Insulin pens for diabetes are simply an insulin delivery system that allows the injection of insulin into the bloodstream of a diabetic. It comprises of an insulin cartridge, a pen needle, and a dial to measure the insulin dose. Its appearance is similar to that of a pen, only it is larger. Some of these parts are either disposable or non-replaceable. The insulin cartridge for one may need a replacement from time to time and the insulin needles are entirely disposable.

Insulin pens for diabetes are used extensively in most countries, excluding the United States where vials, injections and syringes are the preferred tools for insulin injection. They come in various sizes ranging from 1.5 ml to 3.0 ml.

Types of Insulin Pens :

There are several manufacturers of insulin pens which make it possible for users to have a variety of options. There are the pre-filled pens that are usually recommended for type 2 diabetics. These pens have pre-mixed insulin dosage, making it easier for users to determine how much insulin is to be used. These pens are disposable and require replacements once the insulin cartridge becomes empty. The drawback of this type is that it does not accommodate any adjustments to exercise and diet.

The other type of pen is the durable pen. It makes use of replaceable insulin cartridges which are discarded only after their contents are fully used up. Once a new cartridge is in place, the pen is ready for use again.

A new addition to the existing insulin pens, pens that have built-in memory allow users to store the time, date, and the amount of dosage. This makes it easier for users to tract their usage of insulin.

Advantages of insulin pens for diabetes :

There are three advantages to using insulin pens – ease of use, accuracy, and portability.

Site for injection – The first step to using an insulin pen is to select the site where you want to inject your insulin dosage. There are a few in the body that make for good injection sites, including the abdominal area, thighs, buttocks, the area of the back just above the waist, legs, and upper arm. When choosing a site for injection, always stay an inch away from the previous site and two inches away from the navel or any scars. Also, be careful not to use sites that are swollen, bruised or tender.

To use your insulin pen, first clean the site for injection with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball dabbed with alcohol. Then, take off the cover of the pen and check how much insulin is left. If the insulin looks a bit cloudy, you can mix it gently by rolling the pen in your hands. Clean the end of the insulin pen afterwards.

The next step is to insert the disposable needle in its place. Once this is properly set in place, you can clear out any air pockets inside the pen by holding the pen up in the air while pushing the end of the pen until a drop of insulin is ejected. You may need to repeat this process for a couple of times until you see a drop of insulin at the tip of the needle.

Set the amount of insulin you want to use. Pinch and hold the site where you would want to inject the insulin. Insert the needle all the way down into your skin and continue pinching the skin for a few seconds more. Pull the pen out and gently massage the area of injection. Put the insulin pen cover back in its place.

Learn more about insulin pens for diabetes and natural treatments to reduce your craving for sugar at natural diabetes treatment

Author: John Gatens
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The goal of treating reactive hypoglycemia (also know as low blood glucose) is to raise the blood glucose to a safe level: above 70 mg/dl. The treatment of a reactive hypoglycemia episode is to eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrate. Fifteen grams of carbohydrate will often raise your blood glucose level 50-75 mg in 15 minutes – this is called the 15/15 guideline.

Steps for the 15/15 guideline for reactive hypoglycemia

If you suspect your blood glucose is low, there is a good chance that you are under a spell of reactive hypoglycemia. Check your blood glucose with a glucose meter, if one is available to make sure it is not reactive hypoglycemia. If you are feeling quite low and are uneasy about your feelings, skip this step.

Eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrate and wait 15 minutes for this food or beverage to raise your blood glucose. 15 minutes may seem like a long time, but patience is needed for reactive hypoglycemia. If you consume more carbohydrate than needed, you will then experience the opposite of reactive hypoglycemia: a high blood glucose level. Also, overtreating reactive hypoglycemia by eating more than necessary can lead to weight gain.

After 15 minutes, check your blood glucose again to be sure it is up above 70 mg/dl. If not, you might be suffering from severe reactive hypoglycemia or moderate reactive hypoglycemia. Eat or drink another 15 grams of carbohydrate. Again wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood glucose. When your blood glucose is above 70 go to step 4.

