Diabetes Treatment Weblog

Archive for the ‘Blood Glucose Monitoring’ Category

In previous entries I have already introduced concepts such as glucose, glycemic index and insulin, to be discussed further in this post. We speak of glucose when it comes to blood glucose levels. Are measured in milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood, and normal values ??range from 75-110 mg / dl and below 200 mg / dl after meals. As we have mentioned on other occasions, glucose is the major energy fuel for almost all tissues, and the only central nervous system can be used in normal or physiological conditions. Hence the importance of maintaining adequate levels of blood glucose, and the reason why the body has very sensitive mechanisms to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which could have serious consequences for the nervous system, while that tolerate high (hyperglycemia) of some length, but can be harmful in the long term.

The body has a complex system of hormones that are responsible for maintaining blood glucose within appropriate levels. When sugar levels begin to decline, the glucagon , the adrenaline and glucocorticoid is responsible for stimulating the production of glucose through the use of muscle protein and fat stored in adipose tissue, so called hyperglycemic hormones . By contrast, when blood sugar levels begin to rise is the insulin which is responsible for keeping them “at bay”, through several mechanisms: it stimulates glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue (withdrawing the bloodstream), stimulates the formation of glycogen (using glucose) in the liver and muscles, stimulates fat formation (from glucose) in the liver and adipose tissue, stimulates amino acid uptake by the and promotes muscle protein synthesis in the same. Therefore we say that is a hormone hypoglycemic (low blood sugar levels) and anabolic (promotes the formation of muscle and adipose tissue). Read the rest of this entry »

In Argentina, the two and a half million people suffer from this disease, there are about a million who ignores him. In order to maintain a stable level of “sugar” blood, today medical science has developed new tools and treatments less stringent than in the past. But to tackle the disease, one must first know it.

When we talk about blood sugar we refer to a particular carbohydrate, glucose. For proper use in the body, there is insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas as well withdraw from circulation the surplus glucose is responsible for facilitating their entry into cells of the liver and muscles where it is deposited in glycogen, and that penetrates the fat cells to be stored as fat. Thus, the body energy reserves.

But this regulatory mechanism can fail and increase the level of blood glucose, also called glucose, which is the most visible manifestation of the diabetic disease.

Much is said of diabetes and is described as a silent disease, with emphasis on family history and symptoms such as excessive thirst and urination abundant, but in reality, the high values ??of blood glucose are due to different causes . In other words, the symptom is one but two diabetes. Read the rest of this entry »

The diabetes treatment, and with it the continuous monitoring of blood glucose is now no longer as expensive and complicated as it was some decades ago. Much is taken from diabetic patients with good medical care and support for small devices. On the self of his own blood sugar may not yet be dispensed with.

Thus the continuous blood sampling is not always the annoying and painful matter, should make diabetes a few things before and while they control themselves. With a gentle pricking of the blood collection is far more relaxed.

When do you measure
How often blood glucose should be monitored on a case generally depends on the diabetes therapy. Additional blood sugar provisions may be particularly important, however, in special situations. For example, if signs of hypoglycaemia or a disease that is associated with fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also in sports, travel, before a long car ride or a change in diet may be important that people know their blood glucose levels and responds appropriately to changes.

Fear of discomfort
The need for blood sugar measurements in diabetes therapy is controversial. Yet many fear affected pain during stinging, calluses or impairment of sensation in his fingers. Often triggers even from the sight of “naked” lancet fear. Modern lancing devices, in which the lancet is not visible, can contribute greatly to lose that fear. Read the rest of this entry »

Here are some tips for making your glucose monitoring sting does not hurt.

The only way you can know if you are controlling your diabetes is through self-monitoring, that means you have to sting your finger at least once a day. This procedure is uncomfortable for people with diabetes because it is painful, but here we offer a guide to hurt a little less:

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Free screenings for diabetes will be offered on Saturday August 7 from 9 am 2 p.m. Diabetes Expo at the “Health and Welfare” to be held at the Convention Center Hotel Holiday Inn in Springdale.

Do not ask for ID and is free, said Krista Coffee, deputy director of the Northwest Arkansas office of the American Diabetes Association (ADA for its acronym in English).

Spanish translators will be 12 and there will be information available in English and Spanish, said Lori Bramlett, regional director of ADA.

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Diabetes is detected by measuring the amount of glucose in the blood after a person has fasted (abstained from food) for about eight hours. In some cases, doctors diagnose diabetes by administering a test of oral glucose tolerance test, which measures glucose levels before and after a certain amount of sugar has been ingested.

Another test being developed for type 1 diabetes are looking for specific antibodies (immune system proteins that attack foreign substances) present only in people with diabetes. This test can detect the type 1 diabetes at an early stage, reducing the risk of complications of the disease.

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The self refers to being capable of self blood glucose checked at home. Also called self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG by its acronym in English). Regular self-testing blood sugar tells you and your doctor how well is working diet, exercise and medication for diabetes.

A device called a glucometer can provide an exact blood sugar reading. There are different types of devices. Usually, you prick your finger with a small needle called a lancet to get a tiny drop of blood. You place the blood onto a test strip and put the strip on the device. Results are available within 30 to 45 seconds.

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People with diabetes can not produce or properly use insulin, resulting in an elevation of glucose in the blood.

Although there is a strong genetic component, it is known that the Mediterranean diet is a key factor in preventing the onset of diabetes. In addition, in patients who already have diabetes, proper nutrition is a fundamental point of treating the disease, as it helps regulate the level of sugar in the body and prevent future complications.

Want to know what guidelines must follow a diabetic diet?

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