Tsang, J A J H Critchley, C S Cockram,; 77:240-243 – 14 August 2000 – DOI: 10.1136/pmj.77.906.240, http://pmj.bmj.com/content/77/906/240.short
[5] Alcohol as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes – A systematic review and meta-analysis, Dolly O. Baliunas, Benjamin J. Taylor, Hyacinth Irving, Michael Roerecke,; vol. 32 no. 11 2123-2132 – November 2009 – DOI: 10.2337/dc09-0227, http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/11/2123.short
Has your pet dog been diagnosed with diabetes? There is a growing epidemic of diabetes among pets and pet owners should be able to identify and manage the disorder as early as possible in order to save their pets [1].
The diabetic epidemic in pets is spreading at an alarming rate. It is estimated that out of every 160 dogs, 1 suffers from diabetes. Most of the conditions of diabetes that are diagnosed in dogs are Type I Diabetes as found in humans, wherein the auto immune system of the body ends up attacking the beta cells of the pancreas. This leads to no insulin being produced by the body. There is no evidence of Type II Diabetes occurring in dogs although there have been some reported cases of the disorder in cats.
The pathology of diabetes in dogs is similar to humans. Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes is the condition in which dog’s body is not able to make or process insulin. Due to this, there is increase in the blood sugar levels, thus leading to this metabolic disorder called sugar diabetes or diabetes. While diabetes mellitus cases in dogs can range from mild to severe, this disorder in dogs is usually manageable, but if it is not treated at the right time, it can lead to several complications such as malnutrition, weakness in the legs, cataract and many other disorders and can prove to greatly interfere with the quality of life of the diseased animal. Cataract is one of the most common disorders and symptoms associated with diabetes in dogs. Diabetes is much more common in female dogs as compared to male dogs.
Diabetes in dogs – Symptoms and Diagnosis
Commonly affected breeds of dog by Diabetes
While diabetes can affect any breed of dog at any age, it is much more prevalent in middle aged and older dogs of some breeds. Some of the breeds of dogs which are more susceptible to diabetes include the following:
Pomeranians
Golden Retrievers
German Shepherds
Siberian Huskies
Labrador Retrievers
Fox Terriers
Schnauzers
Poodles
Keeshonden
Spitz
Bichon Frise
The mean age at which this diabetic condition develops in these breeds is when they are about 4-14 years old. Genetics play a major role in dogs and the primary reason of this condition developing in dogs is not known.
It is estimated that almost half of the cases of diabetes in dogs are due to autoimmune disorders which prove to cause damage to the pancreas. Type II Diabetes cases in canines is generally uncommon and is much more common among felines. There are, however, a few reported cases of canines developing resistance to the effects of insulin on the body. This is usually caused because of some other underlying condition which causes the body to develop this resistance, such as Cushing’s disease.
While obesity is a high risk factor for diabetes in humans, there is no proven evidence that the case is the same for canines [2]. Obesity, however, can cause the body to develop a slight resistance to insulin, but typically, it is not one of the foremost risk factors which cause diabetes in canines. Gestational diabetes is also common in many canines, but this usually disappears after delivery of the babies.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
As pet owner, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition. The symptoms at which you should take caution include the following:
Polyuria or frequent urination in dogs.
Polydipsia or increased thirst wherein the dog drinks larger amounts of water than usual.
Polyphagia or the condition of hunger pangs and having a much larger appetite than usual.
Malnourishment despite the larger appetite with an accompanied loss of weight and appearance is common in cases of diabetes in dogs.
Clouding of the eyes and an acute onset of cataract is also an indication of diabetes in dogs.
If you find these symptoms in your dog, then you should visit the veterinarian and get this disorder treated at the earliest. If the symptoms and signs go unnoticed, there may be several complications and these may even prove to threaten the life of your pet.
Diagnosis of Diabetes in Dogs
The diagnosis of diabetes in dogs can be done very easily with simple tests to determine the concentration of glucose or sugar in the blood stream and also the urine. The presence of ketones in the urine is also an indicator of diabetes.
An elevated cholesterol level, the presences of an excess of triglycerides, hyperlipidemia, an increased level of liver enzymes and an enlarged liver, high specific gravity of urine, an increased count of white blood cells and a low level of phosphorus in the blood and urine are also some of the diagnostic test results that are usually accompanied with diabetes [3].
