Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs

 

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can affect all people, regardless of age. Early symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be missed, so those affected may not even know they have the condition. An estimated one out of every three people with type 2 diabetes are not aware they have it. Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates for energy, leading to high levels of blood sugar. These chronically high blood sugar levels increase a person's risk of developing nerve problems, vision loss, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions.

Warning Sign of Diabetes: Thirst

Although people with type 2 diabetes may not have specific symptoms, an increase in thirst is one symptom that is characteristic of the condition. The increased thirst can accompany other symptoms like frequent urination, feelings of unusual hunger, dry mouth, and weight gain or loss.

Warning Sign of Diabetes: Headaches

Other symptoms that can occur if high blood sugar levels persist are fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Warning Sign of Diabetes: Infections

Often, type 2 diabetes is only identified after its negative health consequences are apparent. Certain infections and sores that take a long time to heal are a warning sign. Other possible signs include frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections and itchy skin.

Warning Sign of Diabetes: Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual problems can occur as a result of type 2 diabetes. Since diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the sex organs, decreased sensation can develop, potentially leading to difficulties with orgasm. Vaginal dryness in women and impotence in men are other complications of diabetes. Estimates suggest that between 35% and 70% of men with diabetes will eventually suffer from impotence. Statistics for women show that about one-third of women with diabetes will have some kind of sexual dysfunction.

Risks You Can Prevent

Certain risk factors related to both lifestyle choices and medical conditions can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These include:

• Cigarette smoking
• Being overweight or obese, especially around the waist
• Lack of exercise
• Consuming a diet that is high in processed meat, fat, sweets, and red meats
• Triglyceride levels over 250 mg/dL
• Low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol (below 35 mg/dL)

Risks You Can’t Prevent

Some risk factors for diabetes can’t be controlled. Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, and African Americans have a higher than average risk for getting diabetes. Having a family history (parent or sibling) with diabetes increases your risk. Those over 45 have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than younger people.

Women's Risk Factors

Women who developed gestational diabetes in pregnancy have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The same goes for women who have babies larger than 9 pounds. The insulin resistance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome also places women with this condition at a higher risk for diabetes.

How Does Insulin Work?

Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to efficiently use glucose as fuel. After carbohydrates are broken down into sugars in the stomach, glucose enters the circulation and stimulates the pancreas to release insulin in the proper amount. Insulin allows the uptake of glucose by body cells for use as energy.

Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin Resistance

In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells cannot take up glucose properly, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin resistance means that although the body can produce insulin, the body's cells do not respond properly to the insulin that is made. Over time, the pancreas reduces the amount of insulin that it produces.

How Type 2 Diabetes is Diagnosed

The hemoglobin A1c test measures the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin bound to glucose) in your blood and provides information about your average blood glucose levels over the previous 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin A1c levels over 6.5% are suggestive of diabetes. Another diagnostic test is the fasting blood glucose test. If your fasting blood glucose level is over 126, this establishes that diabetes is present. Random blood glucose levels over 200 are also consistent with diabetes.

 

Diabetes Management: Diet

Keeping good control over blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of getting complications from diabetes. Your doctor can refer you to a registered dietician or diabetes counselor to help you formulate a healthy eating plan. Many people with type 2 diabetes will need to monitor intake of carbohydrates and reduce calories. Watching total fat and protein consumption is also recommended

Diabetes Management: Exercise

Regular exercise, including walking, can help people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood glucose levels. Physical activity also reduces body fat, lowers blood pressure, and helps prevent cardiovascular disease. It’s recommended that people with type 2 diabetes get 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days.

Diabetes Management: Reduce Stress

Stress is particularly worrisome for people with diabetes. Stress not only increases blood pressure, but it can also increase blood glucose levels. Many people with diabetes find that relaxation techniques can help manage their condition. Examples are visualization, meditation, or breathing exercises. Taking advantage of social support networks is also helpful, like talking with a relative or friend, member of the clergy, or counselor.

Diabetes Management: Oral Medications

Oral medication is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who cannot adequately control their blood sugar with diet and exercise. Many types of oral diabetes medications are available, and these may be used in combination for the best results. Some increase insulin production, others improve the body’s use of insulin, while still others partially block the digestion of starches.

Diabetes Management: Insulin

Some people with type 2 diabetes also take insulin, sometimes in combination with oral medications. Insulin is also used in "beta-cell failure," a condition in which the pancreas no longer produces insulin in response to elevated blood glucose. This can occur in people with type 2 diabetes. If insulin is not produced, insulin treatment is necessary.

