High Blood Sugar In Pregnancy Puts Baby At Risk
Print Font: CHICAGO — The higher a pregnant woman’s level of blood sugar, the greater the risk to her newborn — whether the mother has diabetes or not, the largest study on the problem suggests. More women opting for preventive mastectomy - but should they be? Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies, such as Angeline Jolie, have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years, experts say. But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options, from a once-a-day pill to careful monitoring. The findings released Friday may lead to more women being diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy and given stricter diet advice or medication to lower blood sugar. The research involved more than 23,000 pregnant women in nine countries. It found a surprisingly strong relationship between the blood sugar levels of the women and the rate of big babies and first-time Caesarean sections, said lead investigator Dr. Boyd Metzger of Northwestern University. The newborns also were more likely to have low blood sugar levels and high insulin levels if their mothers’ blood sugar levels were higher. The problems can lead to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure later in life. Risks for large babies Large babies risk shoulder damage and other injuries if delivered vaginally and lead to more C-sections, which also pose health risks to mothers and babies. Large babies were defined in the study as those bigger than 90 percent of those born in the local population, so large Thai babies would be smaller than large U.S. babies. Researchers reported the findings Friday at the American Diabetes Association’s annual scientific meeting. The higher the mother’s blood sugar, the more Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar And Fats
Fact Sheet 123 See Fact Sheet 121 for information on the Complete Blood Count, and Fact Sheet 122 for tests included in the Chemistry Panel. For information on normal laboratory values, see fact sheet 120. SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIRETROVIRAL MEDICATIONS? Standard blood tests measure blood sugar (glucose), but not blood fats. People with HIV are testing their blood sugar and blood fat levels more frequently because ARVs seem to cause abnormally high levels. This is especially true for the ARVs called protease inhibitors. For more information, see Fact Sheet 553 on lipodystrophy (body shape changes). Glucose is sugar. It is broken down in the cells to provide energy. Blood sugar increases after you eat or drink anything besides water. A high glucose level (hyperglycemia) can be a sign of the disease diabetes mellitus. High blood sugar levels can eventually damage your eyes, nerves, kidneys, or heart. High blood sugar can be a side effect of the HIV protease inhibitors. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause fatigue, but there are other more common causes of fatigue for people with HIV. In a healthy person, blood sugar is controlled by insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps glucose move from your blood into your cells to produce energy. High blood sugar levels could mean that your pancreas is not making enough insulin. However, some people make plenty of insulin, but their bodies don’t respond normally. This is called “insulin resistance.” In either case, the cells don’t get enough glucose to use for energy, and glucose builds up in your blood. Some people who take HIV protease inhibitors develop insulin resistance and can have high blood glucose levels. This condition is sometimes treated with the same medications used to treat diabetes. The Continue reading >>
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
If you’ve had diabetes for any length of time at all, you’ve probably seen lists of the signs and symptoms of high blood glucose dozens of times. Doctors and diabetes educators hand them out. Hundreds of websites reprint them. Most diabetes books list them. You likely know some of the items on the list by heart: thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, slow healing of cuts, and more. But have you ever stopped to wonder why these symptoms occur? How does high blood glucose cause frequent urination, make your vision go blurry, or cause all of those other things to happen? Here are some answers to explain what’s going on in your body when you have high blood glucose. Setting the stage for high blood glucose High blood glucose (called hyperglycemia by medical professionals) is the defining characteristic of all types of diabetes. It happens when the body can no longer maintain a normal blood glucose level, either because the pancreas is no longer making enough insulin, or because the body’s cells have become so resistant to insulin that the pancreas cannot keep up, and glucose is accumulating in the bloodstream rather than being moved into the cells. What is high blood sugar? Blood glucose is commonly considered too high if it is higher than 130 mg/dl before a meal or higher than 180 mg/dl two hours after the first bite of a meal. However, most of the signs and symptoms of high blood glucose don’t appear until the blood glucose level is higher than 250 mg/dl. Some of the symptoms have a rapid onset, while others require a long period of high blood glucose to set in. It’s important to note that individuals differ in their sensitivity to the effects of high blood glucose: Some people feel symptoms more quickly or more strongly than others. But each sign or sympt Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Short Term Problems
