Diabetes is a disease in which body either does not produce insulin or does not respond to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by special pancreatic cells known as Beta cells. When we consume food, insulin is released into the bloodstream where it absorbs glucose from the food and converts it into energy. It also helps in the storage of excess glucose in the liver.
Diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood sugar levels are mainly advised to take insulin injections. Furthermore when diabetes medications along with healthy eating and regular physical activities are not enough to control the blood sugar level, then insulin is needed. These injections are required when the body doesn’t produce insulin i.e. in case of Type 1 Diabetes. However sometime people with Type 2 diabetes may also need insulin.
Insulin is given with the help of injections because it can’t be given in tablet form. However nasal insulin sprays are also gaining popularity now a days. Insulin is mainly classified into five categories depending on the fact that how long it works in the body-
• Rapid onset-fast acting insulin
• Short acting insulin
• Intermediate acting insulin
• Mixed insulin
• Long acting insulin.
Devices to Inject Insulin:-
Insulin can be injected by different devices like-
• Insulin syringes
• Insulin pumps
• Insulin delivery pens
Where to Inject Insulin using insulin injections?
Normally insulin is given through the skin into the fatty tissue known as the subcutaneous layer. Insulin injecting sites are abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks. The abdomen area absorbs insulin the fastest. You can use slightly different spot within one site.
Furthermore there are certain factors that either speed up or decreases insulin absorption i.e.
Factors increasing insulin absorption-
• High temperature like shower, hot water bottle, bath, spa and sauna
• Massaging the region around the injection site
• Injecting insulin into muscle or exercised area like thigh
Factors decreasing insulin absorption-
• Smoking
• Cold insulin
• Repeatedly injecting insulin on the same site which will make your flesh hard, lumpy and scarred resulting in erratic absorption of insulin
How to store Insulin?
You can store insulin safely by following given below methods-
• Store pen cartridges, unopened insulin bottles in the fridge
• Make sure that insulin may not get freeze
• Opened insulin bottles should be kept at room temperature for not more than one month
• You can carry insulin in your handbag or pocket
• Insulin should not be kept at a temperature more than 30C as extreme temperature may damage insulin
• Avoid keeping insulin in direct sunlight
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Diabetes Causes!!
Diabetes is a chronic disease spreading worldwide. It is a metabolic disorder in which human body does not produce or properly uses insulin. There are certain factors that lead to diabetes i.e. diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.
Diabetes insipidus is also known as Type 1 diabetes which results from the destruction of beta cells due to aggressive nature of body cells. Other contributing factors that cause diabetes are poor diet, nutrition, environment and genetic reasons, abnormal secretion of0020sokme hormones in blood i.e. adrenocortical hormone, adrenaline hormone and thyroid hormone.
Furthermore diabetes mellitus which is also known as Type 2 diabetes occurs mainly when the body produces enough insulin but cannot utilize it effectively. There are certain other factors that are responsible for causing diabetes i.e.
Hereditary or Inherited Traits: Diabetes is a hereditary disease which passes from one generation to next generation.
Age: The chances of diabetes increases with age. However it may occur at any age.
Obesity and Fat Distribution: Insulin resistance increases due to obesity. Researches revealed that 80% of the diabetes cases occur after 50 years of age
Poor Diet or Malnutrition: Low protein, fiber intake, improper nutrition, and excessive intake of refined products are some of the reasons causing diabetes.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle made people more prone to diabetes. People who exercise often are at low risk of falling prey to diabetes.
Stress: Emotional disturbance or physical injury is the initial reason of the disease. However Corticosteroid disturbance also leads to clinical signs of the disease.
Drug Abuse: Risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel) and ziprasidone (Geodon), Clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa) and ziprasidone (Geodon) are responsible for causing diabetes
Sex: diabetes is mainly found in elderly males and females with multiple pregnancy or suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins: High cholesterol level and triglycerides in the blood is linked to high blood sugars causing diabetes
Diabetes insipidus is also known as Type 1 diabetes which results from the destruction of beta cells due to aggressive nature of body cells. Other contributing factors that cause diabetes are poor diet, nutrition, environment and genetic reasons, abnormal secretion of0020sokme hormones in blood i.e. adrenocortical hormone, adrenaline hormone and thyroid hormone.
