Diabetes 101 Article Category

Avandia Under Fire

What if you knew that by adding a diabetic drug to your daily medical regimen you increased your risk of heart failure by more than 50%? Would you take the drug? One California County is taking a drug company to court to seek the removal of the drug from circulation.

According to VOAnews, “The [Santa Clara County] lawsuit was spurred by a report on the drug released by the U.S. Senate … That report accused the drug company of withholding information about side effects of serious heart problems, including death. At issue now is whether Avandia should be taken off the market.”

The VOAnews report stated that, “In 2007, Dr. Steven Nissen published a study showing that those taking Avandia had a 43 percent higher risk of having a heart attack and a 64 percent greater chance of dying from a heart attack than those not taking the drug. ‘We’ve been warning about this for two and a half years,’ he said. ‘There really isn’t a good reason for physicians to continue to prescribe the drug. It’s time to get it off the market.’”

Dr. Yasser Ousman at Washington Hospital Center disagrees. Ousman is quoted by VOA as saying, “There are a number of drugs that have been tested in these individuals and Avandia is one of them, and actually, it is quite effective in improving the blood sugar, in normalizing the blood sugar or delaying the occurrence of diabetes in these individuals.”

Ousman further suggests, “If you look at the large studies, that were published over the last several years, including a large number of patients comparing Avandia to a placebo or other drugs, there was actually no increase in that risk. That risk was based on smaller studies.”

Basing his findings on more than 40 clinical trials, Nissen said, “What bothers me the most is that every month that goes by, more people are harmed by a drug that people simply don’t need.”

The Food and Drug Administration have planned further review of the drug in July, but has cautioned against the discontinued use of Avandia without the advise of your primary health care provider.

The case against GlaxoSmithCline in California has to do with what is claimed as false advertising. There is the suggestion that the drug manufacturer knew the drug could cause heart issues long before they ever issued any warnings that this could be a side effect of using the medication. A Senate report even suggests that the FDA may bear some responsibility in the lack of information passed on to patients.

The VOAnews article further indicates, “A study on Avandia funded by GlaxoSmithKline published last year, found no increase in heart attacks. But it found a significant increase in the risk of heart failure where the heart cannot pump enough blood to the organs or muscles. A number of cases resulted in hospitalization or death.”

Law.com states that Santa Clara County in California “Wants the company to pay back money from all sales of Avandia in California since 1999, as well as pay restitution for medical treatment provided to Avandia users who suffered heart problems.” The county has spent around $2 million on the purchase of Avandia as part of it’s own health program over the years. The lawsuit may have been precipitated by the fact that Santa Clara County has a public hospital and the County is seeking to make decisions in the best interest of their municipal health care facility as well as the patients who use their hospital.

Islet Cell Transplantation

Type 1 diabetes is a very serious disorder that impacts the day to day existence of the people that suffer from it. While there are many effective treatment options for type 1
diabetes there is still no cure. While there are several potential technologies on the horizon that promise to lessen or even eliminate the worst effects of the disease, such
as the closed loop insulin pump (sometimes inaccurately called an artificial pancreas) and pancreas transfers, the technology that holds the most promise is the islet cell
transplant.

Islet Cell Transplantation: Type 1 diabetes is a very serious disorder that impacts the day to day existence of the people that suffer from it. While there are many effective treatment options for type 1 diabetes there is still no cure. While there are several potential technologies on the horizon that promise to lessen or even eliminate the worst effects of the disease, such as the closed loop insulin pump (sometimes inaccurately called an artificial pancreas) and pancreas transfers, the technology that holds the most promise is the islet cell transplant.

The Islets of Langerhans are microscopic bodies in the pancreas that are responsible for creating and secreting a number of important enzymes, the most well known of which is insulin. These bodies are what fail in a diabetic. In type 2 diabetes, they may produce insulin in smaller amounts than what are necessary (this is not always true–there are also other causes of type 2 diabetes) and they fail altogether in the much more serious type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetics must monitor their blood glucose levels many times and day and add insulin as needed, typically through injections or an insulin pump.

There are several types of cells in the Islets of Langerhans. The beta cells are responsible for the production of insulin. The hope for Islet cell transplant is that the beta cells from the donor will become active in the recipient’s pancreas and begin to produce and secrete insulin in the new host. This technique has been successful in limited testing–if it can be refined and made available to a much wider audience, it will be the elusive cure for diabetes that have been sought for years. While testing is in its very early stages, some of the published results have been promising indeed. Many of the recipients have gone for a year or more without having to take a single supplemental dose of insulin. The tests are underway and hopefully the future will hold many more such promising results.