While the cases of diabetes in canines can range from severely complicated to mild, most of the cases are moderate and do not require any hospitalization. Proper home care is adequate in order to treat the dog of this disease.
Dog Diabetes – Questions and Answers from a Veterinarian
Complications of Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes in canines can present a range of complications including a number of degenerative diseases and infections. Some of the common complications associated with diabetes in dogs include the following:
Nephropathy or fibrosis occurring to the kidney tissues. This tends to damage the kidneys greatly. The cause of kidney nephropathy is the increased stress put on the nerves and the blood vessels by the excess amounts of sugar in the blood stream.
Infections including urinary tract infections are quite common in diabetic canines. This happens due to the impairment of both the circulatory system as well as the immune system of the body. Infections may occur on the teeth and the gums of dogs as well.
A hepatic disorder involving the liver is also common in dogs with diabetes. The liver is the organ which is responsible for converting food into blood sugar and many diabetic dogs show and enlarged liver with an elevated production of enzymes.
Hyperthyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism are also complications associated with diabetes if the disease is left untreated.
Cataract in dogs is one of the most common complications that are associated with diabetes. The increased glucose levels in the blood can prove to damage the delicate blood vessels in different parts of the body and the eyes are most prone to being damaged.
Ataxia or the loss of balance and coordination is also associated with diabetes in dogs. Diabetic canines may also exhibit lethargy, dizziness, confusion and trembling due to the excessive amounts of glucose in the blood stream.
Excessive dehydration may also lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. Dehydration can easily be caused despite drinking fluids as there is a lot of urine being excreted out in order to get rid of the excess glucose concentration.
Management of Diabetes in Dogs
Early diagnosis of diabetes may lead to prevention of cataract or any kind of neuropathy conditions in your loving pet [4]. You should know how to manage these conditions in your pet and show your warm love to your pets. Your main goal while managing this condition is to maintain glucose levels regulated and try to do away with symptoms of this condition such as excessive drinking and urination. The condition is definitely much more manageable if you change the diet and induce healthy lifestyle in your dog apart from regular insulin injections.
When it comes to following a treatment plan or to administer medications for diabetes in dogs, the veterinarian must be consulted before the procedure commences.
Since Type II Diabetes in canines is unheard of, diabetic dogs must be treated with similar methods that are used to treat Type I Diabetes in humans. This means that external administration of insulin or insulin analogues should be provided to the dog in order to make up for the lack of physically produced insulin by the pancreas. If canines are provided with the medications for Type II Diabetes such as some oral medications, the dogs unfortunately do not show any positive response.
Some of the effective methods for the management of diabetes in dogs include the following:
Insulin injections: Your diabetic dog may require insulin injections almost every day to regulate and maintain blood glucose levels in its body. Every breed of dog needs different amount of insulin, so go with your veterinarian advice and give the correct dose of insulin to your diabetic pet. You should learn to administer the insulin in your dog’s body if daily dose is required, as is often the case.
A healthy and regular diet: The diet should be of high protein and high fiber content so that glucose gets metabolized in an efficient way. Try to feed your dog same food every day and at the same time. Take your veterinarian recommendation before feeding your diabetic dog.
Regular exercise is also highly recommended for a diabetic walk. You should ensure to take your pet dog out on walks and the dogs should receive as much physical activity as possible as this raises the sensitivity of the body to the insulin hormone. The amount of daily exercise should be consistent.
Glucometers and urine strips are often used in order to monitor the glucose levels in both the blood stream and also in the urine. These devices need to be used frequently in order to determine whether the blood sugar levels are in check after the administration of insulin and healthy lifestyle measures.
Some of the general guidelines that should be followed in managing diabetes in pets include:
Maintaining a balance between carbohydrate consumption and the amount of insulin in the blood. Complex carbohydrates and foods that have a low glycemic index are recommended for diabetic dogs.
Maintaining a moderate level of fiber in the diet is recommended. A mix of both soluble and insoluble fibers should be included in the diet. Excess of soluble fibers can cause gas and diarrhea while an excess of insoluble fiber can result in a loss of appetite, constipation and vomiting.