If you next meal is more than 1 hour away, eat another 15 grams of carbohydrate to prevent a relapse of reactive hypoglycemia. Do this before you eat your meal.

Keep records of your reactive hypoglycemia episodes

Keeping records of your reactive hypoglycemia episodes will help you and your diabetes care team to figure out the best treatment guidelines for you in different situations, and help prevent another episode of reactive hypoglycemia.

To get more article about diabetes, check out our website: Diabetes Articles [http://www.illnesscuring.com/Diabetes.html]

Author: Tracy Ma
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Recent statistics indicate that approximately 16,000,000 people in America currently have diabetes and should be on a diabetes diet. Alarming isn’t it? There’s more though … much more. This article is just a small introduction into a diabetes diet. Hope it is enjoyable.

Another 16,000,000 Americans will develop type 2 diabetes with in 10 years! These are REPORTED cases of diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (2004) approximately 1/3 of America’s adults has diabetes and don’t even know it. The pre-diabetes adults (elevated blood sugar and borderline diabetics) and diabetics have an increased risk of heart disease. Our population steadily gaining weight – we have an epidemic of diabetes and obesity. We need to consider a diabetes diet.

All is not gloom and doom. If we are willing to make a few diet and exercise changes we may save our lives. In fact the diabetes diet along with the exercise can decrease your risk by 58 percent! The diabetes diet can help you lose 5% – 7% of your body weight, thus reducing the risk. The diabetes diet AND exercise can be more effective the medication.

There is no quick fix. Results may not be noticeable until you’ve been on the diabetes diet and exercise for 6 months or more. Here are some suggestions for the diabetes diet plan.

The diabetes diet plan for your meals will help set the goals for fat and caloric intake. The diabetic meal plan has only about 1,300 calories each day. Roughly forty five percent is from carbohydrates, about 31 from protein and the rest form fat. Each individual will modify the diabetes diet to meet their goal.

The diabetes diet should contain legumes (Food from pods such as alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, lupines and peanuts). These are high fiber, low cholesterol, and slow digesting (meaning the full feeling lasts longer). This diabetes diet will help you enjoy legumes by adding chick peas, garbanzo beans and black beans.

Each meal of this diabetes diet will help the diabetic pay more attention to the portions consumed. Foods are measured out at the beginning of each day, for that day. This will help create a routine stay in practice.

The diabetes diet plan will teach the diabetic that it IS okay to snack. How cool is that? Choosing snacks wisely can even help the diabetic lose weight! Why? How? Here’s more!

Eating small meals every few hours will keep away that hungry feeling. That hungry feeling makes one tend to overeat. Eating every three to four hours keep that hunger away by keeping food in the stomach all the time.

The snacks in the diabetes diet are grouped into categories. Some of the “milk snacks” are skim milk, soy milk, or yogurt. Some protein snacks in the diabetes diet plan are a hard-boiled egg, a quarter cup of low fat cottage cheese or a reduce fat string cheese, and about a quarter cup of nuts (mixed is fine).

On the fruit list are a medium-size piece of fresh fruit, about a ½ a cup of cut up fruit, and about a quarter cup of dried fruit. Dried is my preferred type. What a CONCENTRATED FLAVOR you will get!

Combinations are of course, just like it says. Mix and match a measured portion of protein with a correct portion of fruit. Example: 1 cup yogurt with ½ cup of chopped pears.

Additionally a diabetes diet should contain:

o Monounsaturated fats in moderation. Use Olive oil and/or canola oil in place of butter.

o Eat high-fiber foods (vegetables, brown rice, etc).

o Eat fish about twice a week.

o Eat yogurt and canned fruit that is low in sugar.

These are just a few suggestions for a diabetes diet. I thank you for your time and for reading this diabetes diet article. Remember always consult your primary medical care provider before changing diet.

