How Obesity Increases Risk for Diabetes and its Effect on Blood Glucose Level

 

 

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are both serious health conditions. Millions of people have been diagnosed with diabetes and obesity can worsen insulin resistance. The early stages of type 2 diabetes feature the development of insulin resistance during which the body does not use insulin properly. The rise in need for insulin in an obese person overwhelms the pancreas that becomes unable to carry out sufficient insulin production.

 

Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is significant aspect of type 2 diabetes and losing weight has proven to be an effective way of preventing, managing and curing the disease. Along with how obese an individual is, it is important to find out where the body has stored most of the fat treating diabetes. People that have stored excessive fat around their abdomen are more likely to be at risk of developing diabetes.

 

Losing weight is an essential objective for anyone who is overweight or obese and has type 2 diabetes. Weight loss helps to enhance insulin production and decrease the amount of medication required for treating diabetes. A healthy diet, physical activity as well as lifestyle adjustments can effectively treat diabetes.

 

Obesity Linked to Diabetes

Obesity accounts of a large percentage of the risk for developing diabetes with obese people being significantly more likely to have type 2 diabetes than people who have normal weight. There is a clear link between type 2 diabetes and obesity that can only be dealt with through healthy eating and exercise. An obese person can quickly develop the condition and doctors recommend timely intervention.

 

Gradual Weight Loss

Decreasing your weight even in small amounts over a given period will have the effect of improving the insulin action in your body, reducing the danger of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Visit onetouchdiabetes.co.in for more information.

 

Healthy Eating

Obese patients who have diabetes need to cut down on their consumption of complex carbohydrates that have a tendency to cause a rise in blood glucose. Since the body has developed insulin resistance, higher levels of insulin in the body can result in weight gain. Complex carbohydrates include bread, cereal and rice. Opt for whole grain versions of carbohydrates.

 

Lean protein such as fish and chicken is the best option for people who want to lose weight. The intake of dietary fiber needs to be higher to facilitate weight loss, weight control and prevent hunger pangs. A balanced diet is important and should contain protein, vegetables, fruits and limited fat. It is advisable to note down the food you eat and keep track of the progress you make to remain motivated.

 

Regular Exercise and Medication

Regular exercise helps you lose weight and maintain your weight loss. It prevents you from gaining the weight back, enhances sensitivity to insulin and reduces the threat of becoming diabetic. Exercising moderately at least five times each week will contribute to weight loss.

 

Different types of medication can treat type 2 diabetes and deal with resistance to insulin. Check out the recent kiwibox.com’s article on diabetes. Obesity prevention will help to prevent and treat diabetes.

 

Categories: Blood glucose, Diabetes, diabetes nbsp, diabetes obesity, Healthy Eating, insulin resistance, Lose weight, Losing Weight, obese person, obesity, treat diabetes, Weight Loss

4 Serious Ways Your Health Declines When You Can"t Get Your Sleep

 

Sleep is something that everyone needs. It’s as essential to living as breathing, drinking and eating.

The problem is that it’s one of the easiest things to forgo. Busy work schedules, nightmares and troubled thoughts are just three of the things that can prevent you from sleeping in a laundry list that is miles long.

If you currently underestimate the importance of sleep, then you should take a look at the following four ways that a lack of sleep can seriously affect your health.

 

1. Sleeplessness Slows Down Your Mental Faculties

When you don’t get enough sleep, there is a fog that settles on your brain. It gets harder to work, things become less enjoyable, and solutions seem harder to grasp as the hours pass.

A lack of sleep causes drowsiness, which in turn results in a delayed mental reaction. You may have trouble thinking, planning or deciding on anything but when your next rest will be.

 

2. Lack of Sleep Can Put You at Risk for Serious Problems

People who can’t get enough sleep are putting themselves at a higher risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke. One estimate even goes as far as to say that individuals with sleeping disorders have at least one other serious health condition.

 

3. Unrestful Sleep Can Make You Gain Weight

People who have issues with sleeping due to conditions like sleep apnea tend to weigh more. There is a causal link between their unrestful sleep and their heavier bodies, as researchers have found that Ghrelin, a chemical that stimulates satiety in the brain, is produced during restful sleep.