One of the real hurdles that must be overcome before islet cell transplants can be made a viable option for many sufferers of type 1 diabetes is the problem of rejection. Every cell in a human body is covered with unique markers that indicate that the cell is native to the body and not an outside pathogen. Cells that do not contain these individual specific markers are attacked by the immune system which treats them as invaders. With any kind of transplant, the problem of rejection is a very real issue. Since the transplanted cells will have different markers, the immune system will attempt to destroy them since they appear to be outsiders (indeed, they are). The only way to currently prevent rejection is to use medications that decrease the activity of the immune system. This clearly has drawbacks. First, we need our immune systems function properly to keep us health. Those who have a decreased immune system are likely to suffer from a wide range of problems, including frequent cold and flu infections, a high occurrence of mouth and stomach ulcers, higher rates of general infections, etc. The complications that accompany rejection suppression will mean that islet transplant surgery will only be appropriate for those whose diabetes symptoms are worse than the side effects that they will incur because of the required immunosuppressive therapy.

Another problem with the current state of islet transplants is that there simply are not enough donors available to meet the needs of even a small percentage of all type 1 diabetics. Since there will surely be overwhelming demand for the procedure once some of the details are worked out, scientists are currently investigating ways to artificially produce functional islet cells.

Pancreatic Islets

Almost 80 years ago, Dr. Frederick Banting published a report about use of pancreatic Islets to treat diabetes. He obtained those Islets from the pancreas of a dog. By first tying-off that pancreas, he eliminated the digestive enzymes that would otherwise have destroyed the insulin in the Islets.

Pancreatic Islets: Almost 80 years ago, Dr. Frederick Banting published a report about use of pancreatic Islets to treat diabetes. He obtained those Islets from the pancreas of a dog. By first tying-off that pancreas, he eliminated the digestive enzymes that would otherwise have destroyed the insulin in the Islets.

Following the publication of that report, diabetics could hope for a way to replace the insulin lacking in their system. Biochemists were able to extract insulin from the pancreas of an animal. That insulin could then be prepared for injection into a diabetic patient. At that time, doctors could only dream about transplanting Islet cells into a diabetic patient.

Doctors have since learned that the Islets contain several types of cells. Among those various Islets cells, only the beta cells have the ability to make insulin. In the 1970s, a group of medical researchers began to look for a way to transplant beta cells into diabetic patients. Gradually, their research produced significant results.

Dr. Bernard Hering at the University of Minnesota transplanted Islets cells from pigs into monkeys. He published a report about that transplantation in Nature Magazine. Then in June of 2000, the world of medicine learned about a more advanced type of Islet transplantation. Doctors at the University of Alberto in Edmonton, Canada had transplanted Islets cells into human diabetic patients.

The Canadian doctors published the details of their transplantation in The New England Journal of Medicine. They followed that initial report with other reports about the ability of the transplanted Islets to maintain production of insulin. Those follow-up reports indicated that 10% of the 65 patients given the transplanted Islets remained free of a need for insulin five years later (in 2005).

The follow-up report included some other important information. A number of the patients who had received the transplanted Islets found that even though they later needed to receive insulin, they did not need as much insulin as they had prior to the transplantation. Moreover, those patients who had to resume their use of insulin found that after the transplantation they were able to maintain a more stable glucose level.

Among the patients who had received the transplanted Islets, doctors observed something that related to another problem, a problem that challenges many diabetics. Often a patient with diabetes develops what is known as “hypoglycemia unawareness.” When a diabetic develops that condition, he or she can not detect evidence that his or her body needs sugar. Symptoms of “hypoglycemia unawareness” declined among those patients who had received the transplanted Islets.

After medical doctors learned about the results of the Canadian experiment, they studied carefully the procedures used by those Canadian doctors. A number of doctors wanted to replicate the experiment conducted at the University of Alberto. Doctors who hoped to repeat that experiment learned that they needed to follow the following procedure.

The Canadian doctors had taken Islets cells from deceased organ donors. They had prevented destruction of the beta cells by using special enzymes during the removal of the Islets cells. They had then purified and processed those beta cells. Those purified and processed cells were given to a radiologist.

The radiologist used both X-rays and ultra sound to guide a plastic tube through the upper abdomen of the patient who was to receive the transplanted Islet cells. Once safely through the abdomen of that patient, the plastic tube was inserted in the patient’s portal vein (a vein from the liver). The radiologist then infused the Islets cells into the tranquilized patient.

The radiologist did not infuse just a couple cells into each patient. Doctors had determined the number of Islets “equivalents” needed by each patient who was supposed to get some transplanted Islets cells. The doctors had based their determination on the patient’s body weight. The Canadian doctors had found that a diabetic needs 10,000 Islets “equivalents” for every kilogram in his or her body weight.

Following the performance of such a procedure, doctors could expect the transplanted Islets cells to produce insulin for a at least 14 days. There were, as shown by the data in the published report, some patients who produced insulin for far longer than that short, 14 day period. Doctors have initiated a look at ways to refine the procedure used in Canada.

One refinement that has been presented to some medical professionals employs changes in the nature of the material infused into the patient. Doctors who tested this particular refinement put a special coating on the processed and infused Islet cells. Patients who received an infusion of Islets cells with the new coating experienced fewer side effects.

