By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: Dealing with Hypodermic Needles ! – It’s Not as Bad as You Think!

 With over 20 million people currently diagnosed with diabetes in the United States alone, there are many people dealing with the daily rigors of treating their condition. An unfortunate fact is that most of these people have to use hypodermic needles to inject themselves with insulin several times daily.  Since nearly 10% of Americans suffer from trypanophobia (the fear of needles), it is no wonder that these injections can be daunting and even terrifying to Diabetics.  Dealing with hypos is essential to controlling one’s insulin levels and must be mastered early on after diagnosis.

Though no one relishes the prospect of pricking themselves daily with hypodermic needles initially, many diabetics overcome their natural dread and actually become quite used to the procedure.  This is the most difficult, obviously, for those with an innate fear of needles.  Increased blood  pressure and heart rate are common symptoms of those with fear of needles. No one is sure what causes this phobia, though research indicates that it seems to be inherited, as close to 80% of trypanophobiacs have a relative with the same condition.  It also has been theorized that this fear is a potential evolutionary adaptation, as puncture wounds can frequently be fatal. 

The good news is that there is help available for those with an intense fear of needles.  Cognitive behavioral theory, or replacing irrational negative thoughts with more neutral or positive ones, has been shown to be highly effective.  Another form of dealing with hypos is systematic desensitization, a process wherein which a person is taught relaxation skills then gradually introduced to the feared needle.  Hypnotherapy is another successful method many have employed to deal with their needle phobia.  Maybe the best news of all is that ongoing research into needle-less methods of testing blood sugar and other medical procedures is very promising and may soon be a viable alternative for Diabetics.

One of the most critical aspects of coping with injections is proper care, use, and disposal of hypodermic needles.  A diabetic must always ensure that they use a clean needle, only use it once, and never share with anyone.  A dirty or used needle can transmit a whole host of diseases, many of them fatal.  Puncturing your skin with a non-sterile hypo can also cause many types of infections.  Safely dealing with hypos means that one should always keep their needles out of the reach of children and pets, and always dispose of used needles properly.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: Driving And Diabetes – Factors to Consider

Many people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are unsure initially how this will affect their daily lives.  Some fear it will result in a drastic change in their lifestyle, including a loss of the ability to drive safely or even a loss of their driver’s license.  The good news is that most Diabetics can still drive safely if adequate precautions are taken and they practice safe habits.  Of course, whether or not driving and diabetes can mix should be first discussed with a physician.  Some diabetics experience extremely high or low levels of insulin states (hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia) with little to no warning and therefore should be extra wary of driving.

One of the most important factors in determining whether one can safely drive with diabetes is how quickly they can recognize a low blood sugar condition and its symptoms.  One should always check their glucose levels prior to driving and ask a physician how often they should check while driving.  There are several symptoms a person with Diabetes should look out for while behind the wheel.  Feeling sleepy, confused, or dizzy is often a first sign that blood glucose levels have dropped too low to safely operate a vehicle.  The worst possible scenario of driving and diabetes is a loss of consciousness or seizure.

So what should one do if they feel any of these symptoms coming on?  This is where proper planning ahead of time may save lives.  The first step is to pull over as soon as safely possible.  There should be something available in the car to treat the low, whether it is juice, candy, soda, or glucose tablets.  If one is experiencing these symptoms, their mind may be not thinking clearly, so the items for treating the low should be placed conspicuously and within easy reach. 

There are only a handful of complications that would absolutely preclude a person with diabetes from driving safely.  In some extreme cases, blindness is a result of the condition, and one should stop driving as soon as visual degradation begins.  Some diabetic patients experience nerve damage in their extremities, which can lead to tingling, loss of sensation, and ultimately even amputation.  As always, one’s treating physician is always the best judge of whether driving and diabetes are a good mix.  Most doctors are happy to assist in evaluating each patient’s individual condition and symptoms to accurately make a safe judgment.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: Driving And Taking Insulin – How Much Risk is Involved?