Maintaining protein levels in the diet. While this is not necessarily a requirement, diabetic dogs often tend to lose weight and muscle mass and as such; a protein rich diet can prove to be helpful.
Maintaining a regular and consistent diet, particularly in terms of carbohydrate consumption. Simple carbohydrates which can be quickly digested and have a high amount of sugar should be avoided in a diabetic dog’s diet.
Getting adequate amount of physical activity for the dog is recommended. However, care must be taken not to over exert the pet dog and also to maintain a regular and consistent amount of physical activity. It is recommended that diabetic dogs get at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise before a meal and before the administration of insulin.
Often, some dietary supplements such as L-Cartinine, Zinc, Chromium, Probiotics, digestive enzymes and omega 3 fatty acids may be prescribed. However, a veterinarian’s opinion or recommendation must be obtained before administering dietary supplements.
In severe cases of hypoglycemic episodes in canines, glucose or infusions of glucagon may be administered to the diabetic canine. However, this must only be done in extremely severe cases and must always be carried out under professional medical recommendation and supervision.
It is essential to frequently monitor the blood sugar levels in order to determine whether the treatment procedure is effective [5]. Diabetes in dogs can be easily managed if the signs and symptoms of the disease are diagnosed early and appropriate measures are taken.
Caring for a pet dog which has been diagnosed with diabetes can prove to be really stressful, expensive and also time consuming. However, if managed effectively, the condition can be treated and the pet dog can lead a healthy and normal life.
The prognosis of diabetic dogs is generally good if the diagnosis of the disease was done early before any damage or complications could occur. As such, with proper treatment and monitoring of blood sugar conditions, the quality of life of the pet dog can be greatly improved and it can lead a much closer to normal life.
References
[1] Metabolic Dysregulation With Atypical Antipsychotics Occurs in the Absence of Underlying Disease A Placebo-Controlled Study of Olanzapine and Risperidone in Dogs, Marilyn Ader, Stella P. Kim, Karyn J. Catalano,; vol. 54 no. 3 862-871 – March 2005 – DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.54.3.862, http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/54/3/862.short
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs either due to impaired insulin production or due to reduced responsiveness to insulin in body leading to abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood stream [1].
It is common disorder to affect both women and men. Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes which is exclusive to pregnant women. However, the occurrence of this disease is much rarer than that of Type I and Type II Diabetes.
Causes of Diabetes in Women
The exact causes of diabetes in women are still debated and it is difficult to find a conclusive answer as to what is the exact cause of diabetes. In women, diabetes mellitus is believed to be caused due to a number of factors which include:
Genetic susceptibility
Being overweight and cases of obesity
Various environmental factors which act as triggers to the condition
Gestational diabetes may occur during pregnancy due to an improper balance of hormones or the body not effectively reacting to insulin. If left untreated, it can cause Type II Diabetes in both the mother and the child.
Prediabetes, if left uncontrolled, can lead to the development of Type II Diabetes in the future
What Is Diabetes?
Signs and symptoms of Diabetes in Women
There are a number of signs and symptoms of diabetes in women. Such symptoms include:
Excessive urination, also known as polyuria is a common symptom of diabetes where the diabetic individual feels an urge to urinate several times in a day. This results in excreting in excess of 2.5 liters per day as the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose in the blood stream through urine.
Increased thirst and dryness of the mouth is also quite common. This condition is also known as Polydipsia and it is induced due to loss of fluids from the body. The condition may even lead to dehydration if not fulfilled and this may eventually lead to a comatose state.
Increased hunger or Polyphagia is also very commonly observed. In diabetic patients, the body cells do not get sufficient calories for routine activities due to the reduced response to insulin. This subsequently results in the accumulation of glucose in blood.
Fatigue or increased tiredness due to insufficient calorie production even though there is sufficient glucose in the blood. This may prove to greatly hinder daily activities.
Slow healing of wounds is another important feature that is seen in diabetic patients. The immune system as well as the circulatory system of the body in diabetics are greatly impaired and as such, whenever damage in done to tissues or a wound occurs, healing takes place at a much slower pace than usual.
Numbness or tingling sensation in limbs as the blood circulation is reduced due to accumulation of high level of glucose in bloodstream. This may range from mild to severe and care and attention must be provided to this symptom as the limbs are very susceptible to being damaged in case of diabetic individuals.