Prior to introduction of this new refinement, some patients had complained about mouth sores, GI problems, and increased infections. The physicians treating the patients with the Islets transplants had seen increases in the patients’ blood pressure and blood cholesterol. None of those side effects could be found among patients who got Islets cells with the new type of coating.

While some medical researchers have focused on delivery of the infused Islet cells, others have looked at how to improve patients’ acceptance of those cells. As in any transplantation, the transplantation of Islet cells demands the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Those drugs put limits on the body’s natural tendency to attack any foreign material within the body.

The Canadian doctors did not rely on the conventional immunosuppressive drugs when doing their Islets cells transplants. They used new drugs, drugs that proved able to enhance the patients’ acceptance of the transplanted cells. They administered those drugs according to a carefully selected pattern.

One drug, doclimszumab, was given to each patient by IV. The patient received that drug immediately after completion of the transplantation. The administration of that drug was brief; the patient did not need to be hooked to the IV for a lengthy amount of time.

Upon discontinuation of the doclimszumab, the patient received two other immunosuppressive drugs—sirulimus and tociclimus. The patient needed to continue taking those drugs for as long as the transplanted Islets cells produced a satisfactory amount of insulin.

Kidney Disease

When a doctor has a diabetic patient, he or she worries about the chances that that patient might develop microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria is a type of kidney disease. The appearance of microalbuminuria indicates the occurrence in the kidneys of dangerous changes. Those changes lead to the development of proteinuria.

Kidney disease and diabetes. When a doctor has a diabetic patient, he or she worries about the chances that that patient might develop microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria is a type of kidney disease. The appearance of microalbuminuria indicates the occurrence in the kidneys of dangerous changes. Those changes lead to the development of proteinuria.

Whenever a patient’s urine has an abnormally high amount of protein, that patient is said to have proteinuria. Proteinuria can be used to refer to large or small amounts of protein in the urine. The first signs of proteinuria manifest themselves when a diabetic patient has a low level of protein in his or her urine. Such a patient has microalbuminuria.

A physician can check for microalbuminuria by screening for the presence of albumin in a patient’s urine. That screening should conducted at least once a year. If done according to the traditional method, such a screening demands collection of urine for a period of 24 hours.

Diabetic patients should know that there is an alternative to the traditional screening method. That alternative employs spot testing of morning urine specimens. By using that alternative method, a laboratory can check the albumin to creatine ratio in the urine.

Diabetics should also understand the importance of watching for symptoms of proteinuria. Evidence of one or more symptoms should send the diabetic to the phone. The diabetic knows that he or she needs undergo a screening for albumin in the urine.

What are the symptoms of proteinuria? Foamy urine tells a diabetic that he or she has probably developed proteinuria. Foamy urine indicates damage to the glomeruli in the kidneys. A diabetic who sees that he or she has foamy urine should know that his or her urine puts out between 30 and 150 grams of protein every 24 hours. This is an abnormally high protein content for any 24 hour sampling of human urine.

Why does the presence of protein in the urine signal the occurrence of kidney damage? And why do patients with diabetes need to make an added effort to watch for evidence that such damage might have occurred?

A patient with diabetes needs to understand that 20% of the blood pumped by the heart goes to the kidneys. The kidneys perform a number of vital functions. The kidneys hold constant the concentration of ions in the bloodstream. They keep the volume of water in the blood constant. They remove wastes, and they insure maintenance of a proper acid/ base balance in the blood.

A well-functioning kidney can help to control the blood pressure in the body. A well-functioning kidney can hold steady the level of calcium in the body. In addition, the kidneys stimulate the production of red blood cells.

Each kidney has millions of tiny tubular structures called nephrons.. Each nephron is closed at one end. At that closed end, two twisted regions of the nephron have a hair pin loop between them.

Two capillary beds flow into and out of the twisted, closed region of the nephron. Those capillary beds form a connection much like the light bulbs in a series circuit. The capillaries in the nephron connect the arteries going into the kidney with the veins coming out of the kidney.

The construction of the vessels within the kidney allows completion of three different processes by an undamaged kidney. The kidney sends 20% of the plasma and non-cell elements in the blood into the nephron; there those elements pass through a filter. Diabetics should realize that there is glucose in the filtrate that emerges from that filter.

In a healthy kidney, the amount of any substance in the filtrate shows little fluctuation. The amount of any substance in the filtrate represents the product of the concentration of that substance in the blood and the rate of filtration in the kidney. Changes in the filtration rate, changes such as those that can take place in a diabetic patient, send a warning signal to the physician who had detected those changes.

After plasma from the blood has been filtered by the kidney, then the kidney starts to reabsorb from the lumen any components that must be returned to the blood. The kidney relies on proteins called transporters to carry out this re-absorption process. The set of transporters that grab the glucose molecules and return them to the blood also grab sodium molecules.