A lack of sleep can result in less Ghrelin and more weight, and more weight can also lead to sleep apnea and even less sleep. Companies like CPAPMan have created devices that help pump air into your lungs while you sleep to combat sleep apnea and its associated risks.

 

4. Too Little Sleep Could Kill You

British researchers conducted a study amongst servants who had cut their sleeping hours from seven to five or less. What they found is that those who had decreased their time for sleeping had nearly double the chances of dying.

While there are a myriad of reasons behind why this is so, the best way to summarize it pertains to another statistic this study found: lack of sleep doubled a person’s chances to develop heart disease.

 

Sleep is Invaluable

While there are many causes for a lack of sleep and just as many controversies arguing what purpose sleep serves in an individual’s life, one thing is clear: everyone needs their fair share of restful slumber.

Without sleep, the serious health effects that could seriously hinder your life.

The good news is that finding a restful night’s sleep on a regular basis is becoming more readily available with an increased understanding of what sleep does and what processes might interrupt it.

Categories: cpap, Diabetes, heart disease, insomnia, sleep apnea, stroke, weight gain

Properly Caring for Your Feet when You Have Diabetes

On the face of it, diabetes doesn’t sound like such a serious condition — elevated levels of sugar in the blood wouldn’t seem like it would do too much damage. But, nothing could be further from the truth. Poorly controlled blood sugar damages the body on several fronts, and increases your risk of developing a host of issues from heart disease to kidney failure. If you have suffered from nerve damage, you must pay careful attention to your feet, as you are less likely to feel various sorts of damage that can cause serious complications, such as infection or even amputation of toes, or the whole foot.

 

Here are some tips for properly caring for your feet if you have diabetes:

 

Daily Foot Check

Catching foot problems early is crucial to minimize complications of the disease, and a daily check is the first line of defense. If you find any scrapes or cuts, you must begin treating them right away. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and apply antibiotic creams and bandages. Failure to treat can lead to more serious problems, such as open sores and infection. If you experience any oozing, redness, foul-smelling discharge, warmth or swelling, contact your doctor as an infection has already taken root. Contact your doctor immediately if you see any blue or black skin as this indicates blood flow blockage — this is an emergency and requires immediate attention.

 

Keep skin moisturized, but don’t put lotion between the toes as moisture in this area can trigger fungus growth. Don’t break blisters open — clean it and cover with a bandage. About once a week, you want to cut toenails –straight across — to prevent ingrown toenails, which can lead to infection.

 

If you notice any slow-healing wounds, make an appointment with your doctor.

 

Considerations for Socks and Footwear

Choose your shoes carefully if you have diabetes. First off, to ensure a good fit, you should always wear the socks you normally wear, when trying on shoes. Look for ones with more depth in the toe box to avoid squashing your toes; avoid shoes with seams on the inside — they can rub on your foot and cause discomfort. Wool or cotton socks are a good choice. You might even look into buying diabetic socks, which are specially made to control moisture, and reduce friction and pressure that can irritate feet suffering from complications of diabetes.

 

Break in new shoes gradually to reduce blisters, pain and other discomfort. Don’t walk around barefoot — always wear shoes and socks. The nerve damage makes it less likely you will feel injury, so it is prudent to always keep your feet protected.

 

There are special shoes that are made for diabetics — this might be something covered by Medicare or your private insurance. Inquire about this to see if you are able to get at least partial insurance coverage.

 

Keep Your Feet Dry

One of the most important aspects of proper foot care for diabetics is drying your feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming or any other time they get wet. The space between the toes is highly susceptible to skin-breakdown when moist, increasing the risk of infection. Preventing infection is one of the primary goals of diabetics with foot problems. This condition makes wounds more slow to heal, which can lead to serious complications. Prevention is the name of the game.

 

Go Easy with Exercise

Regular exercise is a cornerstone treatment of this disease — it keeps weight under control and blood sugar in check. But, if you have foot problems, you must choose your activities carefully. Opt for non-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming. You don’t want any excessive leaping, bouncing, and jumping.