Furthermore diabetes mellitus which is also known as Type 2 diabetes occurs mainly when the body produces enough insulin but cannot utilize it effectively. There are certain other factors that are responsible for causing diabetes i.e.
Hereditary or Inherited Traits: Diabetes is a hereditary disease which passes from one generation to next generation.
Age: The chances of diabetes increases with age. However it may occur at any age.
Obesity and Fat Distribution: Insulin resistance increases due to obesity. Researches revealed that 80% of the diabetes cases occur after 50 years of age
Poor Diet or Malnutrition: Low protein, fiber intake, improper nutrition, and excessive intake of refined products are some of the reasons causing diabetes.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle made people more prone to diabetes. People who exercise often are at low risk of falling prey to diabetes.
Stress: Emotional disturbance or physical injury is the initial reason of the disease. However Corticosteroid disturbance also leads to clinical signs of the disease.
Drug Abuse: Risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel) and ziprasidone (Geodon), Clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa) and ziprasidone (Geodon) are responsible for causing diabetes
Sex: diabetes is mainly found in elderly males and females with multiple pregnancy or suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins: High cholesterol level and triglycerides in the blood is linked to high blood sugars causing diabetes
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Early Symptoms of diabetes
If you experience the early symptoms of diabetes it means it is too late for its prevention. Proper control means reversal of the syndrome, and is possible even in later stages of this disturbing disease.
Early symptoms of diabetes are unmistakable. If you watch, you can easily notice these symptoms.
There are a number of early symptoms of diabetes. They are listed below:
Extreme Thirst and Extreme Hunger: Extreme thirst and/or extreme hunger are very common early symptoms of diabetes. If you keep feeling hungry in spite of eating your hearts content or if you feel thirsty even after drinking a lot of water, then it is an early sign of diabetes. It has been observed that some diabetic patients have sugar cravings, especially when they were first diagnosed with diabetes.
Weight Loss: If you have noticed that in the recent times you have been eating the same amount of food or may be even more and still losing weight and have made no changes to your lifestyle, then you should immediately consult with a physician. This can be one of the diabetes symptoms.
Frequent Urination: Like feeling thirsty often, if you feel like urinating often, then this is another good reason to see a doctor. It can be a symptom of urinary tract infection as well, but diabetes can also be the cause.
Blurry Vision: If you are experiencing blurry vision in recent times, remember this is a common problem of symptoms of early diabetes. An eye problem is one of the common symptoms of early diabetes. At the same time eye problems increase as diabetes progresses.
Fatigue: Diabetes causes fatigue. The reason is due to lack of insulin, glucose does not move into the cells. This causes the cells to be energy starved.
Tingling Sensation: Tingling sensation in your hands, feet or legs is referred to as neuropathy. This happens when the blood sugar level has been consistently high, which causes nerve damage. Very often this early symptom of diabetes is neglected and is discovered after a couple of years.
Poor Healing of Wounds: Insulin is required for protecting the body from viruses, bacteria or any foreign substance. In short lack of insulin disturbs the body’s immune system. Therefore, if there is a wound, it does not heal or it takes very long to heal.
Early symptoms of diabetes are unmistakable. If you watch, you can easily notice these symptoms.
There are a number of early symptoms of diabetes. They are listed below:
Extreme Thirst and Extreme Hunger: Extreme thirst and/or extreme hunger are very common early symptoms of diabetes. If you keep feeling hungry in spite of eating your hearts content or if you feel thirsty even after drinking a lot of water, then it is an early sign of diabetes. It has been observed that some diabetic patients have sugar cravings, especially when they were first diagnosed with diabetes.
Weight Loss: If you have noticed that in the recent times you have been eating the same amount of food or may be even more and still losing weight and have made no changes to your lifestyle, then you should immediately consult with a physician. This can be one of the diabetes symptoms.