Keith Standifer is a business owner and an advocate for healthy diets for all. Read more about some of the high quality nutritional supplements he uses. Visit his site at http://www.healthisyours.usana.com

Author: Keith Standifer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Regular blood glucose testing by people with diabetes is important to help control it, and also prevent long-term complications. Good control of blood glucose levels can prevent or reduce serious complications.

Frequent testing can show how changes in diet, exercise, medications or weight are having an effect on a patient’s diabetes. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels allows control and timely intervention to prevent diabetic complications.

Why is testing important for diabetic patients?

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels (blood glucose) gives valuable information as to whether the level is within the normal range. If kept in control, this can delay the onset or development of long term diabetic complications, which can even be life-threatening.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can monitor their blood sugar themselves, by using thumb prick blood tests which are available as home kits. Self-monitoring is very important for long-term health.
What are the routine tests that are followed?

Regular self testing, recording of blood glucose levels by thumb prick blood tests, laboratory test of HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) level a few times a year should be taken.
Other tests that should be performed routinely include: urine test to monitor kidney function; blood fat levels (cholesterol & triglyceride levels), and tests for kidney function.
Regular blood pressure measurement and treatment if needed.

Examination of the feet is also necessary, as the patient may not be aware of loss of sensation from early nerve damage.

Also, get eyes tested every 1 to 2 years, depending on test results.
How is diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following test are the normal tests whoich are used for diagnosis:

1. Fasting plasma glucose test –
This measures the blood glucose with a minimum gap of at least 8 hours without eating. It is best done on an empty stomach in the morning. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.
If a person’s fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that one is quite likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.
A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one is diabetic.

99 mg/dL and below – normal, not diabetic

100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL – pre diabetic

126 mg/dL and above – diabetic.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) -

This measures the blood glucose after one has not eaten for least 8 hours, and then 2 hours after drinking 75 grams glucose-containing beverage. This test is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.
This test is more sensitive than the fasting plasma glucose test for diagnosing pre-diabetes.
If 2 hours after drinking the liquid, the blood glucose level of a person is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, then it a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that one is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

Glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one has diabetes.

139 mg/dL and below – not diabetic, normal

140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL – pre diabetes

200 mg/dL and above – diabetic

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If the blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, then the person has gestational diabetes.

3. Random plasma glucose test -

This measures blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not pre-diabetes.

A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, alongwith presence of the following symptoms, can suggest that one has diabetes:

· increased urination

· increased thirst

· unexplained weight loss

Other associated symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased appetite, and sores that do not heal.
Test results are confirmed only after repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

What is HbA1c or the glycosylated haemoglobin test?

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) gets collected in red blood cells when they are produced. This gives a clue about the blood sugar levels over a couple of months – the average lifespan of a red blood cell. Thus, this test shows the average blood glucose level over time, as compared to the thumb prick test, which indicates blood glucose at the time of testing.
If the HbA1c level is above 7%, consult a doctor for a better diabetes management plan.
If the HbA1c level is above 8%, the doctor may change medication or a more intensive insulin regime be used.
The combination of HbA1c test and thumb prick test results give a better indication of variations in blood glucose levels than either test alone.

How often should blood sugar testing be done?

Diabetic patients who are taking insulin injections should self test 3-4 times everyday, especially before retiring to bed. Type 2 diabetic patients on medicines should self test around a few times every week.
It is best to check glucose levels first thing in the morning; and before and after meals. Keep changing daily test times to get a better idea of the changes to blood glucose levels.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, Diabetes Testing,diabetes causes visit http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Author: Ashi Jas
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Despite popular belief to the contrary, it may be possible to cure insulin resistance by following a protocol that includes an insulin resistance diet plan, insulin resistance supplements and a regular exercise program.

Insulin resistance (IR) is characterised by an inability of the body cells to bind insulin and allow nutrients to flow into the cells.

This results in elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream, leading to many serious health issues. Over time, it may result in blindness, peripheral neuropathy (damaged blood vessels and nerves in fingers and toes that may require amputation) and coronary heart disease to name a few.

Despite the serious nature of this condition and its growing prevalence in our society, it may be possible to cure insulin resistance by following some simple strategies.