Non-Insulin Injections

There are other non-insulin drugs given in injection form that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Examples are pramlintide (Symlin), exenatide (Byetta), and liraglutide (Victoza). These drugs stimulate the release of insulin.

Testing Blood Glucose

Your doctor can suggest how often you should test your blood glucose. Testing can give a good idea of the extent to which your diabetes is under control and can tell you if your management plan needs to be altered. Some common times to test blood sugars are upon awakening, before and after meals, before and after exercise or physical activity, and at night.

Long-Term Damage to Arteries

Around two out of every three people with diabetes die of heart disease. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of clots. This increases the risk of heart attack. People with diabetes are also at an increased risk for stroke because of the damage to blood vessels.

Long-Term Damage to Kidneys

The risk for developing chronic kidney disease increases with time in people with diabetes. Diabetes is the most common cause of renal failure, making up about 44% of cases. Keeping your diabetes under control can reduce the risk of kidney failure. Medications are also used to reduce the risk of kidney disease in people with diabetes.

Long-Term Damage to Eyes

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the tiny blood vessels within the retina of the eye due to high blood sugar levels over time. This can cause progressive and permanent vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of new blindness in people between 20 and 74. This image shows pools of blood, or hemorrhages, in the retina.

Long-Term Damage Causing Nerve Pain

Tingling, numbness, and a sensation of "pins and needles" are all symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage related to diabetes. This is most common in the hands, feet, fingers, or toes. Controlling diabetes can help prevent this complication.

Long-Term Damage to Feet

Damage to nerves caused by diabetes can make it hard to feel injuries to the feet. At the same time, damage to the blood vessels can reduce circulation in the feet of people with diabetes. Sores that heal poorly and even gangrene are complications of diabetes that can occur in the feet. Amputation may be the result in severe cases.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Type 2 diabetes is preventable in many cases. At the least, it is possible to reduce the incidence of complications of diabetes by eating a healthy diet, getting moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also helpful for people at risk to be screened for diabetes and prediabetes, so that management can begin early in the course of the disease. This reduces the risk of long-term problems.

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VARICOSE VEINS

Poor circulation to your legs can result in painful and unsightly varicose veins. Exercise & the right nutritional support are essential.

When you have a varicose vein, you sure know it. From the pain to the tired, heavy felling in your legs, to the purple colour, varicose veins are just that -  a pain. But, did you know that several herbs and nutritional supplements have been clinically proven to help?

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins occurring on the lower leg and occasionally the abdomen. They may start as small “spider” veins, and then gradually become larger over time, often becoming progressively painful. Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins: weakening of the vessel walls, faulty valves and added pressure in the area.
Varicose veins is a common condition, and for many people it is considered to be a family trait. Affecting around 25% of women and 18% of men. Varicose veins are generally located on the legs however, can form anywhere. 

Vein walls may become weak due to deficiencies in important nutrients such as bioflavonoid and vitamin C. When the vein wall weakens, the blood inside presses against it, and causes it to balloon out, becoming varicose because of the loss in elasticity.

Valves can become faulty primarily due to poor circulation from a lack of exercise. However, they also need bioflavonoid to function effectively and to maintain their shape and when you do not ingest enough, the flow of blood is affected, causing further ballooning of the vein wall.

Increased pressure in the affected area can be caused by prolonged periods of sitting or standing with the accompanying impairment in circulation and pooling of blood.


It is believed that any condition that puts an excessive amount of pressure on the legs or abdomen can lead to varicose veins. Some of these conditions include: obesity, pregnancy, and constipation. Some other factors include heat and aging. As we age our vein begin to weaken and the heat can cause the veins to enlarge and fill with blood which then weakens the vein walls.

When a vein is varicose, it will usually appear purple or blue underneath the skin. They are often raised up from the surface of the skin, creating a bumpy texture. They can ache dully, but if knocked against something hard can hurt quite a lot.

