Researchers have found a treatment used for neuropathy resulting from unknown causes also works for diabetic neuropathy. About 80 percent of the patients in their study showed significant improvement after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy,...
One of the most traumatic results of diabetes is amputation. Many patients lose part of a foot or leg because of wounds that don’t heal. One cause of these ulcers is a condition in...
A new drug works in an entirely different way than statins — the popular class of drugs doctors commonly prescribe to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Now, researchers report there...
As obesity rises, so do the rates of related conditions. Type 2 diabetes is a risk for anyone carrying extra pounds: Weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent it. Sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical...
The Obesity Society points out that Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity and physical inactivity. The American Heart Association states: Obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease....
Benefits: CGMS is able to provide a more complete picture of a person’s daily glucose levels with up to 288 glucose readings per day. As such, the patient has the immediate benefit of reducing...
Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) provide users 24/7 blood glucose monitoring. The available systems include three devices: a disposable sensor which is stuck to the body and takes subcutaneous blood glucose readings, a reusable...
The objective of diabetes diagnostic tools is to assess an individual’s glucose levels and variability in order to develop a plan that will allow for proper management. The three most common diagnostic tools utilized...
Blood is composed of four key elements: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. • Red blood cells or hemoglobin are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. •...
There are several tests available that allow physicians to screen for diabetes. The typical methods provide a measure of the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Normal fasting glucose levels are at or...
We are what we eat The human body is powered by energy that is derived from the sugars we eat. During digestion, these sugars are converted by the liver into glucose. The glucose is...
Weight loss positively impacts type 2 diabetes. The strong correlation between diabetes and obesity has given researchers hope that addressing one disease could positively impact the second. Past evidence has shown that increased glucose...
There is a strong correlation between obesity and diabetes. There are approximately 19 million type 2 diabetics in the US, of which 80% are obese. These 15 million obese type 2 diabetics represent roughly...
There is an increasing amount of evidence supporting the genetic predisposition for weight gain. Twin and adoption studies have demonstrated that genetic factors do play a role in determining which individuals are more susceptible...
My partner has diabetes. How will this affect our relationship? Your partner may want you to be closely involved with his or her diabetes care, or may want to manage it alone. Discuss with...
Myth “I am less likely to get pregnant because I have Type 2 diabetes” Truth Type 2 diabetes doesn’t affect fertility so if you are not yet menopausal, you are just as likely to...
Can my hormones affect my blood glucose level? Yes, during your menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body rise and fall, and this can cause your blood glucose level to rise...
I take pills for high blood pressure. Will these affect my diabetes control? Certain medicines that may be prescribed for high blood pressure, including thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorthiazide, and beta blockers such as...
Am I more prone to infections because I have diabetes? Simply having diabetes does not make you more prone to common illnesses than anyone else. But if your blood glucose level is consistently high...
Diabetes is a lifelong condition and at times it’s normal to feel frustrated or tired of the effort of looking after yourself. Being aware of stress, and taking action quickly, can prevent things from...
I sometimes feel irritable – is this the same thing as stress? Short-term irritability may be normal for you, but if you’re irritable most of the time, you are probably suffering from stress. Being...
Myth “I will know if my nerves are damaged because my feet will be more painful” Truth When the nerves to your feet become damaged, this alters your ability to feel what’s happening to...
What can I do to keep my heart and circulation healthy? The most important things you can do are to stay or become active, eat healthily, and stop smoking and lose weight if you...
What is hyperglycemia? When you have hyperglycemia, your blood glucose level rises above 130 mg/dl. You probably had hyperglycemia when you were first diagnosed with diabetes. You may also have it if your treatment...
A friend who takes insulin or insulin-stimulating pills may have an occasional hypoglycemic attack. If the person is confused and unable to treat himself, you may need to help. Follow these two steps if...
What is a hypoglycemic attack? A hypoglycemic attack is when your blood glucose level falls below 75 mg/dl. This happens when you have more insulin working in your body than you need. Your symptoms...
Taking good care of your feet, managing stress, and knowing what to do when you are ill are all important aspects of your day-to-day life with diabetes. If you are a woman, pregnancy and...
Blood testing strips vary from batch to batch (they may contain different amounts of chemicals), so you need to calibrate most meters every time you start a new pack of strips to obtain an...
What is an annual review? Once a year, your health professional will assess with you how well your blood glucose level and blood pressure are controlled and check for any signs of the long-term...
How often should I have my blood pressure checked? Your blood pressure will be checked at least once a year at your annual review. If you have high blood pressure, you will probably have...