Complications Diabetes can cause other health problems. Sometimes these problems are referred to as complications (COM-pli-KAY-shuns). Short-term problems can happen at any time when you have diabetes. Long-term problems may develop when you have diabetes for a long time. In case of emergency, you should always wear a form of medical identification (ID). Examples are ID bracelets and necklaces. To reduce your risk of getting other health problems from diabetes, you need good control of your blood glucose (sugar). Good control means keeping blood glucose at certain levels. To learn more about good control and healthy blood glucose numbers, see the UPMC patient education page Diabetes: Your Management Plan. This patient education sheet tells you about short-term problems, what to do for them, and how to prevent them: Low blood glucose High blood glucose with ketones High blood glucose without ketones Low Blood Glucose Low blood glucose is also called hypoglycemia (HI-po-glice-EE-me-uh). Blood glucose numbers under 70 mean you have low blood glucose. Several things can cause low blood glucose: Too much insulin Too much sulfonylurea (SULL-fon-ilyour-EE-uh) medicine Not enough food Too much exercise Symptoms of low blood glucose include: Hunger Feeling nervous Heavy sweating Weakness Shaking (tremors) Confusion Seizures Coma If you get low blood glucose If you get low blood glucose and you are awake and able to swallow, eat or drink something with sugar. Here is a list of some suggested foods: 4 ounces of fruit juice 4 to 6 ounces of sugary (non-diet) soft drink 3 to 4 glucose tablets (or 1 tube of glucose gel) 1 cup of skim milk 6 to 7 hard candies (not sugar-free), such as Lifesavers Wait for 10 to 15 minutes. Test your blood glucose again. If your blood glucose is above 7 Continue reading >>
Side Effects
Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia). Heart failure. Taking certain diabetes pills called thiazolidinediones or “TZDs” with Tresiba® may cause heart failure in some people. This can happen even if you have never had heart failure or heart problems before. If you already have heart failure, it may get worse while you take TZDs with Tresiba®. Your health care provider should monitor you closely while you are taking TZDs with Tresiba®. Tell your health care provider if you have any new or worse symptoms of heart failure including shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling of your ankles or feet, and sudden weight gain. Treatment with TZDs and Tresiba® may need to be adjusted or stopped by your health care provider if you have new or worse heart failure. Your insulin dose may need to change because of: change in level of physical activity or exercise weight gain or loss increased stress illness change in diet Common side effects of Tresiba® may include: serious allergic reactions (whole body reactions), reactions at the injection site, skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy), itching, rash, swelling of your hands and feet, and weight gain Get emergency medical help if you have: trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion These are not all the possible side effects of Tresiba®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Continue reading >>
Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments
Gestational diabetes has become one of the most common pregnancy complications in the US, with about 7 percent of pregnant women developing the condition. But just because it’s more widespread doesn’t mean it comes without risks. So what is gestational diabetes—and how can you minimize your chances of getting it? In this article What is gestational diabetes? What causes gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes symptoms Gestational diabetes treatment How to prevent gestational diabetes What Is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes means your body can’t properly regulate your blood sugar levels while you’re pregnant—either because you don’t produce enough insulin or your body can’t properly use the insulin it does produce. That causes your blood sugar levels to spike when you eat, leading to a condition called hyperglycemia. Most moms-to-be diagnosed with gestational diabetes experience diabetes only during pregnancy, and the condition clears up soon after birth. But 5 to 10 percent of women continue to have type 2 diabetes after pregnancy, and those whose diabetes clears up after childbirth are still at a 20 to 50 percent risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years. So why are doctors so concerned about this condition? “Gestational diabetes puts the mom and baby at increased risk for pregnancy complications,” says Sherry A. Ross, MD, a Santa Monica, California-based ob-gyn and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period. For moms, those include: High blood pressure Preeclampsia Preterm labor C-section Gestational diabetes effects on baby can increase the risk of: Higher birth weight Shoulder dystocia (when the shoulders get stuck in the birth canal) Congenital malformations (such as abnormal sp Continue reading >>
Hyperglycemia: When Your Blood Glucose Level Goes Too High