There are many other symptoms which accompany the different types of diabetes and include a blurring of the vision, a lack of interest combined with irritability, loss of concentration while working and the presence of a dry and fruity odor in the breath.
Some of the features specific to the different types of diabetes that may affect women include:
Signs and Symptoms of Type I Diabetes in Women
Type I Diabetes in women is generally diagnosed in children and in young adults. This is a much less prevalent form of diabetes as compared to Type II Diabetes, but is nevertheless, quite widespread. Some of the signs and symptoms that are associated with Type I Diabetes in women include:
A sudden or unexpected loss in weight despite an increased appetite and consumption of lot of food.
Excessive urination and the presence of ketotic bodies and excess sugar in the urine.
An increased feeling of being dehydrated and thirsty due to the excessive loss of fluids from the body.
A feeling of nausea frequently accompanied with vomiting.
General nervousness, irritability, confusion and a lack of interest in otherwise enjoyable activities. Fatigue and weakness is also common in Type I Diabetes sufferers.
An increased susceptibility to infections due to an impaired immune system and circulatory system. Wounds and damage done to the body also takes much longer to heal due to the same problem.
An increased appetite and an increased feeling of hunger. This happens despite the fact that there is enough glucose in the blood stream as the body cells still require more energy in order to function. There may also be an unexpected or unforeseen loss in weight even though the appetite may be considered to be healthy.
A feeling of numbness or a tingling sensation in the limbs. This also occurs due to impaired circulation of blood because of the excess glucose content in the blood stream. Care must be given to this symptom as the limbs of Type I Diabetes sufferers are greatly susceptible to being damaged.
Signs and Symptoms of Type II Diabetes in Women
Type II Diabetes is a much more prevalent form of diabetes in women. Type II Diabetes is generally encountered by women at an elderly age, although there are also a few cases of the disorder being diagnosed in younger women.
Type II Diabetes can be encountered if a woman has suffered from an episode of Gestational Diabetes or prediabetes in the past.
Some of the signs and symptoms of Type II Diabetes in women include the following:
A condition known as Acanthosis Nigricans or the appurtenance of dark patches on the skin
Dry and scaly skin which may show itching and rashes
Fungal infection on the skin, especially on the vagina
Psychological changes in moods such as frequent irritability, a feeling of agitation and also a feeling of nervousness
General loss of libido, sexual dysfunction or discomfort as well as pain during sexual intercourse. This is primarily due to reduced lubrication due to the presence of excess glucose in the blood stream in the genital area
Urinary tract infection, also caused due to the frequent excretion of urine rich in sugar and glucose
Sudden or unexpected gain or loss in weight due to the faulty metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and the buildup of excess glucose in the blood stream.
Gestational Diabetes
Women who become pregnant after 35 years of age are susceptible to developing a condition known as Gestational Diabetes[2]. This condition involves a number of pregnancy related complications where the increased glucose levels in blood may enter the fetus through placenta and may cause large size of baby that may lead to complications during delivery.
Gestational Diabetes is not easy to be diagnosed as the signs and symptoms only manifest themselves in the third trimester of pregnancy. As such, women, who are believed to be at a risk of encountering diabetes, should ensure to get screening tests conducted as early as possible.
Diagnosis of Diabetes in Women
There are a number of tests and medical check-ups which can help diagnose diabetes. The following tests are quite common these days in order to diagnose or detect diabetes:
Fasting blood sugar test
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
Random sugar test with a glucometer
A1C test, also known as hemoglobin A1C or the glycohemoglobin test
The 8 autoantibody test which helps to determine the type of diabetes in individuals
Women who are over the age of 35 who get pregnant should get screening tests for diabetes conducted [3]. Screening tests are also recommended for all women who are believed to be at a risk of encountering the disease.
Very often, the diagnostic tests for diabetes go hand in hand with a number of other tests to check for damage done to other parts of the body due to diabetes. Some of the common tests include tests of the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, the heart, monitoring of blood pressure levels and also the monitoring of blood sugar levels. Eye examinations, examinations for hearing and examinations of the limbs, especially the hands and the feet are also carried out in conjunction to the other diagnostic tests. Instrukcje obsługi.
