All About Hypoglycemia (low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia refers to an abnormally low level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Hypoglycemia is not a disease in itself, it is a sign of a health problem. The brain uses a lot of energy and needs glucose to function. Because the brain cannot store or manufacture glucose, it needs a continuous supply. Signs of low blood sugar include hunger, trembling, heart racing, nausea, and sweating. Hypoglycemia is commonly linked with diabetes, but many other conditions can also cause low blood sugar. This article will discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hypoglycemia, and the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We will also look at how to prevent it. Here are some key points about hypoglycemia. More detail is in the main article. Hypoglycemia is not a disease but a symptom of another condition. Early symptoms include hunger, sweating, and trembling. A common cause is diabetes. Alcohol abuse and kidney disorders can also lower blood sugar levels. What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is a condition where there is not enough glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Levels of blood sugar are below 4 mmol/L (72mg/dL). Adults and children with mild hypoglycemia may experience the following early symptoms: hunger tremor or trembling sweating irritability a pale face heart palpitations accelerated heart rate tingling lips dizziness weakness Severe hypoglycemia is sometimes called diabetic shock. It may involve: concentration problems confusion irrational and disorderly behavior, similar to intoxication inability to eat or drink Complications If a person does not take action when symptoms of hypoclycemia appear, it can lead to: A person who regularly experiences hypoglycemia may become unaware that it is happening. They will not notice the warning signs, and this can lea Continue reading >>
The Ears Have It
All About Hearing Loss Many people think that having hearing loss is like listening to a radio set to a low volume — the sound is simply not as loud. Although it is true that certain kinds of hearing loss can make sounds noticeably softer and more difficult to hear, there are in fact different types of hearing loss that can have vastly different effects on how sounds are heard and understood. The different types of hearing loss tend to have different causes, and it appears that having diabetes can contribute to the development of certain types of hearing loss. The mechanics of hearing Hearing is a process in which the ear is only the beginning of the story. The chain of events starts when sound enters the ear canal and causes the eardrum to vibrate. The vibrations set in motion the three tiny bones that form a chain in the middle ear space that connects the eardrum to the cochlea — a hollow structure that is coiled in the shape of a snail’s shell, containing three tubes filled with fluid. The last bone in the middle ear chain is connected to a membrane covering a small opening called the oval window at one end of the cochlea, and the vibrations of this membrane cause waves in the fluids inside the cochlea. This, in turn, causes movement of microscopic structures called hair cells, which are present in one of the tubes in the cochlea. The movement of these tiny hair cells creates an electrical signal that is sent to the hearing nerve, which connects the cochlea to the brain stem. The electrical signal travels up the brain stem and through a system of nerve pathways before arriving at specialized auditory centers of the brain where the message is finally processed. Amazingly, this entire chain of events takes only tiny fractions of a second. (See “A Look Inside th Continue reading >>
Hearing Loss And Diabetes
Hearing loss is a very common condition that usually develops gradually with age or as a result of repeated exposure to loud noise. There are a number of other factors which can cause loss of hearing, including illness and physical trauma. Some researchers believe the presence of diabetes could contribute to hearing lossor deafness. In fact, hearing loss has been shown to be twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those without the disease. The terms hearing loss, hearing impairment and deafness refers to apartial or total inability tohear. Cases of impaired hearing are usually categorised by their type, their severity (mild, moderate, severe, or profound deafness are the 4 different levels of hearing loss), and the age of onset (before or after a person can recognise and understand language). In the UK, approximately 1 in 6 people, or 10 million Britons, suffer from apartial or total inability tohear. Hearing loss develops when sound signals are unable to reach the brain. Damage tothe auditory nerve - the sensitive hair cells inside the cochlea (part of the inner ear), which transmit the impulses from the cochlea to the hearing centre in the brain. This is an age-related and permanent form of hearing loss known assensorineural hearing loss. Blockages or build-up of fluid - earwax, ear infections, a perforated ear drum or damage to the hearing bones can all prevent sounds from passing from your outer ear to your inner ear. This is known as conductive hearing impairment, and is often a temporary problem. In somecases, both of these problems can occur and/or combine to cause what is known as mixed hearing loss. Factors that can lead to sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss, in addition to aging, include: Prolonged exposure to loud noises or sounds Continue reading >>
