By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

 Type 2 Diabetes: Glucagon Shots for Hypos?

Glucagon is a hormone produced naturally in the body.  Its effect is opposite that of insulin.  Whereas insulin lowers blood sugar levels in the body, glucagon raises them.  For those people living with Type 2 diabetes, low blood sugar levels could be life threatening.  Diabetic hypoglycemia is the term for a low blood sugar level in diabetics.  It can occur in any person who needs to take insulin or other medications to lower blood sugar.  When blood  sugar levels drop to a point where they can no longer be self-maintained, the diabetic may become irritable, unable to swallow properly, or even faint or lose consciousness.  Glucagon shots are needed in such an emergency.

Glucagon shots are very effective in raising a Diabetic’s blood sugar level.  However, a glucagon shot should only be used as a last resort.  At the first signs of hypoglycemia, other methods to raise blood sugar should be used first while the diabetic is still conscious, such as glucose tablets or sugary soft drinks.  This is usually enough to restore blood sugar to normal levels, but that is not always the case.  Once the diabetic loses consciousness, quick action must be taken, since severe hypoglycemia could result in the diabetic slipping into a coma.

Glucagon shots are usually sold in kits, conspicuously colored either bright red or orange.  The kits contain a vial of freeze-dried glucagon in powder form and a syringe pre-filled with a sterile solution.  Administering a glucagon shot is rather easy.  First, inject the solution into the vial and shake the vial until the solution and glucagon are thoroughly mixed.  Finally, draw the recommended amount of solution back into the syringe and inject the diabetic with the solution in either the leg or abdomen. Children should receive about half as much than adult Diabetics, which is about 1mL of glucagon solution.

After a glucagon shot has been administered, call 911 immediately.  To be on the safe side, lay the diabetic on his or her side just in case vomiting occurs, since vomiting is a side effect of severe hypoglycemia.  Eventually the diabetic should regain consciousness.  After the diabetic has revived, give him or her something sugary, like fruit juice or hard candy, to keep the blood sugar levels high until medical help arrives.  Giving a glucagon shot is something that everyone who lives with a diabetic should learn how to do.  It’s relatively easy and can save a diabetic’s life in an emergency situation.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Control Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: CVD (Damage to Heart and Arteries! Help!)

Everyone knows how strong a link there is between Diabetes and cardiovascular disease, commonly referred to as CVD.  How much of a link is there, exactly?  The correlation is remarkable when you look at it.  First, let’s examine the basics.  It has been shown that Diabetics are more than twice as likely as non-diabetics to have heart disease or stroke.  Middle-aged diabetics who haven’t had a heart attack are about as likely to have one as a non-diabetic who has already had one.  It’s enough to scare most people.

Diabetes all by itself increases the risks of developing heart disease.  However, cardiovascular disease can be prevented by looking at the risk factors involved.  Besides being diabetic and having a family history of heart  disease, there are four major risk factors.  First, having excess belly fat (also called central obesity) increases the risk because this excess fat encourages the production of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.  Having an elevated level of triglycerides, which is a type of fat in blood, also increases the risk.  High blood pressure and smoking also increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

 In diabetics, insulin resistance often leads to obesity, which could very possibly lead to cardiovascular disease.  Two major types of cardiovascular disease occur in diabetics:  coronary artery disease and cerebral vascular disease.  Coronary artery disease is a thickening of the arteries leading to the heart.  If these vital arteries become blocked, a heart attack is right around the corner.  Cerebral vascular disease restricts blood  flow to the brain by hardening and thickening the blood vessels leading to it, which results in strokes.  Diabetics have a greater risk for suffering a stroke caused by blood clots.