Many people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are unsure how this will affect their lifestyle, and are especially concerned that the mixture of driving and taking insulin will result in a loss of the ability to drive safely or even lead to mandatory forfeiture of their driver’s license.  Many studies indicate, however, that most type 2 Diabetics can still drive safely while on insulin if adequate precautions are taken and they practice safe habits.  All diabetics contemplating driving should first check with their doctor.  Some insulin patients can arrive at low blood sugar levels with little or no warning, so should consider all factors before attempting to drive.

Once you get the all clear from your doctor, there are a few legal steps you must take to cover all your bases. Unfortunately, different states have different requirements as to what you must report to them regarding driving and taking insulin.  California, for instance, requires that you must inform them if you take insulin injections or tablets.  Most states do not have this requirement, and instead require notification only after a medical incident related to Diabetes occurs.  The risks of sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion are very real for the diabetic suffering from a low blood  sugar condition. 

Even more worrisome is the possibility of loss of consciousness or seizures while behind the wheel.  Due to this fact, most state departments of motor vehicles compel physicians to report any dangerous medical conditions.  Most physicians will not report a patient’s insulin use unless there is a history of blackouts.  Once reported, a diabetic patient can potentially resume driving and taking insulin once a specific period of time passes without a recurrence of a blackout.  The best course of actions is to check with the DMV in your state for their requirements and guidelines.

If you are one of the lucky Diabetics who has not experienced blackouts and your doctor has cleared you to drive, you should still practice caution and plan ahead.  Driving and taking insulin requires that you prepared for a low sugar event by keeping your insulin in your vehicle and close at hand.  If you experience dizziness or sleepiness, pull over as soon as is safely possible and correct the condition.  Checking your blood sugar levels prior to driving is essential, as is checking the levels while you are driving.  Your physician can assist you in determining how frequently you should stop and test while behind the wheel.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Weight Loss

 Type 2 Diabetes: Fat Around the Belly: Causes Insulin Resistance!! – Why Winning the Battle of the Bulge is Crucial

All diabetics learn early on that weight management is a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Excess fat or obesity can lead to many diabetes related complications and make controlling the disease especially difficult.  Of particular concern is excess abdominal weight, as fat around the belly causes insulin resistance.  This breeds a vicious cycle, where the insulin resistance then contributes to accumulation of even more belly fat.  Losing this “spare tire” some carry around their middle is extra difficult for those with diabetes, but vital to their well-being.

So why should you be concerned that fat around the belly causes insulin resistance and what does the term mean?  Insulin is vital in converting the sugars in the foods we eat to usable energy.  When is cannot be efficiently absorbed by the cells, the body produces more of it, which throws the balance off further.  This causes your body to then burn muscle for energy instead of the fuel from the foods you eat.  As this condition, also known as metabolic syndrome, progresses insulin resistance increases and further prevents existing belly fat from being burned as energy and even more fat is stored.

Since increasing insulin resistance is a dangerous condition for diabetics, losing that belly fat should be a top priority for anyone who possesses one.  Unfortunately, excess fat stored around the mid-section is some of the hardest to lose.  Since fat around the belly causes insulin resistance, a diet that helps to lower insulin levels is an excellent first step.  Avoiding caffeine and chocolate helps many people with diabetes lower insulin levels, which they find has a positive effect on the amount of fat being stored by their bodies.  Choosing foods low on the Glycemic Index is also an effective weapon in the battle against belly fat.