Diabetics must realize that the number of transporters in the kidney remains fixed. The body can not make extra glucose transporters, when blood full of glucose passes through the kidney. Among that fixed amount of transporters, each transporter can grab only a pre-determined number of molecules during any specific period of time.

As can be seen from the above paragraphs, the kidney’s ability to function properly can be hampered by the appearance of blood that contains a high concentration of glucose. The presence of that glucose forces the kidney to work harder and harder. Eventually, it fails to function as nature intended.

The kidney has one other function that insures removal of unwanted substances from the blood. The kidney can detect the presence of waste products and toxic materials in the blood stream. The kidney secretes those substances into the nephron. Those substances then pass into the urine.

The kidney of a diabetic notes the excess glucose in the bloodstream. The kidney interprets the flood of glucose as a sign that the body does not need that glucose. The kidney of a diabetic secretes the excess glucose into the nephron, thus sending it into the urine

If a diabetic has too much urine in his or her urine, that diabetic could develop an infected bladder. Bacteria love to grow in a warm environment, especially an environment with a rich source of nutrients. The warm, glucose-laden bladder of a diabetic can easily become an inviting home for bacteria.

In other words, patients who have diabetes need to be concerned more than just a possible kidney disease. They must also watch for signs that they might have an infected bladder.

Skin Disorders

A statistical analysis of diabetics in the United States has shown that up to one third of the patients with diabetes have or have had some type of skin disorder. Hypoglycemia can affect the skin, because the skin cells do not get the required amount of glucose. Whenever administration of insulin exceeds the amount needed for the metabolism of ingested carbohydrates, a diabetic can experience hypoglycemia.

A statistical analysis of diabetics in the United States has shown that up to one third of the patients with diabetes have or have had some type of skin disorder. Hypoglycemia can affect the skin, because the skin cells do not get the required amount of glucose. Whenever administration of insulin exceeds the amount needed for the metabolism of ingested carbohydrates, a diabetic can experience hypoglycemia.

Hyperglycemia can also cause skin disorders. Hyperglycemia changes the nature of the skin environment. Normally, bacteria in the air do not want to reside on the surface of the skin. The veracity of that statement changes whenever the skin gets an added amount of glucose. The extra glucose in the blood of a diabetic can make a once forbidding section of skin seem like the ideal place for bacteria or some other group of microbes to grow.

The term “skin disorders” does not refer to wrinkles or folds in the skin. An aging diabetic can expect to get some wrinkles. A once obese diabetic who has lost a great deal of weight can expect to have some folds in his or her skin. The term “skin disorders” refers to changes in the integrity of the skin.

Sometimes changes to the integrity of the skin can lead to alterations in the skin pigmentation. Sometimes an area of hyper-pigmentation can be associated with a skin lesion. By examining such a lesion, a physician can better tell whether or not it should be seen as a symptom of diabetes. The next paragraphs explain what the doctor checks for.

First, the doctor notes the location of the lesion. Is it on a bony surface? Is it somewhere where the bone rises above the level of the adjoining body parts? Diabetics often develop a lesion on the prominent bones of the back or the bones on the feet. Those are regions where the skin might feel particular stimuli—heat, cold or pressure from blunt objects.

Next the doctor studies the appearance of the lesion. Is it round or oval? Does it have reddish or brown color? Is the skin in the lesion scaly? If the answer to all three questions is “yes,” then the doctor has good reason to view the lesion as a symptom of diabetes.

Of course not every diabetic who has a skin disorder has a lesion such as the one described above. Some diabetics develop what is called Acanthosis Nigricans (AN).
A diabetes patient with AN will arrive at a doctor’s office with dark, velvet-like patches on parts of his or her skin. Those patches normally form on the back or the neck.

Unlike the other skin disorders, AN can not be viewed as an “equal opportunity disorder.” The percentage of diabetics with AN rises markedly among Hispanics, African Americans and Native Americans. While not all diabetics have the same chance for developing AN, all patients who have AN appear to have some type of insulin resistance.

The other skin disorders most often associated with diabetes are infections. An infection develops when the body attempts to destroy an invader, usually a microbe. Bacteria and fungi are the two types of microbes that have been shown to take advantage of any opportunity to grow and to reproduce in the body of a patient with diabetes.

Although one-celled organisms, bacteria are the most abundant and the most pathogenic of all the known microorganisms. Not all bacteria harm the body. Some bacteria perform useful functions within a healthy body. Other bacteria, what might be called “bad” bacteria, release harmful chemicals. Some of those chemicals digest body cells, and other chemicals disrupt specific body functions, causing disease, and sometimes death.

Bacteria find the high glucose levels in the blood of a diabetic to be an excellent source of food. A physician can expect to see some of his or her diabetic patients present with a stye. A stye is a bacterial infection in the glands of the eyelid.

Not all bacteria choose to grow in the glands of the eye. Some bacteria take up residence in area of the skin that holds a hair follicle. When bacteria grow around the hair follicle of a diabetic, their growth can lead to formation of a boil.