So far, we’ve talked about cardiovascular disease, and all the evils it can cause.  For diabetics it creates a unique set of problems. However, even after all the bad news related to heart disease presented here, there is good news.  Cardiovascular disease can be prevented!  A weight management plan including moderate exercise and a Diet rich in antioxidants and fiber reduces the risk of developing heart disease by as much as 50 percent.  Quitting smoking also reduces the risk.  For diabetics, it is imperative to keep blood glucose levels where they need to be through self-maintenance.  Insulin resistance is a major contributor to both obesity and cardiovascular disease, so this should be of concern to Type 2 Diabetics.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Info On Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes - FAQ               

Type 2 Diabetes is a very common metabolic disease.  It’s estimated that anywhere from 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases are Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes.  It’s a difficult disease to get one’s head around, so it would be beneficial to have a general set of information handy to inform the public about Type 2 diabetes.  This article will present some frequently asked questions about the disease, its symptoms, and its causes.

Q:  What is Type 2 diabetes?

A:  Type 2 Diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, is a condition where the body has become resistant to insulin or the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels.  As a result, the affected person’s blood sugar remains high.

Q:  What is the difference between Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes?

A:  Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed early on, while the patient is still a child.  In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin whatsoever, requiring the diabetic to take insulin shots for a lifetime.  In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas functions normally until it comes to a point where it can no longer produce enough insulin to drop blood sugar levels.

Q:  What are the causes of Type 2 diabetes?

A:  There is no singular cause, but a variety of conditions increase the chances of Type 2 Diabetes forming.  Obesity, high blood  pressure, and high cholesterol are all very prominent causes of the disease, although these are also symptoms of metabolic syndrome.  Genetics also play a part.  The likelihood of diabetic onset increases if a history of type 2 diabetes runs in the family.

Q:  What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?

A:  Excessive thirst and/or hunger, general malaise, impaired vision, and frequent urination are just a few of the symptoms.

Q:  How do I know if I have Type 2 Diabetes?

A:  A glucose tolerance test is conducted.  If you’re glucose tolerant, it also means you’re insulin resistant.  A fasting glucose reading of more than 126 mg/dl indicates a higher than normal blood sugar level and an absence of the appropriate quantity of insulin to counter the glucose.

Q:  Who is at risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

A:  Obese people are most at risk, followed by those who are already living with metabolic syndrome.

Q:  How is Type 2 diabetes maintained?

A:  If the blood sugar level is maintained, Type 2 Diabetics can live a symptom-free life.  Of course, diet and regular exercise are important as well.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: Late Stage Kidney Failure in Diabetes. Help!

Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease due to complications from diabetes.  It is the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), also called late stage kidney failure.  People with both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are at risk of the disease, but the risk increases with poor blood sugar management and a high cholesterol level.  As the disease progresses, the kidneys gradually lose their ability to extract waste products from the blood.  Late stage kidney failure occurs when the kidneys completely cease to function.

In the early stages, the kidneys will excrete protein into urine, which usually has no protein in it.  Therefore, a positive protein urine test is an indicator for diabetic nephropathy.  The amount of protein the kidneys increase as the disease worsens.  Late stage kidney failure is a chronic disorder, and upon onset there is no cure for it.  Treatment consists of a mixture of medication, a low-protein diet, and kidney hormone replacement.  The goal of treatment is to slow down or stop the inevitable kidney failure.  In fact, once a Diabetic reaches ESRD stage, there are really only two options:  a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Kidney transplantation and dialysis are measures designed to reduce the severity of end-stage renal disease, not cure it.  While a kidney transplant does improve quality of life, there are two major problems with the procedure.  First, the body could reject the new organ, and symptoms worsen.  Secondly, the mortality rate of people with the disease actually increases due to complications with the transplant surgery.  That notwithstanding, the leading cause of death among people with late stage kidney failure is actually heart disease, which is made progressively worse by the kidney failure.

You might be wondering why heart  disease kills people with late stage kidney failure more often than the disease itself.  The answer is simple:  Kidney failure makes it easier for heart disease to occur.  First of all, high blood  pressure is present in every person with the disease, which increases the chances of heart attacks and strokes.  Secondly, as kidney function decreases, potassium accumulates in the blood, increasing the risk for an irregular heartbeat.  On top of that, atherosclerosis occurs rapidly in ESRD patients, bringing about heart disease that much sooner.   Finally, since the body is not getting rid of fluid like it should, kidney failure increases the chances that the lungs fill up with fluid, leading to total respiratory failure.  So, as you can see, late stage kidney failure acts as a means for other diseases to kill those who suffer from it.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Equals (=)  Metabolic Syndrome:
Watch It When You Get Older!