 

Check Water Temperature

Nerve damage in the extremities makes it difficult to tell how hot or cold water is. You run the risk of serious burns and infection if you don’t check water temperature beforehand. If your hands have damage as well, use your elbow to check water temperature before getting into the shower or bath.

 

Diabetes can be a scary condition because of the serious problems it can lead to. But, fortunately, the most powerful treatments are in the realm of lifestyle, meaning you have a great deal of control in managing it. Complications like nerve damage in the feet can be kept in check with proper self-care.

Categories: Diabetes, foot care, living with diabetes

Diabetes – A Global Threat

 

By Ryan

 

Did you know that 347 million people across the world suffer from diabetes? In the UK, the figure is in excess of 3.1 million. By 2030, diabetes will be the 7^th leading cause of death in the world. This global epidemic is affecting health care services across the globe, but what can be done to stop it?

 

 

What is diabetes?

 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is categorised into two different types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced cannot be effectively used by the body. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce any insulin at all. 90% of those diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

 

Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone created by the pancreas, which regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to elevated blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) and serious complications.

 

 

Type 1 diabetes

 

The cause of type 1 diabetes remains unknown and you’ll often hear it referred to as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes most frequently develops before age 40 and it causes the pancreas to produce insufficient levels of insulin. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include frequent urination, feeling tired, unexplained weight loss and feeling thirsty. Early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is vital and though there’s no cure, treatment aims to stabilise blood sugar levels. Regular insulin injections are needed and you may need to make changes to your diet.

 

 

Type 2 diabetes

 

It’s estimated that around 850,000 people in the UK have diabetes that has not yet been diagnosed. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is linked to a poor diet, lack of exercise, increased levels of obesity and old age. Making lifestyle changes can help to prevent type 2 diabetes. Symptoms are similar to type 1; feeling thirsty, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and even blurred vision. It can often be controlled with dietary and lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise. However as the condition progresses, insulin tablets or injections may be needed.

 

 

Complications of diabetes

 

Diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems, which is why early diagnosis and treatment is so vital. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to visual impairment and blindness, kidney failure and limb amputation. Those diagnosed with diabetes are five times more likely to suffer from stroke or heart disease too.

 

 

Future treatments for diabetes

 

Although most people control their diabetes with daily insulin injections, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is rising. Since the 1920′s, insulin has helped diabetics to control their blood-sugar levels, increasing life expectancy. Yet today, more research into the condition is needed to develop treatments which do not leave patients reliant on daily insulin injections from companies like researchforyou.co.uk.

 

 

Islet cell transplants

 

Since 2005, islet cell transplants have been available on the NHS as a form of diabetes treatment. This type of treatment means ‘islet cells’ from the pancreas, which produce insulin, are taken from a deceased donor and transplanted into the pancreas of a patient diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Whilst this method of treatment is very effective, it is hard to prevent the body from rejecting cells and the new transplanted cells only survive for a few years. Further research into this form of treatment should help to resolve these issues and could see islet cell transplants become more widely available.

 

Other treatments which are likely to require further research over the next decade include the creation of an artificial pancreas. This could mean an end to type 1 diabetes!

 

 

Developing new drugs

 

It’s important that we continue to develop new drugs for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In the future, diabetics may only need one injection a week, which could reduce food cravings and encourage the body to produce more insulin. As you can imagine, this type of research requires funding and volunteers; organisations such as MAC Clinical Research recruit volunteers for their diabetes research at convenient clinics across the UK.

 

 

Why volunteer?

 

You might think, “Why volunteer?” when it comes to clinical research. Why not leave others to do the job? By volunteering for clinical research into diabetes, you could play a major role in the development of new treatments which could help future diabetes sufferers experience a better quality of life. Who knows, we may even discover a cure for diabetes! By volunteering your time, you are making a difference in the field of medical research and the good news is that the side effects of any trial or medication are usually mild. Volunteering can also be a great way to raise a bit of extra cash to fund your studies or afford that holiday you have been saving for.