While no bacterium has more than one cell, a fungus can be either a one-celled or a multi-celled organism. Some of those cells form thread-like fibers. Other cells form spores, the structures that allow fungi to reproduce. When fungi have access to an inviting environment, they ramp-up the rate of their reproduction.

The fungal infections that most often complicate the life of a diabetic are those caused by contact with a fungi-infested surface. A diabetic who wants to participate in sports should know that many such surfaces exist in the typical locker room. The fungus that causes jock itch awaits contact with a warm body. Hiding there on apparel in the locker room, that fungus welcomes contact with a glucose-laden body. The fungus that causes athletes’ foot can grow on shower walls in a locker room that wasn’t well sanitized.

While male diabetics usually need to be concerned about the above-mentioned fungal infections, female diabetics need to watch for evidence of a different sort of fungal infection. Female diabetics can develop yeast infections. Such infections are usually vaginal infections.

In order to understand the nature of vaginal infections, one must recall the earlier mention of “good” bacteria, bacteria that perform a useful function in the human body. Some bacteria normally prevent fungi from growing in the vaginal area. Yet the body has a fixed amount of bacteria. If those bacteria can not reproduce as rapidly as the fungi, then the fungi take over.

That is what happens in the female diabetic. The high glucose levels in the blood spur the growth of fungi in the vaginal area. The woman then develops a vaginal infection.

All infections, both those caused by bacteria and those caused by fungi, are treatable. The infected diabetic must consult with his or her physician.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease can affect anyone. However, a person with diabetes is more susceptible to heart problems. Diabetes attacks an individual’s immune system as well as their nervous system. The blood vessels shrink and less blood flow to the heart can occur. With all the health problems that can arise, it is vital to know how to take care of the body for a long and vital life. An individual can discuss with their personal physician on what they need to do to prevent a tragedy from happening. When a person is first diagnosed with diabetes, their lifestyle must change. They will need to know how to control their issues through healthy means. Heart disease is a leading complication in a diabetic patient. It is a serious problem; however the risk can be lowered with the proper medication and lifestyle changes.

Cardiovascular disease can affect anyone. However, a person with diabetes is more susceptible to heart problems. Diabetes attacks an individual’s immune system as well as their nervous system. The blood vessels shrink and less blood flow to the heart can occur. With all the health problems that can arise, it is vital to know how to take care of the body for a long and vital life. An individual can discuss with their personal physician on what they need to do to prevent a tragedy from happening. When a person is first diagnosed with diabetes, their lifestyle must change. They will need to know how to control their issues through healthy means. Heart disease is a leading complication in a diabetic patient. It is a serious problem; however the risk can be lowered with the proper medication and lifestyle changes.

Stroke takes a large number of diabetic patients each year. This is because when your blood vessels shrink, the movement is limited. An individual’s brain needs to have a certain supply of blood to keep it active. When this supply slows down, stroke complications happen. A part of the brain dies. Strokes, heart attacks and poor circulation can all be devastating to an individual as well as their families. A person that has gone through a stroke may lose their sight, hearing or motor skills.

There are preventive measures than can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patents. It is a lifestyle change that must be made to stay active as well as vital throughout the years.

Diet and exercise. Diet is a major lifestyle change for most people. However, when a person is overweight and has diabetes, the risks are much higher. With the proper diet of low sugar foods and low fat content, an individual can become healthy. An exercise regiment should be discussed with a doctor. Too much or too little may cause an individual to experience cardiac arrest. With the correct amount of each of these steps, an individual can become healthier and reduce their risks by 40%.
Blood sugar. The blood sugar for a diabetic is vital for long lasting effects. When this is too high, the human body’s system begins to break down. The physician can explain what range a person should stay in. Check this often, at least 3 or 4 times a day for maximum security. As well as taking the proper medication when directed.
Cholesterol. It is important to keep a person’s cholesterol at appropriate levels. There are methods and medication that can be used to stay in the correct range. Discuss with a doctor on the best techniques to keep the cholesterol in safe amounts.
Smoking. Smoking can cause various health effects in everyone. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to stop when a person has been diagnosed with diabetes. This habit can cause blood vessels to shrink, circulation to slow down even further and create new health risks as well. Patents that continue to smoke have double the chance to have a heart attack and a stroke.
Blood pressure. An individual with high blood pressure is more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. A person that experiences high pressured lifestyle through home or office problems may have a heart attack or stroke. It is vital to stay clam and find relaxation techniques. There are at home kits that can assist in checking blood pressure often. A doctor may prescribe a medication that can help with this issue as well.

With simple and easy to follow steps, an individual can reduce their risks dramatically. It is vital to take the proper medication, lose weight and accomplish the exercise regiment fully. Cardiovascular disease can be controlled with a lifestyle change.

