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  iControlDiabetes 6:43 pm on September 21, 2011 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Action Of Insulin, Blood Glucose Level ( 4 ), Blood Glucose Levels ( 5 ), Dawn Phenomenon ( 3 ), Defense Mechanism, Glucagon ( 2 ), Glucose Metabolism, Glucose Production, Glucose Utilization, Health Care Team ( 2 ), High Blood Glucose ( 2 ), High Blood Glucose Levels ( 2 ), Insulin Secretion, Low Blood Glucose ( 2 ), Low Blood Glucose Levels, Low Blood Sugar ( 2 ), Pancreases, Production Changes, TYPE 1 DIABETES ( 5 ), TYPE 2 DIABETES   

  Dawn Phenomenon 

  

  Very high blood glucose in the early morning due to the release of certain hormones in the middle of the night. The body makes certain hormones called counterregulatory hormones, which work against the action of insulin. These hormones, which include glucagon, epinephrine, growth hormone, and cortisol, raise blood glucose levels, when needed, by signaling the liver to release more glucose and by inhibiting glucose utilization throughout the body.

  In the middle of the night, there is a surge in the amount of growth hormone the body releases, followed by a surge in cortisol, which effectively cranks up glucose production in the liver, presumably to prepare the body for daytime activity after a period of fasting. In people who don’t have diabetes, these processes are offset by increased insulin secretion by the pancreas, so blood glucose levels remain relatively stable. However, in people with Type 1 diabetes, whose pancreases don’t make insulin, and in people with Type 2 diabetes, whose livers may not respond to insulin well enough to stop glucose production, changes in glucose metabolism during sleep can have a profound effect on morning blood glucose levels. Typically, the blood glucose level rises between 4 AM and 8 AM.

  It is important to realize that high morning blood sugar may be caused by something else: the body’s rebound from low blood glucose levels at night. Rebound hyperglycemia, also caused by the release of counterregulatory hormones, represents the body’s defense mechanism against low blood sugar. The only way to tell the two phenomena apart is to check your blood glucose level in the middle of the night (around 3 AM). If your blood sugar is high, you are probably experiencing the dawn phenomenon; if it is low, rebound hyperglycemia is probably at work.

  If you experience high blood glucose levels when you wake up, talk with your health-care team. They can recommend further testing and changes in your meal, exercise, or insulin regimen to alleviate the problem.

  by Robert S. Dinsmoor

   

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  iControlDiabetes 4:58 pm on August 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: American Diabetes Association ( 3 ), Andy Lee, Assistant Prof, Bad Fats, Blood Sugar Levels ( 2 ), Columbia University, Diabetes ( 17 ), Diet Diabetes, Diet For Diabetics, Dr Judith, Endocrinologist, Endocrinology And Metabolism, exercise, Genetic Predisposition, Healthy Diet For Diabetics, Lifestyle Changes, Managing Diabetes, Moderate Exercise, Noticeable Decline, Progressive Nature, Trans Fatty Acid, TYPE 2 DIABETES, type2, weight loss   

  Lifestyle Changes can Reverse Type 2 Diabetes 

  

  According to the American Diabetes Association, 21 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, with about 90 to 95% having type 2 diabetes. New studies are finding that people with type 2 diabetics reverse their condition by lifestyle changes.

  New studies are showing that that type 2 diabetes can be reversed. According to a study completed by researchers at UCLA, changes in diet, moderate exercise and weight loss can help reverse diabetes in at least 50% of patients.

  This is not to say that everyone with Type 2 diabetes is overweight, and it is true that many obese people never get diabetes, however, 95% of people who have Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Most experts believe that obesity combined with genetic predisposition could trigger and lifestyle changes could reverse type 2 diabetes condition.

  The key to managing diabetes is the keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels so that you can identify which foods and medicines cause a spike. Once you have identified these items, you can remove them from your diet. People with type 2 diabetes should watch all trans-fatty acid, hydrogenated oils, bad fats, carbohydrate and sugar. Getting plenty of vegetables and healthy proteins can help create a healthy diet for diabetics.