Hyperglycemia Symptoms
The basic defect in all patients with diabetes is the decreased ability of insulin to induce cells of the body to remove glucose (sugar) molecules from the blood. Whether this decreased insulin activity is due to a decreased amount of insulin produced (type 1 diabetes), or from the insensitivity of the cells to a normal amount of insulin (type 2 diabetes), the results are the same: blood glucose levels which are too high. This is termed "hyperglycemia" which means "high glucose in the blood." hyper = high, glyc = glucose, and emia = of the blood. What happens when you have hyperglycemia? Common Symptoms of Hyperglycemia The Classic Symptoms Polyphagia (frequently hungry) Polyuria (frequently urinating) Polydipsia (frequently thirsty) Other Symptoms Might Include Blurred vision Fatigue Weight loss Poor wound healing (cuts, scrapes, etc.) Dry mouth Dry or itchy skin Impotence (male) Recurrent infections such as vaginal yeast infections, groin rash, or external ear infections (swimmers ear) It is important to remember that not everyone with diabetes will have all these symptoms. In fact, many people with type 2 diabetes may not have any of them. Who can develop hyperglycemia? To learn about other diabetes complications and how to prevent them, see our type 1 diabetes complications and type 2 diabetes complications articles. The classic symptom of being hungry frequently stems from the fact that a person with diabetes cannot utilize glucose well as an energy source within cells. The glucose is circulating in the blood, but the cells can't absorb it to use it as a fuel. The excess blood sugar molecules also "spill" into the urine, meaning that as the blood filters through the kidneys, some of the sugar comes out of the blood and is not reabsorbed. The extra sugar which is no Continue reading >>
Can Pain In My Ear Be Worsened With My Diabetes?
Lawanna asked... I have Type 2 Diabetes, and I have pain in my ear. I am wondering if having diabetes can make this pain be more harmful to me than if not? Expert Answers Of course, ear pain should be evaluated by a doctor, whether or not you have diabetes. There are many possible causes of ear pain such as an ear infection, trauma to the ear, a foreign body in the ear, or a condition known as swimmer's ear, an infection of the outer ear and ear canal, characterized by pain, itchiness, and a feeling of stuffiness in the ear. Diabetes won't make ear pain more harmful, but not getting your ear evaluated in a timely manner could be harmful. Diabetes is a disease that can affect many different parts of the body, including the ear. Patients with diabetes are particularly prone to infections, including infections of the ear. Pain and swelling in the ear could indicate such an infection, which can be treated with ear drops and/or antibiotics. In addition, people with diabetes may have problems with hearing loss. If you are also experiencing hearing loss, you should have your hearing tested when you visit your doctor. Read this blog post to learn more about diabetes and hearing loss. Community Answers there seems to be adisaggrement amongst MD 's with your respone I have an external Ear infection now 3/22/11. I had to go to the E.R. My EAR on the out side was bothering me when I woke up,it was really red and swollen.I waited 1 day and then had to go it keep me awake. Kept hurting . Dr. Said that I could be bad for my Cartilage if it got into it. Need to watch out when you have Diabeties.I have Diabetes #2.I have POLYPERREFIAL SYMIMOTOR NUEROPOTHY AND MY FEET BOTHER ME ON A DAILY 24 HR. BASIS SEE DR.FOR PAIN MEDS.ITS HARD FOR ME TO WALK AND I USE A CANE. I AM ONLY 58 AND HAVE HA Continue reading >>
20 Reasons For Blood Sugar Swings