Frequent Urination: Like feeling thirsty often, if you feel like urinating often, then this is another good reason to see a doctor. It can be a symptom of urinary tract infection as well, but diabetes can also be the cause.
Blurry Vision: If you are experiencing blurry vision in recent times, remember this is a common problem of symptoms of early diabetes. An eye problem is one of the common symptoms of early diabetes. At the same time eye problems increase as diabetes progresses.
Fatigue: Diabetes causes fatigue. The reason is due to lack of insulin, glucose does not move into the cells. This causes the cells to be energy starved.
Tingling Sensation: Tingling sensation in your hands, feet or legs is referred to as neuropathy. This happens when the blood sugar level has been consistently high, which causes nerve damage. Very often this early symptom of diabetes is neglected and is discovered after a couple of years.
Poor Healing of Wounds: Insulin is required for protecting the body from viruses, bacteria or any foreign substance. In short lack of insulin disturbs the body’s immune system. Therefore, if there is a wound, it does not heal or it takes very long to heal.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Why are herbal remedies for diabetes better than conventional treatments?
Diabetes happens when blood sugar level constantly stays at a higher level. A new line of diabetes remedy that is gaining fast popularity nowadays is herbal treatment.
The first most important reason why an increasing number of people use herbal medicines instead of the traditional drugs is because herbs are safe for your health and have minimal side effects.
Following herbs are effective to treat diabetes, and they also don't have any harmful side effects: - Natural Herbs for Diabetes:
• Pterocarpus marcupium
• Enicostemma littorale
• Bitter melon (balsam pear)
• Gymnema Sylvestre
• Syzygium cummini
All the herbs mentioned above have been known since thousands of years for their beneficial properties and have been tried and tested in diabetic patients and have been found is extremely helpful.
Treating diabetes with natural herbs can be quite beneficial because more than one healing aspect is involved.
Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these herbal preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. They show promise in controlling blood sugar. Many holistic practitioners prescribe these herbs for diabetic patients with excellent results. Herbs have remedial powers to restore balance to the body, enabling it to rely on its own healing powers.
Simple home remedy for controlling Type 2 diabetes:
Recent studies have shown that eating onions and garlic can significantly reduce blood sugar levels for long periods of time. It is best to prepare them raw as cooking can make them lose their valuable compounds. Cayenne pepper, Natural vegetable juices from carrots, coconuts and cabbage are also good sources that are used in treating diabetes.
Natural herbal supplements for Type 2 Diabetes:
These natural treatments for diabetes may not fill the bill as diabetes cures, but they will certainly be of help to those living with diabetes.
If you are looking for natural diabetes supplements, a highly recommend Herbal product that’s known for its incredible efficacy and effectiveness is Glucolo. For more details – visit the website – www.glucolo.com
The first most important reason why an increasing number of people use herbal medicines instead of the traditional drugs is because herbs are safe for your health and have minimal side effects.
Following herbs are effective to treat diabetes, and they also don't have any harmful side effects: - Natural Herbs for Diabetes:
• Pterocarpus marcupium
• Enicostemma littorale
• Bitter melon (balsam pear)
• Gymnema Sylvestre
• Syzygium cummini
All the herbs mentioned above have been known since thousands of years for their beneficial properties and have been tried and tested in diabetic patients and have been found is extremely helpful.
Treating diabetes with natural herbs can be quite beneficial because more than one healing aspect is involved.
Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these herbal preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. They show promise in controlling blood sugar. Many holistic practitioners prescribe these herbs for diabetic patients with excellent results. Herbs have remedial powers to restore balance to the body, enabling it to rely on its own healing powers.
Simple home remedy for controlling Type 2 diabetes:
Recent studies have shown that eating onions and garlic can significantly reduce blood sugar levels for long periods of time. It is best to prepare them raw as cooking can make them lose their valuable compounds. Cayenne pepper, Natural vegetable juices from carrots, coconuts and cabbage are also good sources that are used in treating diabetes.