  Dr. Judith Korner, who is the assistant professor of endocrinology and metabolism at Columbia University says, “losing weight helps reduce the visceral fat in the abdomen. The fat encases the organs, including the liver, making it more difficult for the organs to respond to insulin.” She believes that losing as little as 5% to 10% of one’s body weight can produce a noticeable decline in blood sugar.

  “Eventually most patients will follow a course of lifestyle, medications, then insulin,” said Dr. Enrico Cagliero. “Overall about 30% of all diabetics are on insulin, but, given the progressive nature of the disease, close to 60% can expect to be on it eventually.”

  Dr. Wei-An “Andy” Lee, an endocrinologist and assistant professor at USC’s Keck School of Medicine states, “I wish more doctors and patients would not assume insulin injections are their only option,” he said. “I don’t see why more don’t give lifestyle a try. It’s better for the patient, costs less than medications or surgery, and is better for the country.”

  References: LA Times, Life Clinic, The Diabetic Connection.

  Written by Tyler Woods Ph.D

   
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  iControlDiabetes 4:55 pm on August 6, 2011 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Being Overweight, Calories, Cholesterol ( 2 ), Cholesterol Levels, Diabetes ( 17 ), Fats, Health ( 3 ), High Blood Pressure ( 2 ), Insulin ( 5 ), Losing Weight, Risk, Smart Food Choices, TYPE 2 DIABETES   

  Lowering The Risks 

  

  Many serious problems can happen if you don’t control your type 2 diabetes. But there are things you can do to lower the risk. Exercising regularly, eating lower amounts of fats and calories, and losing weight can help you lower the risk of getting problems from type 2 diabetes. You should also try to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to stay healthy. Start simple, with the changes you think will be the easiest for you to make, and continue from there. There are two key changes you should focus on:

  
  1. Reach and keep a healthy body weight

  Your weight affects your health in many ways. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin. Being overweight can also cause high blood pressure.

  2. Make smart food choices

  What you eat plays a big role in your health. By making smart food choices, you can help control your body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

   
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  iControlDiabetes 3:18 am on July 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: A1c Test, American Diabetes Association ( 3 ), Association Ada, Average Blood Sugar Level, Blood Sugar Control, Blood Sugar Level, Blood Sugar Levels ( 2 ), Blood Sugar Test, Burnout, Diabetes Complications ( 3 ), Diabetes Control ( 3 ), Diabetes Medicines, Diet Recommendations, Great News, Managing Your Diabetes, Physical Activity ( 2 ), Picture Of Diabetes, Setback, Target Zone, TYPE 2 DIABETES   

  Are You in Control of your diabetes? 

   

  

  Many things can affect your blood sugar control, from the foods you eat to how active you are to taking diabetes medicines as prescribed. Sometimes, blood sugar levels can seem to change without reason.

  Your answers to the following questions can help you and your doctor see where you may need more help managing your diabetes. Answer the following Questions and see your results, and share them with your doctor at your next appointment.

  1) How often are you checking your blood sugar?

  Keep track of your blood sugar levels, along with what you’ve eaten and how active you’ve been.

  This will help you and your doctor see how food and activity affect your blood sugar.

  
  

  
  2) Are your blood sugar numbers within the range your doctor recommends?

  By keeping your blood sugar levels in your target zone, you can help reduce your risk for diabetes

  complications in the future.

   

  3) Do you get an A1C blood sugar test 2-3 times a year to see how well your sugar is controlled over several months?

  Your A1C results show you and your doctor your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. A1C tests give the “big picture” of diabetes control. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises people with type 2 diabetes to get an A1C test at least twice a year. This is a test that your doctor gives you.You may need your level checked more often if you are not at your A1C goal or if your treatment changes.

  
  

  4) Are you following your doctor’s diet recommendations?