1. Eat small meals often

Having a ‘Sunday Roast’ or dinner with friends occasionally is fine. However, in order to prevent or cure insulin resistance, small meals must be the norm.

Larger meals induce a larger insulin response in the body simply because more nutrients need to be stored. Since it is necessary to keep insulin production as low as possible, replacing the large meals with smaller options is the first step that needs to be taken.

In saying that, having small meals doesn’t mean you have to starve. You can still have the same amount of food throughout the day you just need to spread it over 5 meals as opposed to 3. By keeping insulin low you will also help your body use more of its fat stores as a fuel.

This is a major part of the insulin resistance diet plan.

2. Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates tend to induce a far higher spike in the blood sugar than other carbohydrates. This of course results in a greater amount of insulin being secreted by the pancreas.

When the receptors on cell membranes get continually bombarded by insulin they become de-sensitised to its action (IR). Therefore, reducing your intake of refined carbs means that less insulin is produced and the chance of the cell receptors becoming de-sensitised will also be reduced.

3. Reduce your overall carbohydrate and saturated fat intake

Carbohydrates induce insulin production far more than the other two macronutrients; protein and fat. Therefore, reducing your overall intake of carbohydrates will reduce insulin production and decrease the opportunity for IR to occur in your body.

All of our cell membranes are made of phospholipids, which are made from fats. If we have a high intake of saturated fats in our diet our cell membranes become harder and less permeable. This promotes IR.

By reducing our overall carbohydrate and saturated fat intake we reduce insulin production and improve the functioning of our cell membranes, which reduces IR.

4. Increase your fibre intake

Since fibre slows down the absorption rate of carbohydrates from the intestines into the blood stream, insulin production will also be reduced. By reducing insulin secretion, you reduce the potential for IR to occur in your body.

Fibre is found mainly in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods. Some people find it easy to add a couple of teaspoons of psyllium husks to their breakfast cereal in the morning. This is a great way to increase your fibre intake and psyllium has a whole range of health benefits.

5. Add some good fats to your diet

All of our cell membranes are made of phospholipids, which are made from fats. Adding good fats to our diet makes our cell membranes more permeable and flexible. It also reduces IR by allowing the cell receptors to function optimally.

You may want to take some fish oil capsules every day, add some flax seed oil to your diet or simply add some LSA (Linseed, Sunflower seed and Almond) meal to your cereal each day. These are some easy ways to add good fats to your diet.

6. Have ‘complete’ meals

‘Complete’ meals are meals that supply your body with a portion of carbohydrate, protein and fat. By ensuring that all 3 macronutrients are in your meals, you slow down the passage of carbohydrates into the blood stream because protein and fat slow its absorption.

A slow and sustained release of glucose into the blood stream means that your blood sugar level will remain stable, insulin will stay low and the potential for IR in your body will be reduced.

7. Use glucose disposal agents

Glucose disposal agents (GDAs) function of insulin by making cell receptors more sensitive to its action. This means they have the potential to prevent and even reverse insulin resistance in your body, which will make it much easier for your body to access and burn fat as a fuel source.

Since insulin resistance is becoming more prevalent these days, most adults should consider using glucose disposal agents almost every day. In order to cure insulin resistance it is best to use it 3 times a day with your breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.

8. Exercise every day

Regular, daily exercise is important for everyone to do but it is even more important if you want to cure insulin resistance. When you exercise your body cells, particularly muscle cells, use up more nutrients. This makes the cell membranes more receptive to insulin since the cells need more nutrients to flow into them.

Both aerobic exercise and resistance exercise should be performed on a weekly basis. This will ensure the cell membranes become as receptive to insulin as possible.

Overall, by combining an insulin resistance diet plan with insulin resistance supplements and daily exercise it is possible to cure insulin resistance.

Stephen Smith is the part-owner of Body Concepts, an Australian supplement company, and Focus On, a health and lifestyle magazine. Stephen has been involved in the health and fitness industry for over 18 years and after completing a science degree from the University of Western Australia, spent many years researching the most effective ways to help people lose weight quickly.