 

 

In the future with more research, we may be able to wave goodbye to daily insulin injections, with new drugs and treatments making life better for those diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

 

Categories: Diabetes, global, threat

Breakthrough Diabetes Pill Could Be Available Within Months

Diabetes is a major health concern, with type 2 accounting for between 85 and 95% of all people with the disease. Type 2 diabetes, then, affects wellness in a big way, but a new pill looks set to change all that. The breakthrough treatment works to slash blood sugar levels and offers hope to the wellbeing millions of diabetes sufferers. And, if you’re thinking we’re talking about a “promising study” or “preliminary finding”, think again: the pill has now been launched in the UK.

 

 

According to wellness writer Jo Willey, ‘The breakthrough treatment is being unveiled at the same time that the drug watchdog has recommended it for use on the NHS. Experts say the drug, canagliflozin, which is taken once a day, is a vital new weapon in the battle against the Type 2 diabetes epidemic and its devastating complications. It reduces blood sugar levels in people for whom diet and lifestyle measures or other blood sugar-lowering medicines do not work well enough, say the manufacturers Janssen. The drug, also called Invokana, blocks the re-absorption of glucose in the kidneys, which is instead passed in the urine.’

 

Professor Anthony Barnett, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Birmingham, commented, ‘We are seeing a growing number of people with Type 2 diabetes which can have the extremely serious consequences of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations. Canagliflozin, which can offer patients significant reductions in blood sugar levels whilst not increasing risks of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugars), represents an important new option in the management of a major UK epidemic.’ The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has given the pill a preliminary positive recommendation, and so the medication could be available within months.

 

In the Nice draft guidance, canagliflozin was said to be “useful” and recommended for use by some NHS patients with Type 2 diabetes when used in combination with other anti-diabetic drugs. Professor Carole Longson, of Nice, pointed out that ‘Type 2 diabetes can be difficult to treat and most people will eventually require a number of drugs, often used simultaneously. Canagliflozin represents a useful addition to the armoury of anti-diabetic drugs available. Nice is pleased to be able to ­recommend its use for some people with Type 2 diabetes.’ Dr Peter Barnes, the medical director at Janssen UK, added, ‘With the relentless increase in Type 2 diabetes, there is an ongoing need for additional treatment options. Not only does canagliflozin provide a new once-a-day oral treatment to help control blood glucose levels, it offers real value to the NHS.’

 

When your wellbeing is affected by type 2 diabetes, this means that your sugar – glucose – levels in your blood have become too high. The chronic disease is associated with 24,000 excess deaths each year, mainly from cardiovascular disease. In the UK, 3.2 million people are diagnosed with diabetes, and type 2 accounts for between 85 and 95% of all people with the disease. Your body develops type 2 diabetes when it can no longer produce insulin, or when the insulin that your body does produced does not work properly.

 

Typically, type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet, increased physical activity and medication, but this doesn’t always prove effective. The National Diabetes Audit found that more than one in three patients with Type 2 diabetes in England and Wales are currently failing to achieve recommended blood glucose levels. Simon O’Neill of Diabetes UK noted, ‘Developing new treatments that give people more choice about how to manage their condition effectively are really important and so we look forward to seeing the results of the Nice consultation.’

Categories: anti diabetic, Blood glucose, Blood Sugar, Blood Sugar Control, breakthrough treatment, canagliflozin, Diabetes, diabetic drugs, glucose levels, sugar levels, type, Type 2 Diabetes

10 Reasons Why You Should Include More Garlic In Your Diet

While it may not do your breath any favours, including garlic in your diet has many benefits to your wellbeing – and that’s coming from a dentist! As wellness expert and dentist Dr Anitha Anchan explains, ‘Garlic has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour. Allicin, the vital compound among them, is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. The benefits of allicin can be best garnered when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for some time. Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium. Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. found in them also have an effect on the circulatory, digestive and immunological systems of our body and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.’ So how can garlic benefit your wellness?

 

1. Antibacterial and Antiviral: According to Dr Anchan, ‘Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.’

 

2. Skin Infections: Dr Anchan notes, ‘The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.’

 

3. Blood Thinning: ‘The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body,’ says Dr Anchan. ‘Hence, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.’

 

4. Blood Pressure: ‘Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels contract thereby increasing the blood pressure,’ Dr Anchan details. ‘Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure. The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood vessels and helps control blood pressure.’