Foot Care

Foot care is ideal for the overall health of an individual. Diabetics have lower immune systems as well as nervous system breakdowns. Each person faced with the diabetes disease must take extra precautions when it comes to this feature of the body. There are several causes as well as preventive measures that need to take place for the overall health of a diabetic. Swelling, cracks, dry skin as well as itching can occur. Cuts and sores on an individual’s feet can turn quickly into an infection or even worse. Preventive measures must be taken before unexpected health problems arise. With the lowered immune system, sores and cuts can not heal as quickly. They must be treated right away or an individual may lose the proper use of their foot.

Foot care is ideal for the overall health of an individual. Diabetics have lower immune systems as well as nervous system breakdowns. Each person faced with the diabetes disease must take extra precautions when it comes to this feature of the body. There are several causes as well as preventive measures that need to take place for the overall health of a diabetic. Swelling, cracks, dry skin as well as itching can occur. Cuts and sores on an individual’s feet can turn quickly into an infection or even worse. Preventive measures must be taken before unexpected health problems arise. With the lowered immune system, sores and cuts can not heal as quickly. They must be treated right away or an individual may lose the proper use of their foot.

Complications and Causes
The complications for improper foot care can be painful, a disruption of lifestyle and harmful in the future. They can lead to sores, dried skin as well as calluses and even ulcers inside one or both feet. Some individuals that have had high blood sugar for years can develop poor circulation as well as damage to the tendons and nerves. Skin discoloration or deformation of the toes and overall foot can be a cause for alarm. Most of the complications can be treated. However, some may lead to amputations if preventive measures are not taken.

There are several causes that can be attributed to poor foot care. Even though, not all forms of complications can be prevented, over 90% can with the proper technique. The most common causes are as follows:

Footwear. This is a rather simple concept. Nevertheless, it is overlooked frequently. There are specialized shoes and socks that can be purchased for a diabetic’s needs.
Continual damage. Certain medical issues can arise when an individual has experienced high blood sugar for a long period of time. Nerve impairment and horrible circulation can happen with continual damage to the body.
Poor cleaning and maintenance. It is vital for a diabetic to understand the proper method in cleaning their feet. Lotions, soaps and inspections are important for overall excellent health care.
Toenail trimming mishaps. The correct method in trimming the toenails is an important part of feet care. If you make a mistake while trimming, it may cause an infection. This will take some time to heal, if at all, because of the lowered immune system.
Smoking. This habit will lower your circulation as well as your immune system even further. The release of toxins inside the body creates slower blood circulation. This, in turn, will cause an even further decrease in the blood flow in the feet.

Symptoms Of Poor Foot Care
There are several symptoms that are apparent for improper foot care. It is vital to watch closely if a symptom appears. After this occurs, the correct measures need to take place.

Swelling. This is a major tell sign of a problem associated with diabetes. Nevertheless, other health problems may show signs of this issue as well. If swelling does occur, look closely at other symptoms that may be present.
Redness or warmth. This problem can be a sign of an infection. Either on the outside of the foot or an issue inside, infections can be very serious. If this lingers for more than a couple of days, seek a medical professional.
Pain or discomfort. Major pain or a small amount of discomfort can be caused when the feet are not properly taken care of. Preventive measures can control this from happening.
Cuts, sores, scraps or drainage. These types of issues can be caused by various injuries. If a person is experiencing fever, hot or cold spells or any strange sensations, a physician need to be contacted.

Glaucoma And Diabetes

There are many types of complications that come with diabetes, some are painful and some are life-threatening. However, Glaucoma is one that can be cured or at least it can be helped. Diabetes affects more then 16 million people in America. Some form of eye disease affects almost every diabetic patient, there are different types of eye diseases but the most common is Glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused by the damage that is severed to retina and the optic nerve in the eye. Those who have diabetes are already at risk, however the older you are the more you become at risk for Glaucoma. Those with diabetes are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Glaucoma then those who do not have diabetes.

Glaucoma And Diabetes: There are many types of complications that come with diabetes, some are painful and some are life-threatening. However, Glaucoma is one that can be cured or at least it can be helped. Diabetes affects more then 16 million people in America. Some form of eye disease affects almost every diabetic patient, there are different types of eye diseases but the most common is Glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused by the damage that is severed to retina and the optic nerve in the eye. Those who have diabetes are already at risk, however the older you are the more you become at risk for Glaucoma. Those with diabetes are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Glaucoma then those who do not have diabetes.

Other diabetic eye diseases are called Cataracts and Retinopathy these are less common but are still diagnosed with diabetic patients. When being diagnosed with Glaucoma you will hear of the 3 different types of Glaucoma types. Open-angle Glaucoma is the most common of all 3 types of glaucoma known about. Open-angle Glaucoma happens very slowly and some patients do not even realize that they have it damage happens so slowly that it may not be noticed for many years.

The second type of Glaucoma is called Closed-angle and it only affects just one eye and can present an increase in pressure throughout the eye. Closed-angle can cause a huge amount of pain, nausea, some visual effects have been noticed and some people have complained about seeing halo’s around certain lights.