In 2004 he published his best-selling book, Look Good Feel Great which explains exactly what people need to do to lose all the weight they want to get in the best shape of their life.

Lots of free articles and interesting weight loss information can be found on his website:
http://www.quick-weight-loss-principles.com

Author: Stephen J Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The diagnosis makes diabetes a reality for you. With diabetes, experiencing hypoglycemia is usually a risk. Because you’re a diabetic, you must be extra cautious when it comes to what you eat…and how much you exercise. Is there a way to make exercise a regular part of your life without giving hypoglycemia an equally permanent status in your life as well?

Read on and find the answer to that question as well as more valuable information about hypoglycemia and exercise.

Can Exercise Cause Hypoglycemia? YES, but not all the time.

When you exercise for an unusually long time, and you neglect replenishing your glucose production by eating, you’re making yourself increasingly vulnerable to hypoglycemia.

Can You Still Exercise If You Have Diabetes and Hypoglycemia?

Fortunately, we can give you another YES for this question. As long as you observe proper precautions, there’s no reason for you to give up exercising completely.

Firstly, always check your blood glucose. Don’t be lazy about this. Knowing your blood glucose count will help you more accurately estimate just how many minutes you can exercise continuously before you have to eat once more. Your doctor will inform you at what particular level is it considered safe for you to exercise.

If you find out that your glucose level is too high or low, refrain from exercise for the time being. Eat more or less until your glucose level goes back to normal.

Always have little protein snacks with you to ensure that there’s food to grab during emergencies – and yes, hypoglycemia is one of those emergencies.

Avoid exercising in places or settings that have temperatures at the extreme. It can either be too hot or too cold. Both are not beneficial for your health. In such temperatures, your body is unable to absorb insulin properly – and that’s bad news for diabetics, as all of you may already know.

How Will I Know If I’m at Risk of Having Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia’s a silent killer; the symptoms appear gradually, so one moment, you’re feeling great at the treadmill, but the next moment, you’re gasping for a sugar rush. That’s the bad news.

Here’s the good news. Even if the symptoms are subtle, hypoglycemia’s a well-researched and much-studied condition, so most symptoms, if not all, have already been identified. The only thing you should know then is memorize the symptoms. Knowing them will give you enough warning to successfully prevent hypoglycemia from cutting your workout short.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia:

Growling Stomach – Hunger is the top indication that you’re about to experience hypoglycemia. Rule number one, people: don’t exercise if your stomach isn’t partially full, especially if you’re diabetic as well!

Change in Heartbeat Rate – No, a change in your heartbeat rate isn’t an indication that you’re falling in or out of love. Possibly, if the change happens while you’re sweating it out in the gym, it could be an indication that you’re suffering from hypoglycemia.

Getting Wet – If your clothes end up clinging to your skin too early, it means you’re sweating more profusely than usual. Again, that’s an indication of hypoglycemia.

Other Tips for Exercising

Never start a new exercise routine without having it evaluated by your physician first. Always wear the proper attire, especially when it comes to footwear – socks and shoes – because they’re the most vulnerable part of your body right now. Drink lots of water before, during, and after your workout. Lastly, have fun but keep safe while exercising!

Karen Newton is a registered nurse and fulltime freelance writer dealing with endocrinology issues such as diabetes and hypoglycemia. To get a free copy of the “7 Day Hypoglycemia Survival Guide” go to:

[http://www.hypoglycemiasecrets.com/hypoglycemia.htm]

Author: K. Newton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Since there are different types of diabetes, each type has a unique possible cause.

The main two causes of diabetes is the body’s failure to produce enough of the insulin hormone, and secondly the body develops a resistance to insulin.

· Type 1 diabetes is due to decreased insulin production.

· Type 2 is due to insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.

· In juvenile diabetes, the cause might probably be a lack of vitamin D.

There is also gestational diabetes that only occurs in pregnant women.