  Eating healthy is key to managing type 2 diabetes. There may be times when you have trouble following your eating plan–if and when that happens, the important thing is to get past your setback, and get back on track. Don’t beat yourself up.

  
  

  5) Are you doing as much physical activity each week as your doctor recommends?

  The great news about physical activity is that it helps your body in so many ways, not just controlling your blood sugar. Try to avoid exercise burnout by varying your activities, and don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day. Just get back into your routine as soon as you can.

  
  

  6) Are you taking your diabetes medicine(s) as your doctor prescribed?

  For many people with type 2 diabetes, medication is key to controlling their blood sugar. If you’re having side effects that make it hard to stay on your treatment, talk with your doctor. He or she may adjust your dose or change your medicine. If you’re having trouble paying for your medicine, many drug companies have programs to help people get the treatment they need. The Partnership For Prescription Assistance (http://www.pparx.org) is a centralized source of information on hundreds of prescription drug programs

  
  

  7) Have you been experiencing one or more of the following: Blurred vision, tingling, numbness or burning in hands, legs or feet, wounds that won’t heal, sexual dysfunction, red, sore or bleeding gums?

  These are some of the common symptoms of high blood sugar. However, your blood sugar may be high without you having any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to check your blood sugar yourself and get an A1C test at least twice a year. These tests will help you and your doctor see if you’re reaching your blood sugar targets.

  
  8) Do you feel down much of the time?

  Living with a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes can affect how you feel. Research also shows that there’s a link between diabetes and depression. If you’re feeling depressed, it’s important to speak with your doctor, because depression may affect your ability to manage your diabetes.

   
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  iControlDiabetes 3:02 am on July 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Blood Glucose Levels ( 5 ), Body Doesn, Causes Of Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes Pregnancy, Gestational Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Gdm, Glucose Tolerance, High Blood Glucose ( 2 ), High Blood Glucose Levels ( 2 ), Low Blood Glucose ( 2 ), Pregnancy Diabetes, Pregnancy Increase, Production Of Insulin, Stress Tests, TYPE 1 DIABETES ( 5 ), Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, TYPE 2 DIABETES, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Type Of Diabetes   

  

  Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes found only in pregnant women. Around 4% of pregnant women will develop this type of Diabetes during their pregnancy, which doesn’t necessarily mean that they will have diabetes after giving birth to their child. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational Diabetes carries a great risk for the baby. Gestational Diabetes according to Wikipedia: “Gestational diabetes (or gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) is a condition in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes exhibit high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes generally has few symptoms and it is most commonly diagnosed by screening during pregnancy. Diagnostic tests detect inappropriately high levels of glucose in blood samples. Gestational diabetes affects 3-10% of pregnancies, depending on the population studied. No specific cause has been identified, but it is believed that the hormones produced during pregnancy increase a woman’s resistance to insulin, resulting in impaired glucose tolerance. “

  Causes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus are not quite known, but due to hormonal changes during the pregnancy your body has a hard time keeping up with the needs and the production of insulin. In the end the woman’s body doesn’t get enough energy from the intake of food.

  The symptoms are exactly like with Type1 Diabetes Mellitus and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. What causes the biggest issue with this type of diabetes is the risk for the baby. If Gestational Diabetes is caught in time there shouldn’t be a great risk, but if left unchecked it can cause the following issues:

  • Baby can have a low blood glucose right after being born
  • Baby can also have breathing problems
  • Can have extra fat

  To make sure that your baby is ok the doctors will run immediate tests like ultrasound, special stress tests and kick counts. The issue here is that both mother and child are at risk of having Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for the rest of their lives.

  In some cases the symptoms of Gestational Diabetes will not show but nevertheless they may cause increased risk of high blood pressure, possibility of giving birth to a large baby which would require a Cesarean section.

  On the bright side in most cases Gestational Diabetes disappears after giving birth. But if you are not careful later you are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. You may also develop Gestational Diabetes if you get pregnant again.