Hyperglycemia means high (hyper) glucose (gly) in the blood (emia). Your body needs glucose to properly function. Your cells rely on glucose for energy. Hyperglycemia is a defining characteristic of diabetes—when the blood glucose level is too high because the body isn't properly using or doesn't make the hormone insulin. You get glucose from the foods you eat. Carbohydrates, such as fruit, milk, potatoes, bread, and rice, are the biggest source of glucose in a typical diet. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, and then transports the glucose to the cells via the bloodstream. Body Needs Insulin However, in order to use the glucose, your body needs insulin. This is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps transport glucose into the cells, particularly the muscle cells. People with type 1 diabetes no longer make insulin to help their bodies use glucose, so they have to take insulin, which is injected under the skin. People with type 2 diabetes may have enough insulin, but their body doesn't use it well; they're insulin resistant. Some people with type 2 diabetes may not produce enough insulin. People with diabetes may become hyperglycemic if they don't keep their blood glucose level under control (by using insulin, medications, and appropriate meal planning). For example, if someone with type 1 diabetes doesn't take enough insulin before eating, the glucose their body makes from that food can build up in their blood and lead to hyperglycemia. Your endocrinologist will tell you what your target blood glucose levels are. Your levels may be different from what is usually considered as normal because of age, pregnancy, and/or other factors. Fasting hyperglycemia is defined as when you don't eat for at least eight hours. Recommended range without diabet Continue reading >>
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Prevents Rejection Of A Transplanted Organ.
Our bottom line CellCept (mycophenolate) is good at preventing organ transplant rejection, but you’ll need regular blood tests to make sure you don't develop any serious side effects. CellCept (mycophenolate) is a first-choice medication for preventing organ rejection since it doesn't hurt the kidneys or liver like its alternatives. With CellCept (mycophenolate), you might be able to take a lower dose of your other anti-rejection medications. You might need to take other medications to control your blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol while on CellCept (mycophenolate). You can’t breastfeed while on this medication. CellCept (mycophenolate) is an immunosuppresant that lowers your immune system activity so your body doesn't reject a transplanted organ. What to expect when you take CellCept (mycophenolate) for Prevention of heart transplant rejection Possible side effects Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacists Side effect rates for CellCept (mycophenolate) From 289 clinical trials of CellCept when taken for prevention of heart transplant rejection (3 g) Where we got our data » Common concerns from people taking CellCept (mycophenolate) CellCept (mycophenolate) is a first-choice medication for preventing organ rejection since it doesn't hurt the kidneys or liver like its alternatives. Eyesight getting worse. Swelling of lower legs. Promotes tiredness. Having memory problems, expressing myself. Urine level is going down, but not painful. Having tremors in my hands. Low white blood cell level. Eyesight has been getting worse since kidney transplant almost 6 months ago. The above are all side effects experienced by me. CellCept (mycophenolate) can raise your risk of serious or life-threatening bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. In some cases, infect Continue reading >>
Do Glucosamine And Chondroitin Worsen Blood Sugar Control In Diabetes?
Despite theoretical risks based on animal models given high intravenous doses, glucosamine/chondroitin (1500 mg/1200 mg daily) does not adversely affect short-term glycemic control for patients whose diabetes is well-controlled, or for those without diabetes or glucose intolerance (SOR: A, consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence). Some preliminary evidence suggests that glucosamine may worsen glucose intolerance for patients with untreated or undiagnosed glucose intolerance or diabetes (SOR: C, extrapolation from disease-oriented evidence). Long-term effects are unknown; however, no compelling theoretical or incidental data suggest that long-term results should be different (SOR: C, expert opinion). Further studies are required to clarify the effects of glucosamine on patients with poorly controlled diabetes or glucose intolerance. These products seem to be a safe alternative to NSAIDs Lisa Brandes, MD University of Wyoming, Cheyenne Glucosamine/chondroitin is a popular over-the-counter supplement used by many patients; it appears to be without any serious adverse affects or drug interactions. It does not seem to have much effect on blood sugar for patients with diabetes. It may relieve symptoms for some patients with pain due to osteoarthritis. As such, glucosamine/chondroitin seems to be a safe alternative to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for patients with osteoarthritis. I would monitor blood sugars more frequently for patients with diabetes given the low numbers in the studies cited above. I would avoid glucosamine/chondroitin during pregnancy and lactation for the younger symptomatic female patient. The cost of this product varies widely, and this can be a factor for patients since they are paying out of pocket. Diabetes mellitus and osteo Continue reading >>
Symptoms Of Diabetes