Causes of diabetes -

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas does not create sufficient or any of the hormone insulin, or when the insulin produced does not work efficiently. Thus, this causes the level of glucose in the blood to be higher than normal levels

1. In Type 1 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are attacked and destroyed by the body’s own immune system, causing a severe lack of insulin.

It is not clear why this happens, but possible triggers of this reaction could be -

· infection with a specific virus or bacteria;

· exposure to food-borne chemical toxins or

· exposure to cow’s milk when as an infant, where as a yet unidentified component of the milk triggers an autoimmune reaction in the body.

However, these are only assumption, and are yet to be proven.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children, teenagers or young adults. Scientists believe this is a genetically caused condition and is not related to lifestyle habits.

Risk factors for developing type – 1diabetes include:

1. Family history – a child that has a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes has a 2-6% chance of developing the disease.

2. Autoimmune disorders – such as thyroid disease and celiac disease, raises the risk of type 1 diabetes.

3. Early stoppage of breastfeeding and/or exposure to cow’s milk – breastfeeding an infant for at least three months decreases the risk of type 1 diabetes. Some studies also show that exposure to cow’s milk or cow’s milk-based formula before one year of age may increase diabetes risk.

4. Ethnicity – Americans, Caucasians have a greater risk of type 1 diabetes as compared to African-Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans.

5. History of childhood virus diseases

2. Type 2 diabetes is believed to develop when:

· the receptors on the human cells in the body that respond to the action of insulin fall short of being stimulated by it – known as insulin resistance. In reaction to this, more insulin may be produced, and this over-production exhausts the insulin-manufacturing cells in the pancreas;

· there is just insufficient insulin available in the body and

· the insulin that is available may be abnormal and therefore doesn’t function properly.

The following risk factors increase the chances of one developing Type 2 diabetes:

· increasing age

· if it runs in the family, ie. hereditary

· obesity

· high blood pressure

· diet which is high in fat and low in dietary fibre

· sedentary lifestyle with no or very less physical activity.

· certain medicines such as diuretics, which increase the amount of water flowing into the urine.

Corticosteroids can also lead to diabetes because they work against the action of insulin.

· gestational diabetes

· any illness or disease that damages the pancreas and affects its ability to produce insulin e.g. pancreatitis. (inflammation of the pancreas) and thyrotoxicosis (a poisonous condition that results from an overactive thyroid gland).

· hormone treatments, such as growth hormone, thyroid hormone and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH).

What does not cause diabetes?

It is also important to be aware of the different myths that have arisen about the causes of diabetes over time.
Eating sweets, excess sugar or the wrong kind of food (fried and fatty food) does not cause diabetes. However, this type of a diet may cause obesity, and overweight people are generally prone to developing Type 2 diabetes. So, its not the food, but the effect of food that may cause diabetes. So, if you love eating and are a foodoholic, make sure to burn out the extra calories that go on to make the flab.

Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a trigger for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. Stress, however does definitely make the symptoms worse for those who already have diabetes.

People with diabetes should never eat sugar and sweets. Sugar and sweets do raise the blood glucose, but people with diabetes can safely eat sugar as part of their meal plan.
People with diabetes should eat a special diabetes diet. This is a false notion. One has to eat regulated, along with a balanced diet.

Diabetes is not contagious. Someone with diabetes cannot transmit it on to anyone else.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Author: Ashi Jas
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects glucose in the blood stream from entering the necessary cells, where glucose is needed for growth and energy expenditure. The pancreas, a large gland, is responsible for producing enough of a hormone called insulin to ensure that glucose in the blood stream can pass into the cells where it is needed. People with diabetes have a pancreas that is not able to produce enough insulin, or none at all, which causes high levels of glucose in the blood stream after eating. This excess glucose is passed out of the body through urine. Although the body is getting enough glucose through the correct diet, because of the malfunctioning pancreas the body is unable to use it, and it is expelled from the body.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can develop complications that can eventually lead to a premature death assuming the person doesn’t suffer from any other life-threatening illnesses. There are 3 main types of diabetes and we will look at all 3 in remainder of this article. The 3 types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, sometimes referred to as insulin dependent or juvenile on-set diabetes. As the name implies, the sufferer will need to take insulin once or several times a day to survive. Is is an autoimmune disease that actually turns against the body and instead of attacking cells that cause infection, it actually attacks the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin, namely, the beta cells. If not diagnosed early and treated immediately a sufferer can laps into a diabetic ketoacidosis or what is commonly known as a diabetic coma.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults, but is also capable of developing in adults of all ages. 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases in the USA are type 1 specific.

