Hypoglycemia is a condition involving a low blood sugar level. It usually affects adults and children over 10 years of age. Symptoms include feeling tired, fatigued, anxious, hungry, light-headed, sometimes with excessive perspiration and/or dizziness.

Most cases of hypoglycemia happen with diabetics. A reaction might not be serious and eating carbohydrate rich food or drinking sugar can usually take care of it. However, these potential symptoms should not be ignored, because if it is ignored, it may cause a person to lose consciousness.

Hypoglycemia also affects people who are not diabetic. It can occur when someone is fasting or has gone without food for a while, and may even be associated or confused with another illness or possibly certain medications. And some hypoglycemia happens within about 4 hours of eating a meal and may actually be caused from processed foods or refined sugars.

What to do to keep from getting hypoglycemia. Ironically, avoiding sugar seems to help the most. Oftentimes, this is easier said than actually done. Just stop eating any simple sugars. Try it and you may find a significant change in your energy levels. Also try eating small meals frequently, with 4-5 small meals throughout the day and be sure to have some fiber also. Regular exercise can help, with your workouts being 3-4 times a week for around 45 minutes at a time.

If you suffer from hypoglycemia, there are some precautions that you should think about doing. You could wear a bracelet with the condition on it in case of emergencies, and your local pharmacy should have them for sale. Notify your friends and co-workers about your symptoms so they can watch out for you and remind you to eat when you appear to become irritable or fatigued. Keep snacks on hand and remember to eat regularly to keep your blood sugar levels consistent. Be sure to limit alcohol consumption. And always check your glucose levels before using heavy machinery, driving or doing anything strenuous.

Copyright 2005.



Thanks to Jessica Deets for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Best Blood Glucose Monitor

Can you answer Martini’s question about Diabetes?:

I am 33 weeks along with gestational diabetes. I have been doing very well with my blood sugar levels and my diabetes is controlled by diet.

Is it likely that my doctor will let me carry to 40 weeks?

Juvenile Diabetes Information

Can you answer asanawoman’s question about Diabetes?:

I have hypoglycemia. When I drink coffee, my blood sugar levels seem to drop in relation. Can anyone tell me if this is causal?

New Treatment For Diabetes

Diabetes:

Diabetes is a chronic disease because of less insulin in body compared to healthy individual or resistance to insulin.

Carbohydrate, fat and protein are the major nutrients in our diet. Body cells utilize carbohydrate and fat for energy production and proteins or growth and development. After absorption from foods, these nutrients first enter into blood and then into cells. Insulin is required for entry of blood sugar into cells. Because of less insulin or resistance to insulin in diabetes, blood sugar cannot enter into cells and remain in blood.

Studies have shown that diabetes supplements like chromium, alpha lipoic acid and vanadium are useful in the management of diabetes.

Chromium supplements in diabetes:

Diabetes is associated with low concentrations of chromium in blood, so, an early, long-term addition of chromium as diabetes nutritional supplement to the standard therapy has been recommended in several studies. Some latest clinical reports also support the safety and therapeutic value of chromium supplementation for the management of high cholesterol and sugar in subjects with diabetes.

Chromium increases insulin receptor numbers and insulin binding to cells. Since chromium acts by increasing insulin efficiency, so lower amount of insulin is required in presence of chromium.

A clinical study published in ‘Diabetes Care. (2006, August)’ has shown that chromium supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes significantly improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Chromium supplementation also reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation .

A review article published in Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 December has mentioned that 13 of 15 clinical studies involving a total of 1,690 subjects reported significant improvement in at least one outcome of glycemic control. (Glycemic control is a medical term used for blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes). Chromium supplementation reduced blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and also reduced the requirements for drugs in diabetes.

Reduction in blood sugar and improvement in insulin sensitivity with chromium as diabetes supplement decreases the risk of long-term diabetes complications.

Alpha lipoic acid as diabetes supplement:

Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidant is a substance, which can neutralize the free radicals. Free radical can cause damage to major organs like blood vessels, heart, brain etc.

High blood sugar in diabetes increases free radical formation in body, which leads to complications of diabetes like atherosclerosis, heart problems, nerve damage and cataract. Antioxidant decreases free radicals in body and decreases risk of complications.

Numerous publications have confirmed the beneficial effects of lipoic acid in therapy of many diseases like diabetes, atherosclerosis, degenerative processes in neurons, diseases of joints,

A clinical study on diabetic patients treated with alpha lipoic acid was published in ‘hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec 5(4)’. The result of the study has proved that short-term oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment as diabetes nutritional supplement increases peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity can improve both blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors in diabetes.