Natural herbal supplements for Type 2 Diabetes:
These natural treatments for diabetes may not fill the bill as diabetes cures, but they will certainly be of help to those living with diabetes.
If you are looking for natural diabetes supplements, a highly recommend Herbal product that’s known for its incredible efficacy and effectiveness is Glucolo. For more details – visit the website – www.glucolo.com
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Diabetes Mellitus Myths and Facts!!
Myth: A diabetic patient is not allowed to consume any sugar.
Fact: - It is not true, small amount of simple sugar is allowed when consumed with a complex diet. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has given certain guidelines for a diabetic diet. The ADA diet is a balanced, nutritious diet that is low in fat, cholesterol and simple sugars. ADA consists of three meals in which total calories are evenly divided.
Myth: - All diabetes cases are same
Fact: - Diabetes mellitus cases are of two types- Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is also known as insulin dependant diabetes or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. In this disease the pancreas are unable to release insulin at all. It is found in young, lean individuals before 30 years of age
Type 2:- Type 2 diabetes mellitus is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). In this disease, the pancreas can still produce insulin, but do so inadequately to meet their body's demands
Myth: - In United States, diabetes is rare.
Fact: - In United States 13 million people are suffering from diabetes mellitus and over 5 million of these people are not aware of that fact that they are having this disease. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer. Diabetes has increased the risk of blindness, kidney disease and amputations.
Myth: - Diabetes has no early symptoms
Fact: - Elevated blood sugar levels and loss of glucose in the urine are some of the early symptoms of diabetes mellitus. High levels of glucose in the urine may also leads to dehydration. In some cases, diabetes may cause blurred vision.
Myth: - Insulin is the only treatment for diabetes
Fact: - Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by insulin, exercise and good diet. However type 2 diabetes may be treated by weight reduction, good diet and exercise.
Fact: - It is not true, small amount of simple sugar is allowed when consumed with a complex diet. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has given certain guidelines for a diabetic diet. The ADA diet is a balanced, nutritious diet that is low in fat, cholesterol and simple sugars. ADA consists of three meals in which total calories are evenly divided.
Myth: - All diabetes cases are same
Fact: - Diabetes mellitus cases are of two types- Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is also known as insulin dependant diabetes or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. In this disease the pancreas are unable to release insulin at all. It is found in young, lean individuals before 30 years of age
Type 2:- Type 2 diabetes mellitus is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). In this disease, the pancreas can still produce insulin, but do so inadequately to meet their body's demands
Myth: - In United States, diabetes is rare.
Fact: - In United States 13 million people are suffering from diabetes mellitus and over 5 million of these people are not aware of that fact that they are having this disease. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer. Diabetes has increased the risk of blindness, kidney disease and amputations.
Myth: - Diabetes has no early symptoms
Fact: - Elevated blood sugar levels and loss of glucose in the urine are some of the early symptoms of diabetes mellitus. High levels of glucose in the urine may also leads to dehydration. In some cases, diabetes may cause blurred vision.
Myth: - Insulin is the only treatment for diabetes
Fact: - Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by insulin, exercise and good diet. However type 2 diabetes may be treated by weight reduction, good diet and exercise.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Diabetes Diet Plan!!
Diet plays a vital role in controlling the diabetes. It can be used alone or else in combination with insulin doses or oral drugs. The main objective of diabetic diet is to control blood sugar levels by providing adequate nutrition. Furthermore it maintains ideal body weight. Diabetes diet is based on weight, height, sex, physical activity, age, nature of diabetes. Moreover while making a diet plan for diabetic patients; the dietician has to consider complications such as high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure.
It is necessary to plan a diet for diabetic patients because all foods contain not only carbohydrates but also some energy value. As glucose is a sugar released from carbohydrates, so if you want to control your blood sugar levels, you have to limit the consumption of carbohydrates. The diet plan which balances the intake of carbohydrates per day is known as “Exchange meal plan”. Moreover protein and fat present in the food are also converted to glucose in the body which has some effect on the blood sugar level.