As well as paying close attention to what goes into your body, you should also pay heed to how well you are treating yourself.  Moderate activity or exercise has been shown use the glucose existing in your blood and lower sugar levels.  The fact that fat around the belly causes insulin resistance should also prompt you to examine other improvements in your lifestyle, such as getting proper sleep and reducing stress.   Not getting enough sleep prevents your body from regulating itself correctly, and stress has been proven to have a deleterious effect on blood sugar levels.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Type 2 Diabetes Sugar

Type 2 Diabetes: How to Lower After Meals Glucose – Simple Steps to a Better Level

Once thought unimportant, an after meals glucose test is now recommended for most Diabetics.  Even slightly high glucose levels after eating are associated with an increased risk of eye damage, heart disease and many other diabetes related illnesses.  Feeling sleepy or excessively tired after eating is a definite sign that one should be administering this test.  Often those who perform the test and find high sugar levels are unsure how to lower after meals glucose.  Most of the solutions are relatively simple, but often require that the diligent diabetic do some experimentation to find the method or combination of methods that work best for them.

Many times the reason for an elevated glucose level after a meal is the food selection.  Eating fewer carbohydrates during the meal can be an easy way to have a significant effect.  It is not recommended that carbs be eliminated altogether, but they can often be reduced with excellent results.  Switching to foods with a lower Glycemic Index will ensure that the sugars are released into the bloodstream more slowly, and are a helpful way to lower after meals glucose.  Milk, pasta, and yogurt are examples of foods that have a slower release of sugars and could be substituted.

If your doctor approves it, ten to twenty minutes of moderate exercise can also be a valuable tool to lower after meals glucose.  Heart patients should not exercise immediately after eating, but most diabetes patients can handle a moderate workout.  Light exercise is obviously best after eating, but even something as simple as taking a short walk with the family dog can educe large benefits.  Exercise also has the added benefit of helping to keep body weight in line and stress levels low, which are critical factors for all diabetics to manage their condition.

If experimentation with all of the above methods does not improve your test results, it may be time to go talk to your doctor.  There are numerous medications available, and your physician can work with you to help find the right one for you.  If you go this route, be sure to take the medications as prescribed and on time.  A missed or late dose can easily result in a high sugars reading.  Your doctor may also be able to go through your blood  sugar records and spot Dietary patterns that can lead to simple solutions to lower your after meals glucose. 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: Tips And Tricks – Make a Healthy Lifestyle a Habit!

Once diagnosed with diabetes, proper care and vigilance is essential.  No other disease has so many variables in its treatment and maintenance, and often experimentation is needed to find a regimen that works for you. Attention to everything from diet to exercise to blood sugar level monitoring all must become a part of a Diabetic’s lifestyle.  Even as onerous and daunting a task as that may sound, there are many tips and tricks discovered by diabetics over the years available to make life with this disease a long and healthy one.

Diabetes comes with a risk of many health complications.  Therefore, among the most important tips and tricks a diabetic can use is paying extra attention to any changes in their physical well-being.  For instance, Diabetes can often lead to problems with the feet, including decreased sensation, infections, and nerve damage.  Excess weight, ill-fitting shoes, and going barefoot can all contribute to or accelerate these conditions.  Gum disease is also a common problem for Diabetics, so regular dental checkups are a must.  Since blindness is also a real possibility in diabetics, eye examinations should become a routine part of your healthcare regimen.

One of the most effective ways to manage diabetes is with proper diet and exercise.  Since a steady release of food sugars into the bloodstream is ideal, it is a good idea to eat smaller meals and snacks throughout the day rather than a few small meals.  Eating the same amounts of food daily is also a critical component to a healthy lifestyle.  One of the tips and tricks often overlooked is exercise.  Among the many benefits of being physically active is reduced risk of obesity, better circulation, and stress relief.  Adding a method of stress relief such as yoga or meditation is also a popular way for diabetics to manage their disease.

The vigilance required by a Diabetic is most important when monitoring symptoms of their blood sugar rising too high or dropping too low.  While proper medications can help prevent these situations in most cases, it is helpful to have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve to deal with them should they arise.  Many diabetics keep juices handy at all times, including apple and orange.  Hard candy, and soda with sugar (no Diet drinks) can also help bring your glucose levels back within healthy range quickly.  Be sure to keep these items anywhere you may need them, including your desk at work and your car.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

 Type 2 Diabetes: Tips to Lower Fasting Blood Sugar – Tips to Control This Important Level

One of the most critical tests for a diabetic is the fasting blood  sugar.  This is a glucose level that is taken in the morning, usually after 8 hours or more of fasting.  Some people find that their levels are consistently low and some people’s counts fluctuate wildly.  In either case there are a number of simple tips to lower fasting blood sugar that can bring this important number into the acceptable range.  These levels can be greatly affected by a number of factors that most Diabetics aren’t even aware of.