Heavy, tired and aching legs are the most common symptoms of varicose veins. Swelling, leg cramps, itchy and thin skin, ulcers and blood clots may also occur as the condition worsens.  The symptoms are improved when walking and by elevating the legs. Symptoms will often worsen in hotter weather due to the veins swelling as well as prolonged sitting out standing. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU HAVE VARICOSE VEINS:

- EXERCISE - TAKE SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT THE STRENGTH OF THE VEIN WALL (SEE THE LIST BELOW) - DO NOT DRINK COFFEE;  IT CONSTRICTS THE FLOW OF BLOOD - EAT PLENTY OF VEGETABLES - DO NOT SIT IN ONE PLACE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME - TAKE SUPPLEMENTS LIKE GINKGO, COENZYME Q10 AND HAWTHORN TO IMPROVE BLOOD FLOW. - USE LEG MASSAGE TO STIMULATE CIRCULATION

DID YOU KNOW? (VARICOSE VEIN FACTS)

- A HEMORRHOID IS A TYPE OF VARICOSE VEIN - SPIDER VEINS WILL USUALLY BECOME VARICOSE - VARICOSE VEINS CAN BE HEREDITARY

Conventional treatment of varicose veins involves injections, surgery and compression therapy and laser therapy. Injections and surgery scar, or remove, the affected vessels and the body compensates by increasing the use of other veins. Compression stockings help varicose veins by exerting pressure on the area to prevent blood pooling. These therapies take care of the problematic vein but they will not correct lifestyle factors to prevent recurrence.

Nutritional therapy for varicose vein treatment focuses on: strengthening the vein wall, improving the flow of blood, and enhancing the functioning of the valves that control the flow of blood through the vein.

 1) You can support vein wall strength with vitamin C and bioflavonoid. You can also use horse chestnut seed extract. It has been clinically proven to reducing the ballooning of the vein wall and to reduce pain. You might also consider the herb hawthorn. It has active bioflavonoid specific for blood vessel walls.

2) You can also improve the flow of blood with horse chestnut seed extract. It helps tonify the valves inside the vein so that they are better able to regulate blood flow. Gingko biloba can also make a difference in this respect.

3)  Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E can be used to enhance general circulation throughout the vein.

Conventional treatment of varicose veins involves injections, surgery and compression therapy and laser therapy. Injections and surgery scar, or remove, the affected vessels and the body compensates by increasing the use of other veins. Compression stockings help varicose veins by exerting pressure on the area to prevent blood pooling. These therapies take care of the problematic vein but they will not correct lifestyle factors to prevent recurrence.

Nutritional therapy for varicose vein treatment focuses on: strengthening the vein wall, improving the flow of blood, and enhancing the functioning of the valves that control the flow of blood through the vein.

·          You can support vein wall strength with vitamin C and bioflavonoid. You can also use horse chestnut seed extract. It has been clinically proven to reducing the ballooning of the vein wall and to reduce pain. You might also consider the herb hawthorn. It has active bioflavonoid specific for blood vessel walls.

·          You can also improve the flow of blood with horse chestnut seed extract. It helps tonify the valves inside the vein so that they are better able to regulate blood flow. Gingko biloba can also make a difference in this respect.

·          Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E can be used to enhance general circulation throughout the vein.

Lifestyle changes to help with varicose veins include regular exercise and weight management. Avoid staying stationary for long periods of time because it stagnates circulation. Avoid tight clothing on the legs. Avoid wearing high heels and sitting with your legs crossed. Try to have bowel movements regularly. Raise your legs above your heart level for 10-15 minutes every day. Alternate hot and cold leg baths to increase circulation. Massage around the area and towards the heart to ease blood congestion. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or anything with excessive heat. Topically apply horse chestnut gel to the legs or add horse chestnut tea to bath water. It firms and tones vessels and reduces inflammation.

Dietary changes aimed at improving blood circulation and regulating bowel movements prevent varicose vein formation. Eat a high fibre diet to add bulk to the stool and maintain regularity. Eat whole grain products, flax seeds, fruits and vegetables. Eat one salad of raw vegetables daily. Be sure to drink 2L of filtered water daily to soften stools and maintain regularity.  Eat citrus fruits and berries for bioflavonoid, which strengthen veins. Eat wheat germ, as a source of vitamin E, to improve circulation and tissue elasticity. Avoid constipating and irritating foods such as, dairy products, spicy food, fats, processed foods, salt, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, cola and black tea.

The following list of supplements can be used for preventing and treating varicose veins. 

