6 things to know when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
If you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you’ll probably never forget the moment your doctor shared the news--and the rollercoaster of emotions that followed. Maybe you saw it coming; your doctor told you sometime within the last few years that you were living with prediabetes, and you always assumed diabetes was inevitable. Or maybe it came out of left field. I’m not even overweight, you thought. First, know this: All your feelings are valid and completely normal. It’s overwhelming to find out that you live with a chronic disease such as Type 2 diabetes. And it can make...
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Talking about diabetes at school
So your child is starting school, attending a new one, or switching classes? If they’re living with diabetes, one thing’s for sure: they will have to talk about their disease with those around them. Let’s take a look at a few tips to smooth out communication as much as possible.Build confidence Talking about diabetes will come naturally to some, and not so much to others. Children don’t want to be treated differently from others, and many fear rejection and mockery. It’s important to discuss the issue openly at home and make it clear to your child that they don’t have to be ashamed of diabetes. Make...
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A Quick Overview Of Oral Medications
For type 1 diabetes With type 1 diabetes, you need to take insulin your whole life, since your body won’t produce any. It must be administered through injections or using a pump. If you’re wondering why no one has invented an insulin pill yet, that’s because stomach enzymes would make short work of it. In addition to insulin therapy, managing type 1 diabetes also requires exercising, eating a proper diet and monitoring blood glucose. Some oral medicines are sometimes prescribed to complement this. These include the following: Blood pressure medications...
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When Diabetes Goes For The Eyes
It’s not a myth: diabetes can really affect eye health. Blood glucose, cholesterol levels and blood pressure are all variables that can cause serious long-term damage and, in the worst-case scenario, blindness. That’s why it’s so important to discuss this issue and focus on prevention. Here’s a quick overview to help you see the big picture. Glaucoma Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve and blood vessels. This disease causes a gradual loss of vision, starting with the periphery, and can...
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Hypertension 101
Also known as “high blood pressure”, hypertension is one of the leading causes of strokes and heart disease, and the worst part is that it often shows no symptoms. People living with diabetes need to be especially watchful, as they are more likely to develop hypertension at some point and suffer from its adverse consequences. Blood pressure “Blood pressure” refers to the pressure that blood exerts on artery walls. It’s an essential part of the process that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. ...
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Diabetes And Kidney Diseases
Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney disease that occurs in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Up to 50% of people living with diabetes will eventually experience kidney damage, and they risk kidney failure without proper treatment. Fortunately, good diabetes management and effective prevention can delay or even prevent the loss of kidney function. What are kidneys for? The kidneys are two fist-sized organs located near the back, below the rib cage. Their job is to filter blood and eliminate waste through urine. They also regulate...
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Diabetes And Sexual Health
In a society where sex is omnipresent, it’s surprising to realize that it’s still a taboo topic. Although we openly discuss about many of the complications of diabetes, there’s very little talk about sexual problems, which occur more frequently and earlier in people living with diabetes. When desire flags Blood glucose levels are sometimes behind this, especially if they’ve been poorly managed for years. The inflammation, nerve damage and circulatory problems caused by improper blood glucose management can hinder libido. There’s...
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A Handy Guide To Successful Outings
Summer is back and there's great reasons to get out of the house. In a perfect world, diabetes would also take a summer holiday. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way, but you can easily adapt your activities to it with a bit of preparation. Going camping? From no-service grounds to RV trips, there can be a lot of variety to your outdoor adventures depending on your preferences. In any case, you need a way to keep your medication and meter cool during the day. If you have access to a fridge, great! Otherwise, a cooler will work. Speaking of medication, always bring a bit...
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Too Good To Be True
“Lose 15 pounds in 15 days!”, “Burn calories just by sitting!”, “Discover the marvelous superpowers of the magical Malaysian Meme Beans!”... you've probably heard promises like that before. The idea of losing weight effortlessly sounds great, but what’s the truth of it? Miracle diets, shock diets and company Extreme diets promise drastic and rapid weight loss using severe calorie deficits and dietary restrictions. Of course you’ll shed pounds like crazy if all you have is smoothies or cabbage soup. But in the end, it’ll only harm your...