Upswing: Caffeine Your blood sugar can rise after you have coffee -- even black coffee with no calories -- thanks to the caffeine. The same goes for black tea, green tea, and energy drinks. Each person with diabetes reacts to foods and drinks differently, so it's best to keep track of your own responses. Ironically, other compounds in coffee may help prevent type 2 diabetes in healthy people. Many of these will raise your blood sugar levels. Why? They can still have plenty of carbs from starches. Check the total carbohydrates on the Nutrition Facts label before you dig in. You should also pay attention to sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol. They add sweetness with fewer carbs than sugar (sucrose), but they may still have enough to boost your levels. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who switched to a vegan (or all vegetable-based) diet had better blood sugar control and needed less insulin. A boost in fiber from whole grains and beans might play a role, by slowing down the digestion of carbs. But scientists need more research to know if going vegan really helps diabetes. Talk to your doctor before you make major diet changes. Blood sugar can dip dangerously low during shut-eye for some people with diabetes, especially if they take insulin. It's best to check your levels at bedtime and when you wake up. A snack before bed may help. For some people, blood sugar can rise in the morning -- even before breakfast -- due to changes in hormones or a drop in insulin. Regular testing is important. One option is a continuous blood glucose monitor, which can alert you to highs and lows. Physical activity is a great health booster for everyone. But people with diabetes should tailor it to what they need. When you work out hard enough to sweat and raise your h Continue reading >>
Ear, Nose And Throat Troubles
Share A large number of complications can occur in a poorly controlled, long standing condition of diabetes. Most of these are of vascular nature, like coronary artery disease causing heart attack or cerebrovascular disease, causing a stroke. Additionally, a person with diabetes is prone to various infections. In ENT diseases, increased infections are the most frequent problem. An uncontrolled diabetic is prone to infections because his defense mechanisms are not geared towards the same level of efficiency as a person without diabetes. ENT INFECTIONS The most common infections, in general, are what we call the Upper Respiratory Infections. These are infections of the throat, sinuses and bronchi, which are usually viral, but rarely bacterial as well. These infections tend to be recurrent in a diabetic and also require longer time for the patient to recover. These infections are characterised by a running nose or sore throat and fever followed by a cough, which may last from a few days to a few weeks. Although in viral infections, antibiotics are not indicated, this viral infection may also be accompanied by a super added bacterial infection. Thus necessitating a brief antibiotic therapy for 5–7 days is required. Ear infections, mainly what we call ‘middle ear infections’ are also more frequent in people with diabetes. These occur when a throat or sinus infection spreads into the middle ear through a tube, called eustachian tube. These infections cause severe ear pain and fever, especially in children and if not treated promptly, result in a perforated ear drum. This can be followed by a chronic discharging ear, especially with inadequate treatment. MALIGNANT OTITIS EXTERNA There are two very severe infections occurring specifically in a diabetic person. Both of the Continue reading >>
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Malignant Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is a common ear infection also known as swimmer’s ear. It develops in the ear canal leading to the eardrum. In some cases, otitis externa can spread to surrounding tissue, including the bones of the jaw and face. This infection is known as malignant otitis externa. Although otitis externa is also known as swimmer’s ear, malignant otitis externa isn’t due to water remaining in the ear canal. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus often cause malignant otitis externa. Over 90 percent of people who develop malignant otitis externa have diabetes. Malignant otitis externa is an aggressive infection rather than a malignancy, or cancer. An alternative name for malignant otitis externa is necrotizing external otitis. If it’s not treated malignant otitis externa can be life-threatening. Malignant otitis externa isn’t commonly a complication of swimmer’s ear. Typically, the condition occurs when you have other health problems or you’re receiving treatment that can weaken your immune system. These can include: Read more: Everything you need to know about HIV and AIDS » If you have a compromised immune system and aggressive bacteria enter your ear canal, your body will have difficulty warding off infection. If the bacteria cause an infection, the infection can damage the tissue of your ear canal and the bones at the base of your skull. If it’s left untreated, the infection can spread to your brain, cranial nerves, and other parts of your body. The symptoms of malignant otitis externa are easily recognizable. They can include: persistent and foul-smelling yellow or green drainage from the ear ear pain that gets worse when moving the head swollen and red skin around the ear If any of these symptoms develop, contact your docto Continue reading >>
Can Infection Raise Blood Sugar Levels In Nondiabetics?