What are the Primary Symptoms of Diabetes? The most prevalent symptom of diabetes (Type I and II) is elevated blood sugar levels. In Type I (insulin dependent / early onset) diabetes, this is caused by the body not producing enough insulin to properly regulate blood sugar. In Type II (non insulin dependent/adult onset) diabetes, it is caused by the body developing resistance to insulin, so it cannot properly use what it produces. However, high blood sugar is not something you can see in the mirror at home, so it is useful to know the side-effects of high blood sugar, which are commonly recognized as the noticeable diabetes symptoms. If you find yourself experiencing many of these symptoms on a consistent, long term basis, you should visit a doctor to be tested for diabetes. Ignoring (or not recognizing) the symptoms of diabetes can lead to long-term serious health risks and complications from untreated diabetes. Some of the common 'early warning' signs of diabetes are: Excessive thirst One of the first symptoms of diabetes is often excessive thirst that is unrelated to exercise, hot weather, or short-term illness. Excessive hunger You are still hungry all the time even though you've eaten. Frequent urination Frequent urination is often noticed because you must wake up repeatedly during the night. Fatigue Tiredness and fatigue, possibly severe enough to make you fall asleep unexpectedly after meals, is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. Sudden weight loss Rapid and/or sudden weight loss (any dramatic change in weight is a sign to visit a doctor) Get tested if you are concerned While many of the signs and symptoms of diabetes can also be related to other causes, testing for diabetes is very easy, and the constant/regular presence of one or more of these symptoms Continue reading >>
High Blood Sugar And Diabetes
Blood sugar control is at the center of any diabetes treatment plan. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a major concern, and can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes . There are two main kinds: Fasting hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that's higher than 130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) after not eating or drinking for at least 8 hours. Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that's higher than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after you eat. People without diabetes rarely have blood sugar levels over 140 mg/dL after a meal, unless it’s really large. Frequent or ongoing high blood sugar can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and organs. It can also lead to other serious conditions. People with type 1 diabetes are prone to a build-up of acids in the blood called ketoacidosis. If you have type 2 diabetes or if you’re at risk for it, extremely high blood sugar can lead to a potentially deadly condition in which your body can’t process sugar. It's called hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). You’ll pee more often at first, and then less often later on, but your urine may become dark and you could get severely dehydrated. It's important to treat symptoms of high blood sugar right away to help prevent complications. Your blood sugar may rise if you: Eat too many grams of carbohydrates for the amount of insulin you took, or eat too many carbs in general Have an infection Are ill Are under stress Become inactive or exercise less than usual Take part in strenuous physical activity, especially when your blood sugar levels are high and insulin levels are low Early signs include: Increased thirst Trouble concentrating Frequent peeing Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) Blood sugar more than 180 mg/dL Ongoing high blood sugar Continue reading >>
Gestational Diabetes
What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes causes blood sugar levels to become too high. When you eat, your digestive system breaks down most of the food into a sugar called glucose. Glucose enters your bloodstream so your cells can use it as fuel. With the help of insulin (a hormone made by your pancreas), muscle, fat, and other cells absorb glucose from your blood. But if your body doesn't produce enough insulin, or if the cells have a problem responding to it, too much glucose remains in your blood instead of moving into cells and getting converted to energy. When you're pregnant, your body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin so that more glucose is available to nourish your baby. For most moms-to-be, this isn't a problem: When your body needs additional insulin to process excess glucose in blood, the pancreas secretes more. But if the pancreas can't keep up with the increased demand for insulin during pregnancy, blood sugar levels rise too high because the cells aren't using the glucose. This results in gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes needs to be recognized and treated quickly because it can cause health problems for mother and baby. Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes isn't permanent. Once a baby is born, blood sugar will most likely return to normal quickly. However, having gestational diabetes does make developing diabetes in the future more likely. Am I at risk of developing gestational diabetes? Anyone can develop gestational diabetes, and not all women who develop the condition have known risk factors. About 5 to 10 percent of all pregnant women get gestational diabetes. You're more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you Continue reading >>
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Diabetes