It is not known exactly how or what factors can cause or lead to type 1 diabetes developing in someone, but scientists suspect that genetic and environmental factors may play a part, possibly also including viruses. Symptoms can normally develop over a relatively short period of time and can include extreme fatigue and blurred vision, weight loss and an increased appetite. Also an increased need to urinate.

Type 2 diabetes, often known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes, and is diagnosed in 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes sufferers, and mainly those in older age.

Type 2 diabetes often occurs in those who are overweight. That is about 80 percent of type 2 sufferers. Other contributing factors that can also present themselves in exception to being overweight are lack of exercise, a family history of diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism and certain ethnic groups are also at risk such as american from African, Native American, Hispanic/Latino and Asian ethnic groups.

Gestational diabetes: this type of diabetes is diagnosed in women during pregnancy (in the later stages of pregnancy) and can be found in women who present some of the contributing factors found in those that suffer from type 1 and 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused by pregnancy-related hormones or low levels of insulin production. It is not uncommon for women to not present with any symptoms. Often women who are overweight and have a history of diabetes in their family. It also more frequently occurs in African, Hispanic, Latino and Native Americans. There is a close link between symptoms of gestational diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes.

Of all pregnant women in the USA, somewhere between 3 and 8 percent will suffer from gestational diabetes. It needs to be managed to lower the risk of the baby suffering complications. 5 to 10 percent of women who present with gestational diabetes are also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 20 to 50 percent of those who don’t have an increased risk of developing diabetes in the next 5 to 10 years.

Author: Janie Jonah
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Author: Janie Jonah
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Decades ago, people with Type I (juvenile) diabetes had to rely on regular injections to control blood glucose levels. Today, insulin infusion (also known as insulin pump therapy) has eliminated the need for painful, frequent and invasive injections for tens of thousands of diabetics. 

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It causes the body to destroy the cells that produce insulin, a hormone which is critical to regulating the body’s level of blood glucose.  The disease typically manifests itself in childhood or the teen years (though it has been found babies and in young adults.) 

Those with Type I diabetes must use manufactured insulin delivered through the skin directly into the body. Before the development of the insulin pump, the only way to deliver the hormone was by injecting it into the blood via a needle. Sufferers had to test their blood throughout the day, usually by pricking a finger and applying a droplet of blood to a test strip. The strip indicates blood glucose levels in the body, and determines whether or not an insulin injection is needed. 

The development of insulin infusion makes delivery of this critical hormone easier and less prone to human error and the pitfalls of guesswork. Insulin infusion takes place through the use of an insulin pump. 

An insulin pump consists of a small, digitalized computer, a cannula (or tube) and a needle. The needle is inserted just under the skin of the patient, usually in the abdominal region. It is typically held in place by an adhesive pad or strip. The needle is connected to the digital pump device by the cannula. The needle remains under the skin twenty-four hours per day, and the small pump can be clipped to clothing, usually a belt or pants waistband. The entire device is relatively discreet and is difficult to detect underneath a person’s clothing. 

The insulin pump contains an internal reservoir which holds the hormone. Instructions for correct dosage amounts and injection timings are entered into the computerized device. Once programmed, the device will deliver the hormone through the tube and needle and into the body as required. The pump can also be manually activated if extra doses of insulin are needed which have not been pre-programmed into the device. 

Blood glucose levels must still be checked regularly. However, the need for manual needle injections of insulin is eliminated with the use of a pump. It may also reduce the total number of daily glucose tests that are needed. 