The last type of Glaucoma is called Neovascular Glaucoma and is considered the rarest type of Glaucoma types because it does not always come with sudden vision loss. Neovascular occurs when blood vessels are starting to grow on the iris itself, which is the colored part of the eyes. Once this happens fluid starts to be cut off, which then raises a huge amount of pressure in the eyes. This has become one of the hardest diseases to treat; however, laser surgery has become quite popular. Laser surgery reduces the abnormal growing vessels found on the iris. Some people however have opted for drainage implants.

Drainage implants are also referred to as Valve implants, some other treatments are given by certain medical prescriptions. However, Valve treatments have taken on several different names; some refer to them as “aqueous shunts” while others refer to them as “Glaucoma drainage devices.” These implants work by allow fluid to drain from the eye or eyes so that way there will be no pressure build up. A device is placed near the eyes so that way the tube which is placed for drainage will not close up or shut down while trying to relieve pressure from the eye. Implant of today’s technology present a tubal form that helps the aqueous fluids.

To more understand what aqueous means, we have to look further into the eye. There are two segments to the eye itself which are filled with fluids called aqueous and vitreous humors. The aqueous is always being refreshed and the old fluid is constantly being washed away. When you are diagnosed with Glaucoma then you might start to notice some built-up pressure forming in your eye. This is cause by the aqueous fluid not being able to drain properly which will in turn cause some vision problems and some pain from your eye. A procedure defined as Tonometry can help doctors and Ophthalmologists measure this pressure which is referred to as intraocular pressure.

The valve implants we first developed in 1966 starting with Molteno. Two basic types were designed valved and non-valved; the valved designs are called Ahmed and Krupin while the non-value designs are called Molteno and Baerveldt. Thousands of implants have been used yearly to help patients to feel less pain. Some surgeries have been done to help those suffering from Neovascular glaucoma and nothing has been so successful more than the valve implants have.

Some herbal treatments are available for Glaucoma is available on the internet; one fore instance is called Dr. Christopher’s Bilberry Eye Formula. This is a blend of herbal ingredients that helps with the circulation to the eye and with the overall treatment of Glaucoma. It also helps to repair some of the damaged vessels caused by Glaucoma, help with loss of vision during the night and can cleanse tissues in the eyes while bring antioxidants to eyes. Bilberries, the main ingredient in this formula are a family member of blueberries. Another ingredient that comes in this formula is called anthocyanosides; this is the main ingredient that will help those who have lost eye-sight through-out the night be able to see again. Other ingredients consist of Bilberry leaves, eye-bright herb, cayenne pepper and ginkgo leaf. You can purchase a 100-count bottle for $18, but in looking through-out the web you can also find lower prices.

Another herbal treatment is on that has been heard of for a long time now; it has been controversial against for many years. Marijuana has been shown in many experimental researches to help to symptoms of Glaucoma. From a test in 1970, Marijuana proved a huge percentage of people who found relief of pressure from intraocular pressure in the diabetic patients who had glaucoma. Granted, this herbal drug can not be purchased, it can only be prescribed in medicinal amounts.

Oregano has been scientifically proven to help prevent glaucoma from happening especially if glaucoma is hereditary in your family. It is recommended by Naturopaths to find foods that contain Antioxidants that resist glaucoma. Wild oregano is one of these foods; it actually contains far more antioxidants than most foods.

One more herbal treatment that you might want to try is called Jaborandi; it comes from a tropical tree that grows in South America called jaborandi. Before the Spanish explorers arrived in South America, jaborandi was being used medicinally. Back in time around the mid- 1600’s some Spanish naturalists found the effects of jaborandi to have a tremendous affect on curing eye disease. It was actually an ingredient found in 1875 called pilopcarpine. Pilocarpine is usually formed into eye drops to help people with Glaucoma, using just one drop can take effect in 15 minutes and then will keep the eye protected for 24 hours.

Try some fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C have also been effective in lowering intraocular pressure. Some examples include cabbage, bell pepper, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, kale, papaya, strawberries, broccoli and guava. Naturopaths and Nutritionists will recommend taking anywhere from 2,000 to 35,000 milligrams a day.

If you have Glaucoma then this is one herb that you will want to avoid, sanguinarine. Sanguinarine is found in bloodroot and may help to progress glaucoma. You could be using this herb daily and not even know about it since it is mostly found in toothpastes and mouthwashes because the herb can help to fight gum disease. You should check the label of both your tooth paste and mouthwash before buying them and using them.

To help prevent Glaucoma from ever happening you can do a number of things. First you will need to make sure you are getting regular eye exams. It is recommended by The National Eye Institute that you get your eyes dilated at least once a year if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabulimia

Diabulimia is an eating disorder that can occur in people that have Type 1 Diabetes. When the person does not give themselves their daily insulin, their body will go into a starvation mode, which over time will cause fat and muscle to breakdown. This will cause weight loss and can put the person in risk for a life-threatening condition known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). If the condition goes untreated there is a high mortality rate.