The Facts Diabetes is a condition where people don't produce enough insulin to meet their body's needs and/or their cells don't respond properly to insulin. Insulin is important because it moves glucose, a simple sugar, into the body's cells from the blood. It also has a number of other effects on metabolism. The food that people eat provides the body with glucose, which is used by the cells as a source of energy. If insulin isn't available or doesn't work correctly to move glucose from the blood into cells, glucose will stay in the blood. High blood glucose levels are toxic, and cells that don't get glucose are lacking the fuel they need. There are two main kinds of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. More than 90% of all people with diabetes have type 2. A 2015 Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) report estimated that about 3.4 million Canadians have diabetes. Only about two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes are aware of it and are receiving treatment because, for many people, early symptoms are not noticeable without testing. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot make insulin. Everyone with type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not use insulin properly. It usually occurs in adults, although in some cases children may be affected. People with type 2 diabetes usually have a family history of this condition and are most often overweight. People with type 2 diabetes may eventually need insulin injections. This condition occurs most commonly in people of First Nations descent, Hispanics, and North Americans of African descent. Another less common form is gestational diabetes, a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. According to the CDA, depend Continue reading >>
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High Blood Sugar: Causes, Warning Signs And Treatment
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when the body has too much food or glucose, or too little insulin. Potential reasons a person with type 1 diabetes (T1D) might have high blood sugar include: Not enough insulin taken Eating more than usual Eating earlier than usual Eating food with higher glucose content without injecting extra insulin Injecting insulin at a site on the body where the absorption rate is slower Missing or skipping an insulin dose A clog in insulin pump tubing Less exercise than normal Emotional or physical stress Illness or injury Other hormones Medications (such as steroids) Pain Hyperglycemia Symptoms Thirst (dehydration) Frequent urination, including potential waking up in the middle of the night to urinate; and unusually wet diapers in an infant or toddler. Blurry vision Stomach pain Increased hunger Nausea Drowsiness, lethargy, exhaustion Confusion Sweating Fruity, sweet or wine-like odor on breath Vomiting Inability to concentrate Weight loss (a longer-term symptom) that eventually leads to coma Treatments The following recommendations are general treatments for high blood sugar. Specific actions, such as giving additional insulin, should be determined by the adult with T1D, physician or parents (for a child). If blood test results are slightly above normal: Continue regular activity Drink water or sugar-free drinks Monitor blood-sugar levels by checking regularly Chart blood-glucose test results Consider injecting additional insulin as instructed by physician or parent If blood test results are moderately high: Don’t engage in strenuous exercise Drink water or sugar-free drinks Inject additional insulin if instructed by physician or parents Monitor blood-sugar levels by checking regularly Chart blood-glucose test results Try to discover Continue reading >>
Is High Blood Sugar Damaging Your Brain?
Did you know that diabetes is a risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline? But effectively managing diabetes could actually improve long-term brain health. In diabetes, blood glucose levels remain too high, either because the body does not make or becomes resistant to insulin. Over time, high glucose levels can have serious repercussions, such as heart disease and stroke. But lower them too much and you could face immediate and severe side effects including confusion and cognitive impairment and, possibly, an increased risk of long-term cognitive decline [1][2]. WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS Diabetics have up to 73% increased risk of dementia and a 100% higher risk of developing vascular dementia than non-diabetics [3][4–6]. The association between diabetes and dementia risk is even stronger in people with the APOE4 gene [5]. Diabetes can lead to subtle cognitive decline and, in patients with mild cognitive impairment ?, it increases the odds of progressing to dementia [7–9]. The side effects of diabetes can worsen confusion and cognitive impairment in people with dementia. Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease share certain characteristics, including impaired insulin signaling and oxidative stress [10]. Because of this, research is underway to evaluate whether some specific diabetes drugs including metformin [11], liraglutide [12], exenatide [13], and pioglitazone [14] can prevent or treat dementia even in patients without diabetes [7]. WHAT YOU CAN DO Strong research from multiple meta-analyses indicates that preventing or effectively managing diabetes is one of the most important things you can do to reduce dementia risk and protect your brain from cognitive decline [3][15-17]. Healthy diet, exercise, and weight control are the first steps of diabetes management Continue reading >>