In diabetes, blood sugar cannot enter into cells because of decrease response to insulin by body cells. Alpha lipoic acid improves the insulin response and enhances glucose uptake by cells, thereby improve the blood sugar levels.

Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage is a complication of diabetes. It is a progressive disease, which can cause pain, loss of sensation and weakness, in the feet and sometimes in the hands. Studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid is effective in management of diabetic nerve damage and reduces pain associated with neuropathy.

Vanadium supplement for diabetes:

Vanadium is a trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. Numerous studies have shown that vanadium has insulin-like effects in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. It may improve glucose control in people with diabetes.

Along with chromium and alpha lipoic acid, some other diabetes supplements like evening primrose oil, fenugreek and some herbs also help in the management of diabetes.

For detail information on role of other nutritional supplements in diabetes and for scientifically formulated diabetes supplement, please visit

www.dietfordisease.com/diabetes-supplement.html



Thanks to Stephen Thomson for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Medications For Type 2 Diabetes

 

How to Deal with Diabetes Mellitus – (Sweet Disease)  - Homoeopathic Approach

 

     According to recent survey reports about 5% of the total world population is suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. The incidence rate is also reasonably high in India. Currently about 20% of Indian Population is at High risk to develop Diabetes Mellitus in future i.e. they are having abnormal glucose Tolerance test. Studies have revealed that diabetic women suffer more than men. A male who is diabetic has double the chances of a heart failure. In case of women it grows to almost 5 times and it is 8 times more if the patient is a young female.

 

    Diabetes is associated with long term complications that affect almost every major part of the body. It contributes to Blindness, Heart Disease, Stroke, Kidney Failure, Amputations, and Nerve Damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy.

 

What is Diabetes?

 

     Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the human body either does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is required to convert Sugar , Starches and other food into Energy .The human body has to maintain the Blood Glucose level within a very narrow range, which is done with insulin and glucagons.  Diabetes is defined as abnormally High sugar level in blood and presence of sugar in urine due to lack or decreased proportion of  Insulin in human body. The Normal Blood Sugar levels should not exceed more than 100 mg% in Fasting state and 140 mg% , 2 hours after food in take which is called PP ( Post Perandial).

 

Types of Diabetes

 

                               Type I : This occur in young people, usually before the age of 20 years. Insulin is essential for its treatment.

 

                               Type II : It may occur at any age group but usually diagnosed after the age of 40 years. Oral hypoglycemic agents are the choice of treatment. Insulin is required only occasionally for the treatment of Type II diabetes.

 

                               Gestational Diabetes : It is detected during pregnancy. Treatment is usually not required. Blood sugar levels come down to the Normal after delivery of the baby.

 

DIABETES (Type - I) Also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM ).

 

     Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome ( group/set of symptoms) characterized by increased level of sugar (glucose) in the blood due to deficiency or inactivity of hormone “Insulin” that is absolutely necessary to monitor glucose metabolism of body. It occurs when Pancreas no longer produces any or very little Insulin. The immune system attacks the insulin producing Beta Cells in the pancreas and destroy them. Insulin is needed in the body to use sugar for producing energy. Approximately 10% of people with diabeteshave Type-I diabetes. Someone with IDDM needs daily injections of Insulin.

 

            Diabetes is a worldwide disease and if not attended properly leads to serious complications.

 

IDDM (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) or Type 1 diabetes is result of decreased production of hormone ‘”Insulin” by the pancreas (the organ that synthesizes insulin). Various factors including viral infections, stress, certain foods are known to trigger or aggravate the condition. But the root cause is disturbance of immune system where the defense mechanism of own body starts attacking the organs of own body and tissues. Some genetic factors and inborn errors are at the basis of this alteration in the immunity. Type I Diabetes is a constitutional disorder as it is an offshoot of constitutional defects (genetic factors, altered immunity) having an impact on the entire constitution of an individual. Hence it calls for an in-depth constitutional approach for its management.

 

DIABETES (Type II) or NIDDM ( Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)

 

          The remaining 90% are  Non Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II Diabetes .It occurs when the Pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when  the body does not use the insulin though it is produced effectively. It is more frequently observed in individuals who are obese. These are the individuals who have normal or less than normal production of insulin, but more importantly some body mechanism poses obstacle to the action of Insulin. The risk factors for this disorder include age, lifestyle (overeating with inactivity), pregnancy etc. But the most important factor is genetic defect that make one prone to this condition. Diabetes is a constitutional disorder as it is an offshoot of constitutional defect (genetic factors) having an impact on entire constitution of an individual. Hence it calls for an in-depth constitutional approach for its management.