The first tip to lower fasting blood sugar is to add or modify a bedtime snack.  When we are not eating, the liver releases sugar into the bloodstream as a fuel for our bodies.  Sometimes, particularly in type 2 diabetes, the liver can overcompensate and pump out too much sugar.  By having a bedtime snack rich in carbohydrates, one can often prevent this from occurring.  It is important to experiment with what and how much you snack on.   Small changes in the amount of food consumed can often lead to large changes in fasting blood sugar levels.  What you eat is also important, as junk food can exacerbate a high sugar count.

Many diabetes patients find that evening exercise does wonders for their morning blood sugar level.  A person with diabetes should always check with their doctor before beginning any exercise regimen, but even moderate exercise for a short period can be an effective way to lower fasting blood  sugar.  Many are surprised to learn that a twenty minute stroll around the block is a helpful tip to lower blood fasting sugar.  Engaging in exercise also has the added benefit of assisting in a good night’s sleep, which is also useful in helping to bring about healthy sugar levels.

A last factor in managing fasting blood sugar levels, and Diabetes in general, is stress reduction.  It cannot be overemphasized how critical the relationship is between mind and body.  Stress actually causes your liver to release sugars and create hormones that work against insulin.  In addition, high stress levels increase blood pressure and shave a significant deleterious effect on the health of your heart.  Among the most rewarding tips for lowering fasting blood sugar could be the addition of some form of meditation or stress release.  These will help bring mind and body into harmony, and could add years to your life.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 Diabetes: You Take Medications: But You Still Need To Watch it!!  - How Lifestyle Changes Can Complement Diabetes Medications

Most people with diabetes today are able to live healthy and normal lives due to the medications that they are prescribed.  But due to the complexity of the disease and the risks involved, even if you take medications you still need to watch it.  Becoming complacent and assuming that medication alone will conquer your diabetes and its symptoms is a dangerous gamble.  The good news is that there are countless simple ways you can adjust your daily life to assist in the treatment of your diabetes.  One these techniques become a part of your normal routine, you will be well on your way to managing the condition.

Even after working closely with your physician and settling on the proper medications and dosages, a steadfast attention to diet must be a focus in your treatment.  Even though you take medications, you still need to watch your food intake, as it plays a vital role in blood sugar levels. Most diabetics will find that they must experiment with their diet to find a routine that helps alleviate symptoms of Diabetes.  Eating smaller meals more frequently and consuming the same amounts of food daily are habits most diabetics find helpful.  Substituting foods low on the Glycemic Index and avoiding caffeine are outstanding habits to develop.

Another battle many Diabetics face is striking a balance in the amount of physical activity they engage in.  If your doctor feels you are healthy enough for exercise, it is highly recommended.            Among the many benefits of being physically active is reduced risk of obesity, better circulation, and stress relief.  If you take medications, you still need to watch your stress levels as well.  Adding a method of stress relief such as yoga or meditation is also an easy way for diabetics to manage their symptoms.

For a diabetic, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle while living with the disease is certainly challenging, but easier than ever these days.  There are a multitude of medications available that your doctor can prescribe.  Carefully following the instructions for taking these meds is indeed mandatory for diabetes sufferers.  If you are one of the diabetes patients who do take medications, you still need to watch it.  Ignoring symptoms of low blood  sugar such as sleepiness, dizziness, or blurred vision can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions including loss of consciousness, seizures, and even coma.  Vigilance is compulsory, but the reward is a long and healthy life.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Treating Diabetes Type 2

 Type 2 Diabetes: Natural Cures Versus Medications – Is Natural The Way To Go?