 

5. Heart Health: Dr Anchan points out, ‘Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.’

 

6. Cholesterol: Dr Anchan details, ‘Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.’

 

7. Allergies: ‘Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property,’ says Dr Anchan. ‘It can help the body fight against allergies. The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone. Garlic has been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.’

 

8. Respiratory Problems: ‘Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds,’ Dr Anchan comments. ‘Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine. Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.’

 

9. Diabetes: Dr Anchan outlines, ‘Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.’

 

10. Cancer: Dr Anchan asserts, ‘Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.’

Categories: angiotensin ii, anti clotting, blood pressure, blood vessels, cancer, clotting properties, Diabetes, diallyl sulphide, dr anchan, garlic, hydrogen sulphide, skin infections

Can Yoghurt Be Connected To Lower Diabetes Risk?

The media is always claiming that certain ingredients can help us to maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve our wellbeing. The latest headlines state that yoghurt is key to beating diabetes; a claim based on a study which associates dairy with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study found that the risk of diabetes was significantly lowered by as much as 28 per cent in people who ate large amounts of low-fat yoghurt, compared to people who ate none at all. The results were similar in people who ate more of all low-fat fermented products, including cottage cheese and fromage frais. The study was based on people using food diaries to report their dairy intake around the time of eating, which is one of the best ways to gauge the success of a trial rather than asking people to recall what they’ve eaten throughout the day – it tends to be more accurate. The diaries were only used over a seven-day period (which isn’t a long enough to provide an accurate assessment of whether yoghurt can help with diabetes risks). It’s not currently clear whether fermented low-fat dairy products can help to prevent diabetes, but it is a theory researchers are keen to investigate. There are a number of steps you can take to lower your risk of developing diabetes though, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced healthy diet, quitting smoking and lowering your alcohol intake. It’s also important to note the sugar levels in the foods you eat, as these can contribute towards developing not just diabetes but also obesity. If you’re concerned about your diet or weight, it’s important to seek advice as this can contribute to a number of health concerns, in addition to diabetes, such as heart problems and certain cancers.

 

The study was carried out by the University of Cambridge, as part of a larger study funded by the Medical Research Council and Cancer Research UK. Researchers discovered that people who ate the most low-fat fermented products were 24 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate the least. The total dairy, high fat dairy, milk and cheese were not associated to the development of diabetes, nor was low-fat dairy. There are several limitations to this study which have led researchers to question whether or not yoghurt can actually help lower the risk of diabetes. Firstly, people’s reported dairy intake was only collected once, at baseline, over a seven-day period, so it’s possible that people’s diets didn’t stay the same during the 11 year follow-up period. Furthermore, the information was self-reported which could affect the reliability. Lastly, researchers didn’t take into account the dairy products included in cooking composite dishes. While there were attempts to take account of other factors, it is always possible that measured and unmeasured factors had an influence on the results. Further studies need to take place in order to know for certain whether fermented products can help to lower the risk of diabetes. The results do suggest that switching sugary snacks and meals for low-fat dairy products could help your overall health, as well as improving your diabetes prospects. Just be sure to choose low sugar varieties and to balance your diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, grains and lean protein to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Categories: Dairy, dairy intake, dairy products, day period, Diabetes, fermented products, new study, people, products, study, yoghurt

The Smoking Sin: Why Diabetics Should Never Light Up

I think we can all agree that smoking isn’t good for anyone’s wellbeing, but if you also have diabetes, man, are you in trouble. Smoking when diabetic raises your blood sugar levels, and increases your risks for kidney damage, stroke, heart disease, nerve damage, and foot problems as much as 10 times. Here are eight reasons why, if you have diabetes, smoking is a major health concern:

 

1. Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage. Smoking adversely affects your blood circulation, and this deprives your nerve endings of essential nutrients. Nerve damage makes you more susceptible to sores and infections which could even lead to amputation. Sure, smoking’s cool, but is it worth losing a foot?

 

2. Heart attacks and stokes. As smoking wreaks havoc on your sugar levels, your blood vessels will become damaged and cause strokes and heart attacks. You’re also at an increased risk of heart damage because smoking lowers your levels of good cholesterol, causes more blood clots to form, raises your blood pressure and reduces the amount of oxygen that is supplied to your vital organs.