Diabulimia is an eating disorder that can occur in people that have Type 1 Diabetes. When the person does not give themselves their daily insulin, their body will go into a starvation mode, which over time will cause fat and muscle to breakdown. This will cause weight loss and can put the person in risk for a life-threatening condition known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). If the condition goes untreated there is a high mortality rate.

Once a person is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, they are put on a restricted diet, and on a daily routine of taking insulin shots. Weight gain is a possible outcome, which some people, especially teens will feel ashamed and embarrassed about. They decide skipping an insulin injection will help them get back to their pre-Diabetes weight. Diabulimia is not the same as other eating disorders such as Anorexia because the person does not have to vomit or starve to loose weight.

Purging of sugar from the body through the kidneys is the same as someone who purges or vomits when suffering from Bulimia. Women with Type 1 Diabetes are twice as likely to develop an eating disorder. A reason that may be surprising is that since there is a lot of focus on what the person is eating such as the amount of carbohydrates and following a diet, they might start feeling negative about food.

Diabulimia is most commonly found in teenage girls and young women. Unfortunately this trend may be gaining popularity because it is being talked about over the internet by people with Diabetes and eating disorders. Out of 450,000 women studied that have Type 1 Diabetes, one-third has skipped insulin injections specifically to loose weight. By doing so, they are risking going into coma, or even death.

The damage done to the person’s body can be enormous. People who skip their insulin have higher blood sugar levels than normal. This can cause the person to become dehydrated, and fatigued along with the muscle loss. Long term affects can cause the persons Diabetes to rapidly attribute to Diabetic complications such as eye disease, kidney disease, and even limb amputations because of vascular disease. Other symptoms that can be expected due to long term Diabulimia include high cholesterol, extreme fatigue, and severe neuropathy which cause nerve damage to feet and hands.

Teenagers have a lot of pressure to fit a certain image. Just one flip through a magazine or watching a television show can make your child feel self-conscious. If you are a parent to a teenager who has Type 1 Diabetes there are warning signs to be aware of. Intentionally skipping or lowering insulin doses could be because they do not want to gain more weight. Excessive exercise and an obsessive concern about weight and body image are other symptoms of Diabulimia.

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions. Mixed with Diabetes it can cause long-term complications and even death. If you feel someone you love may be dealing with Diabulimia it is best to discuss your concerns with your Doctor.

Eye Stroke

Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION) is a serious disease that can happen in people that are middle aged through the golden years. This disease is also known as a stroke of the optic nerve. It can occur with little warning signs, and often spreads to both eyes. AION can be devastating diseases because it can leave the person with severe visual impairments.

Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION) is a serious disease that can happen in people that are middle aged through the golden years. This disease is also known as a stroke of the optic nerve (eye stroke). It can occur with little warning signs, and often spreads to both eyes. AION can be devastating diseases because it can leave the person with severe visual impairments.

One of the forms of AION is known as Non Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAAION). This is the most common form of AION. People of all ages can get NAAION, with about 10% being under the age of 45. Male and females are equally at risk. NAAION occurs when there is an acute problem with circulation in which the arteries supply the optic nerve. This occurs when there is a dip in blood pressure, which results in there not being enough blood pressure to go through the vessels that supply the optic nerve.

This can happen by a number of reasons. Certain illnesses can make the risk of NAAION occurring greater. Diabetes Mellitus and Sleep Apnea are often seen in individuals who have had NAAION occur. It has been proved that when someone’s blood pressure drops while they sleep at night, they gain a greater risk of getting NAAION. More than seventy five percent of people who have NAAION had vision loss when they would wake up. This alone will not cause the disease, but when added with other risk factors it can attribute to the problem and be the cause of it progressing.

AION will vary by individuals. Someone could still have 20/20 vision, while others will suffer profound visual loss. This loss depends on the location and the amount of optic nerve that was affected by the eye stroke. After someone has AION, their contrast sensitivity is changed. They may not be able to see the changes when reading or judging depth.

At this time there are not many options when it comes to directly treating the optic nerve. It is common for Doctors to put the person on drugs that will lessen the intravacular pressure which can help protect the nerve. Baby aspirin may also help prevent AION from happening in the other eye. If the person smokes, that should be eliminated. Being diagnosed and treated will help lesson the vision problems associated with AION.

Usually people with AION will see improvement after a few weeks or months after the vision loss. Sometimes it will not get better, though. People learn to adapt to the change and it will eventually become less noticeable. There is a possibility after a few years of having AION occur in the other eye which was not affected at first.

It is important to routinely have your vision checked, especially if you are at risk by having Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Mellitus. Having early detection can prevent you from getting serious vision impairments. Your Doctor can help inform you on what you need to know about the disease and what steps to take in preventing it. Doing so will insure your eyes stay healthy and reliable for many years to come.