SUPPLEMENT	THERAPEUTIC EFFECT
VITAMIN E	Maintains tissue elasticity and supports healing. Use with caution if you are taking blood-thinning medication.
COENZYME Q10	Increases circulation and enhances tissue oxygenation.
GINKGO BILOBA	Enhances circulation to the extremities. Do not use if taking blood thinners.
VITAMIN B COMPLEX	Helps build vessels and supports digestion.
VITAMIN C WITH BIOFLAVINOIDS	Strengthens vessel walls and promotes healing. Ensure that you are getting 300mg daily of bioflavonoid in your vitamin C preparation.
HORSE CHESTNUT EXTRACT	Strengthens the vein wall. Improves the function of valves in the veins, allowing blood to flow. Do not use if you have a heart condition
RUTIN	Helps to maintain blood vessel elasticity.
HAWTHORN	Strengthens blood vessel walls and improves blood flow.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS	Reduces pain and maintains vessel elasticity.
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT OR PYCNOGENOL	A source of bioflavonoid.  Strengthens vessels.

Also beneficial for VARICOSE VEIN SUPPORT:

Multivitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, dimethylglycine, glutathione,bilberry, silica, nettle, dandelion, gingko biloba, and bromelain.

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Water is Precious

Water is Precious

Knee pain

Knee pain facts

• Knee pain is a common problem with many causes, from acute injuries to medical conditions.
• Knee pain can be localized or diffuse throughout the knee.
• Knee pain is often accompanied by physical restriction.
• A thorough physical examination will usually establish the diagnosis of knee pain.
• The treatment of knee pain depends on the underlying cause.
• The prognosis of knee pain is usually good although it might require surgery or other interventions.

What is knee pain?
Knee pain is a common problem that can originate in any of the bony structures compromising the knee joint (femur, tibia, fibula), the kneecap (patella), or the ligaments and cartilage (meniscus) of the knee. Knee pain can affect people of all ages, and home remedies can be helpful unless it becomes severe.

What are knee pain symptoms and signs?

The location of the knee pain can vary depending on which structure is involved. With infection, the whole knee might be swollen and painful, while a torn meniscus or fracture of a bone gives symptoms only in one specific location.

The severity of the pain can vary, from a minor ache to a severe and disabling pain. Some of the other findings that accompany knee pain are

• Difficulty walking due to instability of the knee
• limping due to discomfort,
• locking of the knee (unable to bend the knee),
• Redness and swelling,
• Inability to extend the knee.

What causes knee pain?
Knee pain can be divided into three major categories:

• Acute injury: such as a broken bone, torn ligament
• Medical conditions: arthritis, infections
• Chronic use/overuse conditions: osteoarthritis, patellar syndromes, tendinitis, and bursitis

Below is a list of some of the more frequent causes of knee pain. This is not an all-inclusive list but rather highlights a few causes of knee pain in each of the above categories.

Acute injuries
Fractures: Direct trauma to the bony structure can cause one of the bones in the knee to break. This is usually a very obvious and painful injury. Most knee fractures are not only painful but will also interfere with the proper functioning of the knee (such as kneecap fracture) or make it very painful to bear weight (such as tibial plateau fracture). All fractures need immediate medical attention.

Ligament injuries: The most common injury is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury. This is often a sports-related injury due to a sudden stop and change in directions.
Meniscus injuries: The menisci (medial and lateral) are made of cartilage and act as shock absorbers between bones in the knee. Twisting the knee can injure the meniscus.

Dislocation: The knee joint can be dislocated, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. This injury often occurs during a motor-vehicle accident when the knee hits the dashboard
Medical conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect any joint in the body. It can cause severe pain and disability.

Gout is a form of arthritis that is most commonly found in the big toe, though it can also affect the knee.

With septic arthritis (infectious arthritis), the knee joint can become infected; this leads to pain, swelling, and fever. This condition requires antibiotics and drainage treatments as soon as possible.

Chronic use/overuse conditions
Patellar tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons connecting the kneecap (patella) to the bone of the lower leg. Patellar tendinitis is a chronic condition often found in individuals repeating the same motion (such as runners and cyclists).

Osteoarthritis: A wearing down of cartilage of the joint due to use and age

Other causes
Children can develop inflammation of the point of bony insertion of the patellar tendon (Osgood-Schlatter disease).

What are risk factors for knee pain?
Biomechanics: The knee joint is a complicated in its operation and is used frequently throughout the day. Any change in the movement of the joint (leg-length difference, change in walking style due to back problems) can cause subtle changes and cause pain and injuries.

Excess weight: The stress on the knee joint is increased with excess weight. Obesity also increases the risk of osteoarthritis as the cartilage breaks down more rapidly.