 

3. Kidney damage. Again, smoking raises your blood sugar levels, having a negative impact on your kidneys’ microcirculation. This damages cells which are intrinsic to kidney health, causing albuminuria (high levels of blood protein in your urine) and and kidney or renal failure.

 

4. Eye damage. Smoking doubles your risk of diabetic retinopathy and blindness in the future.

 

5. Oral damage. Smoking when you have diabetes increases your risk of mouth sores.

 

6. Worsening of your diabetes. Not only does smoking cause your blood glucose levels to fluctuate dramatically, but it also increases your resistance to insulin. In other words, smoking makes your diabetes worse.

 

7. Joint damage. If you have diabetes, smoking can seriously limit your mobility, and even cause extreme pain in your joints. This can obviously have a negative impact on your quality of life.

 

No one is saying that it’s easy to quit smoking, or that it’s only a health concern for people with diabetes. However, if one or more of the above health risks could affect you, wouldn’t you want to do everything you can to prevent it from happening? Contact your doctor or look online for help quitting smoking.

Categories: Blood, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, diabetes smoking, health concern, Health Damage, heart attacks, nbsp, negative impact, Smoking, sugar levels

The Truth About Sugar: Dangerous And Toxic?

If you’re on a diet, and focusing on your nutrition, then you will already know that sugar is the biggest enemy to your wellness and wellbeing that you can possibly imagine.

 

Unfortunately, most of us are raised to think that sugar is a treat, as it is often used as a reward for young children when they exhibit good behaviour. Nothing could be further from the truth than this, however, as research is increasingly showing that sugar is absolutely toxic and leads to many of the worst diseases, such as heart disease.

 

Leading doctors now agree that sugar is one of the worst enemies to your health, and should be avoided as much as possible. Chinese medicine has recognised this problem for many years, too, especially in relation to a problem that they call ‘depletion and thirst syndrome’, also known as diabetes.

 

The pancreas is designed to deal with excess sugar in the body, by producing and releasing insulin. This is the hormone that carries sugar from the bloodstream into the cells of the body and the body tissues, too. When you take in simple sugars and foods containing refined carbohydrates, your body then requires a quick release of the insulin hormone, which then leaves your pancreas depleted. This quick release later leads to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Your body starts to crave more sugar to replace the depleted supply, and thus a vicious cycle is formed, which will eventually cause your pancreas to stop being able to function properly, leading to diabetes. If you have diabetes, your sugar stores up and starts to cause problems inside your body.

 

Whilst sugar consumption on the whole has decreased in recent years, fructose and corn syrup intake has increased, and it is just as harmful. Products such as tomato ketchup, bread, cereal, granola bars, fast foods and salad dressing are absolutely loaded with this harmful sugar.

Categories: body, Danger, Diabetes, nbsp, pancreas, Sugar, toxic

Could You Be Suffering From Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects the sexual wellness and wellbeing of far more women that you may realise. Often abbreviated to PCOS, the condition affects between five and ten percent of all women. It is the most common endocrine condition in women who are of a reproductive age.

 

PCOS occurs when high levels of androgens (hormones) halt the development of eggs, and this leads to an enlarged follicle and immature egg. These are sometimes likened to a string of pearls, and the immature follicles are cysts. Usually, a follicle would rupture to release an egg, but in the case of PCOS, this does not happen and the follicle remains and is what is observed as a cyst during an ultrasound scan.

 

There are a variety of symptoms associated with PCOS. This is due to the fact that the disease comes alongside high levels of male homrones/androgens. These hormones are found in both women and men but they are generally thought of as more ‘male’ as they are found in much higher levels in men. These androgens include dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and androstenedione.

 

There is a strong link between polycystic ovaries and obesity, as well as insulin resistance (which is a precursor of type 2 diabetes). Women who are obese and suffering from PCOS will normally be given a treatment plan that involves a great deal of exercise and a restricted diet. About a third of the women who have PCOS and are obese also suffer from insulin resistance of diabetes.

 

In premenopausal women, around one in ten cases of diabetes is connected to PCOS. Having the syndrome may also increase your risk of developing heart disease, although further studies into this link still need to be carried out.