Gestational Diabetes manifests itself clearly only in the third trimester of pregnancy and as such, it is essential that women get screening tests conducted at the earliest. If left uncontrolled, Gestational Diabetes can go on to cause Type II Diabetes in both the mother and the child. This is because the excess glucose in the mother’s blood stream is transferred onto the baby through the placenta.
Prediabetes is a condition which is characterized by high blood sugar levels, but these levels are not high enough to be considered to be a case of Type II Diabetes. Nevertheless, prediabetes should also be dealt with care as the disease can very easily develop into Type II Diabetes if allowed to go uncontrolled.
Diabetes must diagnosed at the earliest and people susceptible to encountering the disease should take utmost care of signs and symptoms and should also get screening tests conducted on a frequent basis.
Treatment of Diabetes in Women
Diabetes is a serious disorder which must be provided with utmost care and attention in order to prevent the occurrences of any complications related to the disease [4]. While prediabetes and Gestational Diabetes are both reversible conditions, wherein the blood sugar levels may be restored to normal levels, these conditions render the patient susceptible to encountering Type II Diabetes later on in life. As such, prediabetes and Gestational Diabetes both require careful management in order to successfully prevent Type II Diabetes.
Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes are both chronic conditions and there is no definitive cure for these types of the disease. Managing the signs and symptoms and keeping the blood glucose levels in check are the only effective methods for the treatment of diabetes. There is active medical and scientific research being carried out in order to determine a proper cure for diabetes.
Some of the common methods and remedies that are employed in order to treat the different types of diabetes mellitus include the following:
Prediabetes can easily be controlled with regular exercise combined with a diabetic diet. Only in very rare cases are medications used. Prediabetes should be treated at the earliest in order to prevent the disease from degenerating into Type II Diabetes.
Type I Diabetes can be managed by a combination of exercise, a diabetic diet and external insulin administration. The bodies of women who suffer from Type I Diabetes do not produce any insulin at all and as such, external administration of insulin is a must.
Type II Diabetes is first remedied with rigorous daily exercise, a loss in weight and by following a strict diabetic diet. It is only when all of these measures fail, that oral hypoglycemic drugs such as metformin, prandin, glimepiride and pioglitazone are used to keep the blood sugar levels in check. In some cases however, oral medications also prove to be insufficient in controlling the conditions and in such cases, treatment with insulin or insulin analogues like insulin Lispro, insulin Glargin and insulin Aspart are considered to be useful.
Gestational diabetes can be treated by regular exercise and by a diet modification itself. Only 15% of women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes need medications like oral hypoglycemics or sometimes insulin analogues.
Diabetics need to follow a strict medical routine involving a number of frequent check-up and monitoring sessions [5]. While it is not possible to completely cure diabetes, the blood sugar levels can easily be kept in check by following a healthy and regular diabetic diet, performing loads of physical activity on a daily basis, oral medications and sometimes also by the administration of insulin. While all of these can greatly help in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, a diabetic must always maintain care throughout the course of their lives as even the smallest factors or the smallest triggers can cause the blood sugar levels to rise at an alarming rate and this may lead to serious and life threatening complications.
References
[1] Diagnosis and Management of the Metabolic Syndrome, Scott M. Grundy, James I. Cleeman, Stephen R. Daniels,; Circulation2005; 112: 2735-2752 – September 12, 2005 – DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.169404, http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/112/17/2735.short
[2] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asthma, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women, Jamal S. Rana, Murray A. Mittleman,; vol. 27 no. 10 2478-2484 – October 2004 – DOI: 10.2337/diacare.27.10.2478, http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/10/2478.short
[3] Why Is Diabetes Mellitus a Stronger Risk Factor for Fatal Ischemic Heart Disease in Women Than in Men?, Elizabeth L. Barrett-Connor, MD; Barbara A. Cohn, PhD; Deborah L. Wingard, PhD; Sharon L. Edelstein, MSc; 1991;265(5):627-631 – February 6, 1991- DOI: 10.1001/jama.1991.03460050081025, http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=384908
[4] Impact of diabetes on coronary artery disease in women and men: a meta-analysis of prospective studies, W L Lee, A M Cheung,D Cape and B Zinman.; 23no. 7 962-968 – July 2000 – DOI: 10.2337/diacare.23.7.962, http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/23/7/962.short
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