As one gets older, metabolic syndrome becomes more of a problem.  In fact, over 40% of all people aged 50 or over suffers from the disease, and it also strikes more women than men in that demographic.  The key factors have been talked about over and over--obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, etc.  These are also the same factors that lead to Type 2 Diabetes.  The connection between the two disorders is not by coincidence, since one is usually a symptom of the other.  Staying active is one way to delay or avoid developing symptoms.

Living a more sedentary lifestyle is natural as we get older.  We’re just not as active as we used to be, and it takes a little more effort getting around.  This is probably the reason why older people are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.  The lack of strenuous activity, combined with the accumulation of excess belly fat, encourages resistance to insulin and increases the probability of diabetic onset.  However, when it comes to the prevention of diabetes, the answer is actually very simple.  In fact, it’s the same advice given countless times before:  Eat less, and exercise more.

Eating less and exercising more seems like the answer to every health problem, which is why it’s hard for most people to take such advice at face value.  For example, a Diet high in carbohydrate can be linked to insulin resistance.  Also, eating an abundance of foods high in sugar is the best way to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome.  High-sugar foods raise glucose levels in the blood, which prompts the pancreas to secrete more insulin to regulate the glucose level.  In an insulin-resistant person, the blood sugar remains high due to the pancreas not being able to produce enough insulin, resulting in Type 2 diabetes.

Since we’ve already talked about eating less, let’s now talk about exercising more.  It has been proven that 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day alleviates insulin resistance and lowers triglycerides and blood  sugar levels.  Moderate exercise doesn’t necessarily mean mindlessly pumping iron either.  It could be something as simple as parking further away from the grocery store and walking the rest of the way.  Furthermore, by following an exercise regimen like this, diabetics reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular problems later on in life, which can result in heart attacks or strokes.  This is important, since diabetics have a greater risk of heart  disease.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes = Insulin Resistance = Syndrome X
= Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is not a single factor, but a group of factors that eventually leads to cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes.  It is also known as Syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome.  The American Heart Association has identified five major factors for metabolic syndrome, those being waist circumference, increased triglyceride levels, a low HDL (or “good”) cholesterol reading, high blood pressure, and a high blood sugar level.  While there is no known singular cause for metabolic syndrome, it is assumed that a combination of these factors put a person at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body becomes less responsive to insulin.  If the body becomes resistant to insulin, the pancreas would normally respond by producing even more insulin.  However, if this does not occur, blood sugar levels will increase and Type 2 Diabetes starts.  On the other hand, high levels of insulin will eventually lead to metabolic syndrome, which along with obesity can also lead to Type 2 diabetes.  Insulin resistance isn’t the only risk factor of this disorder, however.  Several others, such as stress and living a sedentary lifestyle, also attribute to its development.

There are obvious signs of insulin resistance, such as high blood sugar, excess stored fat, and high blood pressure.  If those symptoms sound like the same symptoms of metabolic syndrome, you’d be correct.  The reason the symptoms are similar is because the two conditions are similar and often occur simultaneously.  If you have metabolic syndrome, then you’re probably suffering from insulin resistance, and vice versa.  Both conditions bring on the onset of Type 2 diabetes, another similarity they share.  As mentioned earlier, another name for metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance syndrome, further cementing their interchangeability.

This may come as no surprise to many and probably sounds like a broken record by now, but the way to manage metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance is through diet and exercise.  A diet rich in monounsaturated fat, low-starch vegetables, fiber, and lean meat keeps insulin at a reasonable level in people who are already diabetic and reduces the chances of non-diabetics developing a resistance to insulin.  Since stress is a key factor as well and cortisol promotes the production of insulin, relaxation techniques help to keep cortisol levels low.  Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements is said to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, thereby reducing blood  sugar levels in the body and decrease insulin resistance.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Information On Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: Nephropathy (Damage to My Kidneys! Help!)?