 

GESTATIONALL DIABETES

 

          It is a temporary condition which occurs during pregnancy. It affects 0.5%  of pregnant women, with 40% of those cases developing into Type-II Diabetes later in life times. Treatment is usually not required. Blood sugar levels come down to the Normal after delivery of the baby.

 

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

 

          In both types of Diabetes , Signs and Symptoms are more likely to be similar as the Blood Sugar is High, either due to less or no production of Insulin, or Insulin resistance.

 

Diabetes can also be asymptomatic, however, the common symptoms are Increased Thirst, Appetite, Increased Urination, Sudden Loss of Weight or Increase in Weight, Easy Fatigability, Pruritis (Itching) - usually around Genital Organs, Numbness of Limbs, Non Haling of Cuts and Wounds, Frequently Changing Vision Power, Recurrent Skin Infections ( Fungal and Pyogenic). Few people are diagnosed only at the time of routine screening test before tooth extraction, operations or before starting the L.I.C. policies. Therefore people suffering with the above mentioned symptoms must go for blood sugar Testing.

 

Diabetes Type-I

 

            In type-I the pancreas stops producing insulin due to an autoimmune response or possibly, a viral attack on the pancreas. In the absence of insulin body cells do not get the required glucose for producing ATP( Adenosin Triphosphate) units, which results in primary symptoms in the form of nausea and vomiting. In later stages, which lead to breaking down the muscle tissue and fat for producing energy causing fast weight loss.

 

Diabetes Type - II

 

-         Increased Fatigue :- Unexplainable weakness, due to inefficiency of the cell in the metabolizing Glucose the reserve fat of the body is metabolized to gain energy.

 

-         Polydipsia :- As the concentration of Glucose increases in the blood the brain receives signals for diluting it and in its counteraction patient feels Thirsty.

 

-         Polyuria :- Increased in urine production is due to excess glucose present in the body, which gets rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it through urine. This leads to dehydration because along with sugar a large amount of water is also excreted out of the body.

 

-         Polyphagia:- The hormone insulin is also responsible for stimulating  Hunger. In order to cope up with high sugar levels in blood the body produces insulin which leads to increased hunger.

 

-         Weight Fluctuation :- Factors like loss of water (polyuria), glucosuria, metabo;ism of body fat and protein may lead to weight loss.

 

-         Blurry Vision :- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus resulting in blurry vision.

 

-         Poor Wound Healing :- High blood sugar constrain the flourishing of WBC,(White Blood Cells) which are responsible for the body’s immune system. When these cells do not function properly wounds do not heal properly.

 

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

 

             Homoeopathy is based on the principle that disease is a total affliction of body. Moreover homoeopathy recognizes importance of root cause such as genetic and inherited factors as a root of any ailment of the body. The homoeopathy medicines prescribed on such strong footings plays a crucial role in management of many deep-rooted, chronic, difficult diseases; one amongst them being Diabetes. Diabetes cannot be cure completely but can effectively controlled. People with diabetes can lead a healthy life if their blood glucose level is under control. The decrease in life span of a diabetic is restored to normal by maintaining good blood glucose control( 90 – 120 mg/dl Fasting and with less than180mg/dl as PP(2 Hrs. after meals).

 

     Homeopathic treatment: When we talk about diseases like diabetes, we talk in terms of management rather than cure. Homoeopathy can be a major player in the management of Diabetes. Timely-administered homoeopathy medicines not only assist in maintaining levels of sugar, protein and fat metabolism, but also helps in preventing further progress and hence complications of the disease. The precipitating factors of diabetes like BP, Obesity etc. can be helped by homoeopathic medication. The complications of Diabetes also can be helped tremendously with homoeopathy. If homoeopathic treatment is opted earlier far less number of case would go to the stage of Amputation etc. Even the cases of Non Healing Diabetic Ulcers have been cured with homoeopathy in our AKGsOVIHAMS Medical Center Clinic.We have been able to help the patients of  long standing Diabetes to whom their Antidiabetic medicines stopped affecting anymore and needed the change in group of medication with persistent symptoms and threatening complications , after the proper Constitutiona Homoeopathic medicines ,the same medicines started affecting them once again with no persistence of symptoms and over all relief and comfort in their quality of life. Homoeopathy does help the person in regaining his health.

 

    

 

DIABETES MANAGEMENT

 

          

 

         To keep your blood sugar in control through out the day  you need diet modification, regular exercise and medicine and change in lifestyle by including  yoga, pranayam ,meditation , mental relaxation etc. into your daily schedule.  



Thanks to Prof.Dr.A.K.Gupta,MD(Hom.) for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Information On Diabetes Mellitus