Overuse during repetitive motions as are found during certain exercises (jogging, skiing) or work conditions (long periods of kneeling) can cause breakdown of cartilage and lead to pain.

When should people with knee pain call a health-care professional?
Any pain that does not respond to rest or disappears within a few days should be evaluated by a doctor. In addition, the following are symptoms and signs in the knee that a doctor should evaluate:

• Swelling
• Inability to bend
• Deformity
• Unable to walk or discomfort while walking
• Significant pain

What are some of the complications of knee pain?
Frequently, knee pain will disappear without ever finding a specific cause. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, the condition can progress and lead to more serious injuries or complications. Usually, these complications are long term and result in worsening pain or an increasing difficulty to walk.

How do physicians diagnose knee pain?
A health-care professional will begin by asking questions related to the person's general health and then specifically to the nature of the knee pain (how long, how severe, does anything make it feel better or worse, etc.).

Next, an examination of the knee will be performed. This will include bending the knee through the full range of motion, checking for stability of the ligaments, and evaluating for any tenderness and swelling. It is often helpful to compare the results of the examination of the painful knee with the other knee. Frequently, this is all that is required to make a diagnosis and start treatment. In several research studies, it has been found that an experienced examiner is as reliable as X-ray examination.
Sometimes the doctor might want to do further studies such as the following tests.

Radiologic tests
Plain X-ray can establish fractures and degenerative changes of the knee. MRI is used to evaluate the soft tissues of the knee for ligament tears or cartilage and muscle injuries.

Blood tests
If gout, arthritis, or other medical conditions are suspected, a health-care professional might order blood tests.

Removal of joint fluid (arthrocentesis)
Some conditions are best diagnosed by removal of a small amount of fluid from the knee joint. During arthrocentesis, a small needle is placed into your joint and fluid is withdrawn. This is done in a sterile method. The fluid is then sent to the laboratory for evaluation. This procedure is especially helpful if an infected knee joint is suspected or to distinguish gout and different forms of arthritis.

What is the treatment for knee pain?
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Treatments for knee pain are as varied as the conditions that can cause the pain.

Medications
Medications might be prescribed to treat an underlying medical condition or for pain relief.

Physical therapy
Sometimes strengthening the muscles around the knee will make it more stable and help guarantee the best mechanical movements. This can help avoid injuries or further worsening of an injury.

Injections
Injecting medications directly into your knee might help in certain situations. The two most common injections are corticosteroids and lubricants. Corticosteroid injections can help arthritis and other inflammations of the knee. They usually need to be repeated every few months. Lubricants that are similar to the fluid already in your knee joint can help with movement and pain.

Surgery
Knee operations range from arthroscopic knee surgery to total knee replacement. Arthroscopic knee surgery is a very common surgical procedure that allows the physician look inside your knee through a few small holes and a fiberoptic camera. The surgeon can repair many of the injuries and remove small pieces of loose bones or cartilage. This is a common outpatient procedure.
Partial knee replacement: The surgeon replaces the damaged portions of the knee with plastic and metal parts. Because only part of the knee joint is replaced, this procedure has a shorter recovery then a total knee replacement.

Total knee replacement: In this procedure, the knee is replaced with an artificial joint.

Other therapies
Acupuncture has shown some relieve of knee pain, especially in patients with osteoarthritis. Supplements have shown mixed results in research studies

Are there any home remedies for relief of knee pain?
Over-the-counter pain medications can frequently alleviate the pain. If someone is taking these medications on a regular basis, he or she should see a health-care professional to evaluate the knee pain for proper diagnosis and to avoid the potential side effects of chronic medication use.

The RICE mnemonic is often helpful, especially for minor injuries:
Rest: Rest the joint, and take a break from your usually activities involving the knee joint.
Ice: Applying ice can help with pain and inflammation.
Compress: A compression bandage can help prevent swelling and help knee alignment. It should not be tight and should be removed at night.
Elevate: Elevation can help with swelling and resting of the knee.

What is the prognosis of knee pain?

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Frequently, knee pain will occur for a short period of time and then resolve. Sometimes it can return a few weeks or months later. If your knee pain becomes chronic, it is important to get it evaluated to avoid further damage to cartilage, bones, or ligaments. Prognosis depends on the underlying causes of the pain.

With modern surgical techniques, it's possible to relieve many of the knee pain syndromes and return to an active lifestyle.

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