There are certain factors which should be kept in mind while planning a diabetes diet:-
• Take at least 1.4 oz of fiber per day
• Instead of heavy meals, take small meals for 4-5 times
• Avoid taking carbohydrates 2 hours before bedtime
• Avoid taking fast foods and bakery products instead take whole cooked cereals
• Try to consume more of fresh fruits and vegetables
It is necessary to plan a diet for diabetic patients because all foods contain not only carbohydrates but also some energy value. As glucose is a sugar released from carbohydrates, so if you want to control your blood sugar levels, you have to limit the consumption of carbohydrates. The diet plan which balances the intake of carbohydrates per day is known as “Exchange meal plan”. Moreover protein and fat present in the food are also converted to glucose in the body which has some effect on the blood sugar level.
There are certain factors which should be kept in mind while planning a diabetes diet:-
• Take at least 1.4 oz of fiber per day
• Instead of heavy meals, take small meals for 4-5 times
• Avoid taking carbohydrates 2 hours before bedtime
• Avoid taking fast foods and bakery products instead take whole cooked cereals
• Try to consume more of fresh fruits and vegetables
Friday, November 13, 2009
Information on Type 2 Diabetes
People at age 30 are normally at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes affect people with a family history of diabetes and especially those who are overweight. Steps for prevention include following an easy and appropriate diet, exercising regularly and taking dietary supplements.
Normally one experience type 2 diabetes symptoms but don't get a check up, since these systems can just be overlooked. The following are the symptoms that are associated with type 2 diabetes.
Feeling thirsty.
Having to urinate more than usual.
Feeling more hungry than usual.
Losing weight without trying to.
Feeling very tired.
Infections and cuts and bruises that heal slowly.
Blurred vision.
Numbness in your hands or feet.
At first, your blood sugar level may rise so slowly that you may not know that anything is wrong. It is important to find out early if you have diabetes because treatment can prevent damage to the body from diabetes.
Some risk factors for diabetes, like family history, ethnicity or age, cannot be changed, obviously. However, some other diabetes risk factors can be changed. The basic approach to attain this is by eating a healthier diet. Moreover, if you are overweight or have high blood pressure, modifying your lifestyle may help in preventing type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Herbal Supplement:
Herbal supplements, vitamins and minerals, if taken properly as per the dosage are mostly safe, with no side effects, and very affordable as well. Those with high risk for developing type 2 diabetes (pre-diabetes, or borderline diabetes) could significantly reduce that risk by taking herbal medication along with diet and lifestyle changes.
Glucolo is an all natural diabetic supplement with the most effective nutrients and herbs that targets Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes - through its multi action ability. For more details on this herbal pill, visit its website – www.glucolo.com
Normally one experience type 2 diabetes symptoms but don't get a check up, since these systems can just be overlooked. The following are the symptoms that are associated with type 2 diabetes.
Feeling thirsty.
Having to urinate more than usual.
Feeling more hungry than usual.
Losing weight without trying to.
Feeling very tired.
Infections and cuts and bruises that heal slowly.
Blurred vision.
Numbness in your hands or feet.
At first, your blood sugar level may rise so slowly that you may not know that anything is wrong. It is important to find out early if you have diabetes because treatment can prevent damage to the body from diabetes.
Some risk factors for diabetes, like family history, ethnicity or age, cannot be changed, obviously. However, some other diabetes risk factors can be changed. The basic approach to attain this is by eating a healthier diet. Moreover, if you are overweight or have high blood pressure, modifying your lifestyle may help in preventing type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Herbal Supplement:
Herbal supplements, vitamins and minerals, if taken properly as per the dosage are mostly safe, with no side effects, and very affordable as well. Those with high risk for developing type 2 diabetes (pre-diabetes, or borderline diabetes) could significantly reduce that risk by taking herbal medication along with diet and lifestyle changes.
Glucolo is an all natural diabetic supplement with the most effective nutrients and herbs that targets Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes - through its multi action ability. For more details on this herbal pill, visit its website – www.glucolo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)