Over 20 million people in the United States are currently diagnosed with diabetes, with 90% or more suffering from type 2 diabetes.  With the surge of interest in the last decade or so in herbal, holistic, and all-natural remedies, it is only natural that many would seek out these types of treatments for the control of Diabetes.  There exists an entire industry dedicated to the proposition that natural cures are every bit as effective as medications prescribed by a doctor.  From herbs and vitamins to other less conventional cures, there is a plethora of information out there to digest.

The decision to attempt natural cures versus medications is one that should be made with great caution.  Since diabetes is a potentially life-threatening disease, one should always check with their physician before trying any natural cures.  Before beginning any natural regimen, inform your doctor to avoid any potential interactions between herbs and supplements with medications you may currently be taking.  Any natural cures you endeavor to try should also be used only as a supplement you your doctor-prescribed medications, not as a replacement.  Any unusual symptoms or worsening of condition while trying natural cures should be reported immediately to your physician.

One of the most popular avenues people may take in the quest for natural cures versus medications are supplements.  Magnesium is a mineral that occurs naturally in some vegetables and nuts.  Magnesium is needed to help regulate blood sugar levels, and magnesium deficiency may be a factor in poor blood glucose control.  Ginseng is another popular supplement that is thought to help improve blood sugar control.  Zinc is vital in the production and storage if insulin, and is taken as a supplement by many type 2 Diabetics.  Cinnamon is also being studied as a potential aid in reducing fasting blood glucose levels.

There are other forms of natural cures out there that may seem a bit far-fetched, but are being studied further after initial successes.  One such treatment is hot tub therapy.  In a 1999 study, some patients who were immersed in a hot tub daily for three weeks were able to cut their required insulin intake by 18%.   Other participants saw a decrease in blood  pressure, modest weight loss, and improved blood sugar readings.  A Japanese study in natural cures versus medications recently explored the positive effects of Aloe Vera on blood glucose levels.   Initial results were promising, and research is continuing.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

Information On Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: World Diabetes Day! Yes, But What Is It? – Background On This Important Celebration

November 14^th of each year is a very significant date for the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who now live with diabetes.  This is the day recognized globally as World Diabetes Day.  The date was first celebrated in 1991, when the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation created the awareness-raising commemoration.  Since then, the campaign has taken on even more significance with designation as an official United Nations Day in 2007.  This important day is used to raise awareness of the global surge in people living with diabetes and also to educate the public about the disease.

The day is marked by all member nations of the United Nations, as well as a multitude of healthcare companies, diabetes organizations, health professionals, and also those suffering from the disease and their families.  The date of November 14^th was chosen to celebrate World Diabetes Day to commemorate the birthday of Frederick Banting, who is largely credited with the foundation of ideas leading to the discovery of insulin in 1922.  Many organizations and healthcare providers take advantage of the worldwide forum to schedule free screenings and sponsor awareness-raising events such as media interviews and press conferences.   

Every year World Diabetes Day is marked with a theme.  Each theme is designed to call attention to and raise awareness of a particular aspect of the disease and its treatment. Past themes have included diabetes and foot care, Diabetes in the disadvantaged and vulnerable, and diabetes in children and adolescents.  The current theme to be celebrated for the years 2009 through 2013 is diabetes education and prevention.  This theme is seen as crucial to helping millions worldwide understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and be spared the suffering and ill effects of diabetes. 

There are an estimated 300 million people worldwide now living with diabetes.  Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation are determined to use November 14^th of each year to educate as many people around the globe as possible about diabetes and help prevent its spread.  As societies around the world grow older and less active and obesity rates skyrocket, it is estimated that as many as 350 million people globally that are at risk of contracting type 2 Diabetes. With these sobering facts I mind, there can be no doubt that there is more of a need than ever for an outstanding observance such as Word Diabetes Day.

By
Dr Michael Hutch