Insulin infusion for Type I diabetes is a relatively new technology, but is rapidly gaining acceptance in the medical community for its numerous advantages, which include:  

*Ease of administration: Insulin infusion has been a lifesaver for many Type I diabetes sufferers, particularly children. Children with Type I diabetes are able to attend school and participate in regular daily activity, and parents need not worry about finding someone to administer insulin to their child in their absence. Nor do they need to worry about a child going into insulin shock while at school. Parents can simply fill and program the pump and know that their child will receive the correct amount of insulin throughout the day. 

*Convenience: Insulin infusion is not disruptive to normal daily activity. Diabetics need not take time out of regular activities to administer insulin. 

*Dosage level control: Sometimes the amount of insulin a person requires is so small (particularly in the case of babies and very small children) that manual administration poses significant risk of overdosing. The insulin pump, on the other hand, can accurately deliver even very small amounts of insulin to the body. 

Unfortunately, insulin infusion is considered to be too new a technology by many insurance companies. Therefore, many of them do not cover insulin pumps for diabetic patients. However, insulin pumps have frequently proved themselves to be life-saving devices, especially in children, and they are slowly becoming recognized as a legitimate and necessary form of Type I diabetes treatment rather than merely devices of convenience. Pressure from consumers and the producers of insulin pumps have caused some insurance companies to change their policies regarding the coverage of insulin pumps. It’s likely that more companies will follow suit in the years and decades to come.

Jenny Schweyer is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest.

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Author: Jenny Schweyer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What is Pre-diabetes?

This is a fact that before developing diabetes mellitus type 2, almost always that patient develops Pre-diabetes condition. Though we will not diagnose that person as diabetic, but if he or she will not control his or her blood suger level, he will probably have diabetes mellitus in future. In pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels are in higher limits, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes mellitus. In USA only, more than 54 million people have pre-diabetes condition.During pre-diabetes damage to heart and circulatory system may already be occuring.

Various studies have shown that if you control your pre-diabetes condition earlier, then there are very less chances to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus, or you can delay it to develop. So always try to manage your blood glucose under control limits when you are in pre-diabetic stage to prevent yourself from developing type 2 diabetes.

Do you have Pre-diabetes Condition, How to Tell?

There are two important tests that can tell you that you are having pre-diabetes condition. 1-The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) 2: Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Your doctor can do any of these two tests.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test values for pre-diabetes are between 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl. If your glucose level is below 100mg/dl, then you have normal metabolism, if above 125mg/dl then you have Diabetes. It means if your level is between 100-125mg/dl, then you will have pre-diabetes.
In case of OGTT, if less than 140mg/dl, then normal, between 140-200mg/dl is pre-diabetic condition and above 200mg/dl is diabetic condition.

How you can prevent pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes can be very lethal to your health if you will not manage it seriously. Sooner or later you will probably have type 2 diabetes. There are two simple things that you can do to get rid of this pre-diabetes situation. You can also even get your glucose level within normal limits if you follow these 3 steps.

A: Change in your diet habit. Try to avoid sweets in your diet.

B: Half hour moderate exercise.

C: Weight reduction.

Just 30 minutes daily moderate physical activity or exercise, along with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, can produce a 58% reduction in diabetes

Who should get tested for pre-diabetes?

If you are overweight and above 45 years of age, then you should have your FPG and OGTT. If you are not overweight and above 45, should consult your doctor. If you are below 45 and overweight, you should also check your fasting plasma glucose level.

How often should I be tested?

If you are having normal blood glucose levels you should have FPG test every 3 years. If you have pre-diabetes, you should be checked for type 2 diabetes every year after your diagnosis of pre-diabetes.

Children pre-diabetes

Children have much less chances of developing pre-diabetes condition, however if they are very obese then one must think of pre-diabetes condition and get yourself be checked for pre-diabetes.

Dr. Armughan (Consultant Cardiologist) Manitaining following sites
Diabetes Symptoms
High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Author: Armughan Riaz
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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