Even if you do not have diabetes, you can experience drops and spikes in blood sugar levels for many reasons. If your blood sugar level gets too high or too low, you might develop many symptoms and/or health problems. Stress, poor diet, illness and infections can all cause your blood sugar level to change, and if you notice the warning signs, it is important to talk to your physician about the best treatment approach. Video of the Day After a meal, your body breaks food down into glucose either for immediate use, or else it's stored for later use. The hormone insulin, as well as other chemicals, regulate how much glucose is in your system. If the level of glucose in your bloodstream gets too high, many complications can result. A general goal for everyone is to keep your blood sugar levels no higher than 100 mg/dL, says MedlinePlus. A blood sugar level higher than this can indicate not just diabetes, but also some forms of cancer, Cushing syndrome, an imbalance of various hormones, thyroid disorders or it might be the body's reaction to stress, trauma or an infection. Infections and Blood Glucose Levels When your body is under mental or physical stress, such as when fighting off an infection, hormones such as cortisol are released to help your body cope. The hormones that are released to fight off the infection might have the side effect of raising your blood sugar levels, so your body has the energy it needs to get better. This effect can happen to both diabetics and nondiabetics. If you have an infection and are concerned about your blood sugar levels, it is important to know the warning signs of nondiabetic hyperglycemia, which are the same symptoms that occur in diabetics: hunger, sweating, shakiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, thirst, sleepiness, confusion, diffic Continue reading >>
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Diabetes Symptoms You Can’t Afford To Ignore & What You Can Do About Them
In the U.S., diabetes — or diabetes mellitus (DM) — is full-blown epidemic, and that’s not hyperbole. An estimated 29 million Americans have some form of diabetes, nearly 10 percent of the population, and even more alarming, the average American has a one in three chance of developing diabetes symptoms at some point in his or her lifetime. (1) The statistics are alarming, and they get even worse. Another 86 million people have prediabetes, with up to 30 percent of them developing type 2 diabetes within five years. And perhaps the most concerning, about a third of people who have diabetes — approximately 8 million adults — are believed to be undiagnosed and unaware. That’s why it’s so vital to understand and recognize diabetes symptoms. And there’s actually good news. While there’s technically no known “cure” for diabetes — whether it’s type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes — there’s plenty that can be done to help reverse diabetes naturally, control diabetes symptoms and prevent diabetes complications. The Most Common Diabetes Symptoms Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results from problems controlling the hormone insulin. Diabetes symptoms are a result of higher-than-normal levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. With type 1 diabetes, symptoms usually develop sooner and at a younger age than with type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes also normally causes more severe symptoms. In fact, because type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms can be minimal in some cases, it sometimes can go diagnosed for a long period of time, causing the problem to worsen and long-term damage to develop. While it’s still not entirely known how this happens, prolonged exposure to high blood sugar can damage nerve fibers that affect the blood vessels, heart, e Continue reading >>
How To Keep Diabetes From Affecting Your Hearing
How to Keep Diabetes From Affecting Your Hearing Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as those without the disease. If you are living with diabetes, reduce your risk of diabetes-related hearing loss with these tips. Medically Reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD Sign Up for Our Living with Diabetes Newsletter Thanks for signing up! You might also like these other newsletters: Sign up for more FREE Everyday Health newsletters . About 16 percent of U.S. adults complain of hearing loss, and that number is on the rise, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Among people with diabetes, the NIH reports that hearing-loss rates double. As with many conditions associated with diabetes , tight blood sugar control and a solid diabetic management strategy can help you avoid hearing loss. Steering clear of other hearing loss risk factors, such as smoking and working in loud occupations, can help protect your ears as well. “Everything you do to reduce [diabetic] complications will reduce the risk of hearing loss,” says certified diabetes educator and diabetes care researcher Ann Williams, PhD, RN, CDE, a research associate at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Williams points out that diabetes educators and medical management teams have traditionally been more focused on the long-term impact of diabetes on vision, but current data underscores the importance of protecting hearing as well. “You do not want both hearing and vision impaired,” she notes. A study published in the journal of Otology and Neurotology explored the way that diabetes could affect hearing, and found that diabetes is related to hearing loss at all sound registers, suggesting that it can cause profound damage to the inner ear. Your ear is a delicate structure Continue reading >>
Infections In Diabetes