Read MorePages
Talking about diabetes at school
So your child is starting school, attending a new one, or switching classes? If they’re living with diabetes, one thing’s for sure: they will have to talk about their disease with those around them. Let’s take a look at a few tips to smooth out communication as much as possible.Build confidence Talking about diabetes will come naturally to some, and not so much to others. Children don’t want to be treated differently from others, and many fear rejection and mockery. It’s important to discuss the issue openly at home and make it clear to your child that they don’t have to be ashamed of diabetes. Make...
Read More A Quick Overview Of Oral Medications
For type 1 diabetes With type 1 diabetes, you need to take insulin your whole life, since your body won’t produce any. It must be administered through injections or using a pump. If you’re wondering why no one has invented an insulin pill yet, that’s because stomach enzymes would make short work of it. In addition to insulin therapy, managing type 1 diabetes also requires exercising, eating a proper diet and monitoring blood glucose. Some oral medicines are sometimes prescribed to complement this. These include the following: Blood pressure medications...
Read More When Diabetes Goes For The Eyes
It’s not a myth: diabetes can really affect eye health. Blood glucose, cholesterol levels and blood pressure are all variables that can cause serious long-term damage and, in the worst-case scenario, blindness. That’s why it’s so important to discuss this issue and focus on prevention. Here’s a quick overview to help you see the big picture. Glaucoma Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve and blood vessels. This disease causes a gradual loss of vision, starting with the periphery, and can...
Read More Hypertension 101
Also known as “high blood pressure”, hypertension is one of the leading causes of strokes and heart disease, and the worst part is that it often shows no symptoms. People living with diabetes need to be especially watchful, as they are more likely to develop hypertension at some point and suffer from its adverse consequences. Blood pressure “Blood pressure” refers to the pressure that blood exerts on artery walls. It’s an essential part of the process that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. ...
Read More Diabetes And Kidney Diseases
Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney disease that occurs in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Up to 50% of people living with diabetes will eventually experience kidney damage, and they risk kidney failure without proper treatment. Fortunately, good diabetes management and effective prevention can delay or even prevent the loss of kidney function. What are kidneys for? The kidneys are two fist-sized organs located near the back, below the rib cage. Their job is to filter blood and eliminate waste through urine. They also regulate...
Read More Diabetes And Sexual Health
In a society where sex is omnipresent, it’s surprising to realize that it’s still a taboo topic. Although we openly discuss about many of the complications of diabetes, there’s very little talk about sexual problems, which occur more frequently and earlier in people living with diabetes. When desire flags Blood glucose levels are sometimes behind this, especially if they’ve been poorly managed for years. The inflammation, nerve damage and circulatory problems caused by improper blood glucose management can hinder libido. There’s...
Read More A Handy Guide To Successful Outings
Summer is back and there's great reasons to get out of the house. In a perfect world, diabetes would also take a summer holiday. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way, but you can easily adapt your activities to it with a bit of preparation. Going camping? From no-service grounds to RV trips, there can be a lot of variety to your outdoor adventures depending on your preferences. In any case, you need a way to keep your medication and meter cool during the day. If you have access to a fridge, great! Otherwise, a cooler will work. Speaking of medication, always bring a bit...
Read More Too Good To Be True
“Lose 15 pounds in 15 days!”, “Burn calories just by sitting!”, “Discover the marvelous superpowers of the magical Malaysian Meme Beans!”... you've probably heard promises like that before. The idea of losing weight effortlessly sounds great, but what’s the truth of it? Miracle diets, shock diets and company Extreme diets promise drastic and rapid weight loss using severe calorie deficits and dietary restrictions. Of course you’ll shed pounds like crazy if all you have is smoothies or cabbage soup. But in the end, it’ll only harm your...
Read More