Diabetic nephropathy is progressive kidney damage caused by Diabetes, although it should be pointed out that not everyone with diabetes will suffer kidney damage.  High blood sugar resulting from diabetes will eventually impair the kidney’s ability to filter waste products from blood, and eventually the kidneys fail.  Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are susceptible to nephropathy, and poor control of blood glucose levels increase the probability of kidney damage occurring.  Other risks include having high blood pressure of high cholesterol levels.

Normal urine contains no protein.  As a result, the most telling sign of diabetic nephropathy is excess protein in the urine.  The protein in the urine is a result of the kidneys not being able to filter it out of the blood.  These high levels of protein in the urine will show up long before more serious problems occur, so at this early stage, kidney damage can be reversed.  To determine if there is a problem, a doctor can perform a microalbuminuria test.  Testing positive means the kidneys have suffered some damage.  As the damage increases, so will the amount of protein in the urine.  This also means that the kidneys are steadily losing their ability to filter waste products.

While the urine test is the best way to determine whether nephropathy has begun, supporting tests are also necessary.  Other tests such as a kidney biopsy will confirm the results, as will the presences of diabetic retinopathy, a progressive eye disease associated with diabetes.  Once damage has been detected, the primary goal becomes to slow or reverse the damage caused by diabetic nephropathy.  Keeping blood  glucose levels controlled, maintaining a blood pressure under 130/80, along with changes in Diet and doctor prescribed medication are the first stages of treatment, and it’s important for Diabetics to remain on their doctor-prescribed program for maximum success.  A low-salt, low-protein diet can slow the damage and maintain kidney function.

When it comes to diabetes-related illnesses, diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of death.  This is primarily due to the progressive loss of kidney function, leading to total kidney failure.  Possible complications such as hypoglycemia and anemia can result.  There is also an increased risk of heart disease associated with nephropathy.  Dialysis or kidney transplants can be somewhat effective, but not as effective in diabetics with the disease as opposed to non-diabetics.  It is recommended that diabetics get yearly checkups of blood and urine to detect possible kidney damage.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy, broadly defined, is damage to the nerves which allow a person to feel sensations like cold, heat, or pain.  The feet and legs are the most common areas for neuropathy to strike.  This condition is exacerbated in Diabetics by having an elevated blood sugar level.  A high blood  glucose level or an abnormally low insulin level can lead to the condition.  Furthermore, the longer you’ve had Diabetes, the higher the risk for neuropathy to occur.  While some people won’t develop symptoms, the most severe symptoms include muscle wasting, dizziness, and general weakness.

Peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal are the four basic types of diabetic neuropathy.  Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type and affects the hands, arms, feet, and legs.  Numbness and tingling are the most common symptoms.  Autonomic neuropathy affects several internal organs and bodily functions, such as the digestive system, heart, blood vessels, urinary tract, and also the sex organs.  It primarily targets the digestive system, resulting in constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.  A major complication from autonomic neuropathy is the body becoming unaware of the onset of hypoglycemia by not developing the associated symptoms.

Proximal neuropathy affects the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs.  It is much more common in Type 2 diabetics.  Proximal neuropathy makes it difficult for the affected diabetic to stand up or sit down without assistance.  Weakness is the most common symptom.  The fourth basic type of diabetic neuropathy is focal neuropathy.  It has a rapid onset and primarily affects the eyes, chest, and legs.  The most common symptoms are eye pain, an inability to focus, severe lower back pain, and chest pain that is often mistaken for a more serious condition, such as a heart attack.  Focal neuropathy can be quite painful, but it decreases in severity over time.

Diabetic neuropathy is treated with various kinds of medications.  Autonomic neuropathy targeting the digestive system is often alleviated by eating smaller meals with less fiber to reduce gas production and bloating.  With all these types of diabetic neuropathy, it is best for a diabetic suffering from any of these conditions to work with his or her doctor in order to keep blood sugar under control.  Treatment always begins with getting blood glucose levels to a healthy level, as this can reduce the chance of problems occurring.  It is important to note that smoking also increases the risk and severity of neuropathy, so quitting is a beneficial life change to make.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Information About Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: Retinopathy
 (Damage to My Eyes! Help!)

Diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic eye disease, is retinal damage caused by diabetic complications.  The end result, of course, is blindness.  The type of diabetes a person has and the degree of control the Diabetic has over his or her blood sugar level play a huge factor.  Diabetics who monitor their blood sugar levels closely will have a much lower risk of developing the disease.  Much like diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy, the condition is aggravated by high blood  sugar levels, which can destroy important blood vessels in the eye and prevent the retina from being able to maintain proper vision.

While the disease starts asymptomatically, there are four stages of diabetic retinopathy, each one progressively worse than the next.  The first stage is called mild nonproliferative retinopathy, and involves swelling of the retina’s small blood vessels.  The second stage is moderate nonproliferative retinopathy and features continued swelling of the blood vessels, but at this stage, they swell so much the retina becomes blocked.  The third stage is called severe nonproliferative retinopathy.  By the third stage, the blocked blood vessels cause the retina to tell the body to make more blood vessels in order to nourish it.

The final stage is proliferative retinopathy.  After the retina has told the body it needs more blood  vessels for nourishment, the body responds in kind by growing them.  However, these new blood vessels are very fragile.  While they don’t interfere with vision, their fragility can cause them to break easily and leak blood over the retina, causing severe vision loss up to and including blindness.  Even at this advanced stage, the vision loss can be reversed if caught in time.  People with diabetic retinopathy can reduce the chances of blindness by up to 95 percent by simply going to an eye doctor before it’s too late.

An eye doctor can diagnose diabetic retinopathy through exams.  Dilation of the pupils is necessary so the doctor can detect any new blood vessel growth and gauge the health of the retina.  Laser eye surgery is the most common method to remove this new growth and restore vision.  However, if blood somehow gets into the eye, a procedure called a vitrectomy must be done to remove the blood.  It must be pointed out that laser surgery cannot restore vision that has already been lost.  This is why it’s imperative for diabetics suffering from this disease seek out an eye doctor before retinal damage becomes permanent.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Sugar

 Type 2 Diabetes: Clean Your Hands: Before Measuring Blood Glucose

A blood  glucose test is the most common method used by diabetics to monitor their blood sugar levels.  The test results let them know whether or not a dose of insulin is necessary.  Those with Type 1 diabetes as well as some with Type 2 Diabetes perform the test on themselves.  It’s a relatively simple procedure that has gotten progressively easier over the years.  The increased accuracy of the meter readings, as well as the reduced amount of blood needed to conduct the test, has made the entire process more economical and safer.  However, since blood must be handled in order to properly perform it, care must be taken before and after the test.

To start the test, the Diabetic will prick a finger (usually an index finger) to draw blood.  As a result, it is important to wash hands thoroughly before administering a blood glucose test.  Washing hands reduces the chance of infection from germs already on the hands and affords a relatively bacteria-free environment for the instrument piercing the skin.  This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s vital not only for health reasons, but to ensure an accurate reading from the blood  glucose meter.  Very oily or soiled hands may interfere with the reading.

Over time, pricking the same finger again and again for the blood glucose test will cause the skin to get tough and hard to pierce.  It may even become sore to the touch.  If this happens, use a lotion to moisturize and soften the skin.  It also helps to prick a different finger every now and then to allow them to heal.  Another useful tip is to keep track of which fingers are being used for testing, so the same finger doesn’t get used by accident. 

Diabetics growing tired of pricking fingers may opt for a different testing device that allows another area of the body to be used, like the hand.  No matter what area of the body is used for blood glucose testing, the fact remains that the test site should be washed beforehand, preferably with antibacterial soap.  Since leftover water or soap will throw off the meter reading, dry the test site completely after it has been washed.  Finally, it is not recommended the toes be used for testing, because the risk of infection is far too great to leave an open cut on a toe.

By
Dr Michael Hutch