One of the most common resaons of Diagnosis of Diabetes is infections of the uro-genital tract, like urine infections, infections of the skin of male organ or infections of the female organs. This itself outlines the importance of infectious diseases and the decreased immunity in uncontrolled Diabetes. High blood sugar levels affect the cellular immunity of the body which is responsible for 'killing' the harmful pathogens. High glucose levels also form a fertile 'ground' for some deadly bacterias like Staphyloccocs to multiply and flourish. Insulin has a very important role to play in the modulations of the immune system, its deficit reflects in the poor functioning of immune system in Diabetes and the fact that insulin treatment is absulutely essential in treatment of sever infections and sepsis together with potent antibiotics. Diabetes and Infections One on the common problems faced by Diabetics with high blood sugar levels are the common infections like, cold, influenza, sinusitis, Ear ache and discharge, pimples, abcesses, Gum infections and Urinary tract infections - which refuse to go. Compromised immune system Our body fights these infections through a variety of mechanisms, Either with help of speciallized cells which first of all 'recognize' then 'catch' these disease causing agents, subsequently some chemical reactions- complement cascade- take place which finally neutralize these infecting culprits. With high blood sugar levels immune system is affected at all levels. Macrophages are not able to engulf 'catch' bacterias or viruses as they generally would, complement cascade also malfuntions so the bacterias or viruses even if 'caught' may not be neutralized. Glucose itself is a rich medium which promotes the growth of bacterias and viruses, infact it is used Continue reading >>
Infection In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Infection in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Author: Romesh Khardori, MD, PhD, FACP; Chief Editor: George T Griffing, MD more... Diabetes increases susceptibility to various types of infections. The most common sites of infection in diabetic patients are the skin and urinary tract. Malignant otitis externa and rhinocerebral mucormycosis are 2 head-and-neck infections seen almost exclusively in patients with diabetes. Malignant or necrotizing otitis externa principally occurs in diabetic patients older than 35 years and is almost always due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [ 1 ] Infection starts in the external auditory canal and spreads to adjacent soft tissue, cartilage, and bone. Patients typically present with severe ear pain and otorrhea. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis collectively refers to infections caused by various ubiquitous molds. [ 2 ] Invasive disease occurs in patients with poorly controlled diabetes, especially those with diabetic ketoacidosis. Organisms colonize the nose and paranasal sinuses, spreading to adjacent tissues by invading blood vessels and causing soft tissue necrosis and bony erosion. Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria and pyuria, cystitis, and, more important, serious upper urinary tract infection . [ 3 , 4 ] Intrarenal bacterial infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with diabetes who presents with flank or abdominal pain. Pyelonephritis makes control of diabetes more difficult by causing insulin resistance; in addition, nausea may limit the patient's ability to maintain normal hydration. Treatment of pyelonephritis does not differ for patients with diabetes, but a lower threshold for hospital admission is appropriate. Sensory neuropathy, atherosclerotic vascular disease, Continue reading >>
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Diabetes And Hearing Loss
A Surprising Complication Ed Weinsberg wasn’t surprised when he developed burning sensations in his feet in 2006. His health care provider had told him he might experience this sign of peripheral neuropathy, a side effect of his recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Medication helped reduce the sensations. But a few years ago, Ed, 62, a former rabbi and author living in Sarasota, Florida, began to experience frustrating problems with his hearing. “Every sentence began with, ‘What did you say?’ ” he says. “My ear, nose, and throat doctor wasn’t sure what was behind it.” By then Ed had already lost 50 percent of his hearing in his left ear. “But I suspected there might be a connection with my diabetes. I know it reduces blood flow to other parts of the body.” Ed was onto something. Research shows that people with uncontrolled type 1 or type 2 diabetes are twice as likely as others to experience hearing loss. In a large study of people ages 20–69, researchers from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found a strong association between diabetes and hearing problems, emerging as early as age 30. A recent study from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit reached much the same conclusion. Researchers found that in women younger than 60, hearing was worse among those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes compared to women without diabetes, according to study coauthor Kathleen Yaremchuk, M.D., chair of otolaryngology at the hospital. And women ages 60–75 with poorly controlled diabetes had significantly worse hearing than those whose diabetes was considered well-controlled. “When you think about complications of diabetes, this is not what you think about,” says Joanne Rinker, RD, CDE, with the North Carolina Diabetes Prevention and Cont Continue reading >>
Infection, Stress And Raised Fasting Blood Glucose
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community Infection, stress and raised fasting blood glucose I have had a series of infections overt the last 2 months including noro virus , flu , tonsillitis with an ear infection I have also had a colonoscopy which thank fully was fine but caused a lot of stress. A blood test prior to my colonoscopy and just after the noro virus showed my BG to be hgher than normal . I was invited to have a Fasting BG test. At that test I was recovering fom the flu and was developing a throat infection. The test has come back as 6.7 and I have been asked to return for a second fasting BG test. I still have a throat infection and have been testing myself on my husbands BG monitor [he's a type 1 diabetic] After fasting I have had readings of 7.1 and 7.2 Can these repeated infections and stress raise BG to these levels, or am i going to be diagnosed as diabetic I am also "prediabetic". My fasting blood sugars were in tthe so-called 'normal' range, when tested, but my post prandial readings are too high for a non-diabetic. Last year I went though three months if bronchitis which I could not fight off, on top of which I developed a throat infection and then a few weeks after came down with a cold, at the same time I had developed a secondary bronchial infection. I felt so bizarre at times, as if I had been poisoned. Knowing what I know now, it was probably raised BG. Due to having a 'normal' fasting result, my (pre)diabetes was missed. The inability to fight off infection is a characteristic of diabetes, and I'd never known anything like it. This week I will be seeing the GP to make some progress on arranging further tests, but in the meantime I am testing at home. I have been at Continue reading >>
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