 

If you think you may be suffering from PCOS, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Categories: Diabetes, follicle, high levels, insulin resistance, nbsp, ovary, pcos, polycystic, syndrome, Women

Coping With Hot Flashes, Cold Chills and Diabetes

There are various reasons for hot flashes and cold chills, ranging from problems with your wellness and wellbeing in a medical sense, to menopause to anxiety attacks and having a high temperature. Diabetes, too, can cause hot, sweaty flashes followed by chills, if your blood sugar drops too low.

 

What you may not know, however, is that you can use your weight loss and fitness regime to help fight against both hot flashes and cold chills, no matter what the cause is.

 

Aerobic exercise is particularly good, especially for those who have diabetes, as it can help decrease your risk of developing heart disease – a common side effect of diabetes. Aerobic exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and can help to increase your sensitivity to insulin.

 

If you are a diabetic, try checking your sugar levels before and after a workout, so that you can see how beneficial exercise is on your system. Aerobic exercise includes anything where you work up a bit of a sweat and get your heart racing.

 

You should aim for low impact exercise if you have diabetes, however, as a side effect of your disease means that you have reduced blood flow to your extremities and this can be problematic. If you do an exercise that involves pounding or pressure, it can lead to diabetes-related problems with the nerve endings in your feet. If you do suffer from any tingling or numbness in your feet, check regularly for any unexplained bruising on your feet and go and visit your doctor. Low-impact exercises can involve swimming, cycling or rowing or some simple chair exercises.

 

Make sure that you don’t take any form of exercise if your blood sugar is over 300 mg/dl, as exercise should be started slowly and gradually to help reduce the chances of hot flashes or cold chills.

Categories: Aerobic Exercise, Blood Sugar, chills, Diabetes, exercise, flashes, hot flashes, nbsp

The Foot Problems Associated With Diabetes

Diabetes is a well-known health concern. It’s growing too – type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing conditions in the western world, and that’s thought to be due to increasingly bad diets that people have. The increased levels of fat and sugar are very bad for our blood and diabetes is the end result of this. Diabetes famously causes a number of serious health problems and many people worry a lot about it. It is common knowledge that diabetes puts you at risk of having other serious problems, but you may not know that it can be a real burden for your feet. Here is a breakdown of why diabetes can be bad for your feet.

 

One of the major problems with your feet when you have diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. What happens when you have this is that you’ll begin to feel a lack of sensation in your feet and your legs. This is often accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation as well as pain and completely numbness in the affected area. The cause of this problem is actually nerve damage that has come about due to the effects of uncontrolled diabetes. The problem is that it leads to a whole range of other issues with your feet such as the inability to move it properly and this can clearly lead to problems walking or doing anything that involves your feet.

 

There is also another serious condition of the feet that manifests itself due to diabetes. It is called peripheral vascular disease, and it causes poor blood flow that affects the ability of sores or cuts on your feet to heal themselves. Your feet are actually very prone to this kind of problem due to the general wear and tear that daily life places upon them – and unfortunately the lack of ability to heal puts you at very serious risk of gangrene and ulcers.

 

Apart from these very serious issues with your feet, it’s true that diabetes can be a tertiary cause of other problems with your feet. While these will not be a very dangerous problem on their own, with the threats of diabetes that can develop, these less serious issues become something that could potentially cause you to require surgery or even amputation.

 

One major issue that you may not think to worry about is athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can cause itchiness and the break of skin, as we have already seen that diabetic neuropathy is a huge problem with regards to broken skin, it’s easy to see how athlete’s foot can become a very problematic condition.

 

Aside from conditions like athlete’s foot there are many other smaller problems that we usually wouldn’t worry about that can be a serious issue if you have diabetes and the foot conditions associated with it. Even things as seemingly meaningless as corns, hard skin, dry skin, bunions and blisters can develop into quite horrible concerns for your health.

 

So how can you avoid these problems and retain a healthy and happy lifestyle despite your diabetes? The first point is that you should always remember to take care of your healthy generally and stay in control of your diabetes. Problems associated with diabetes can only become a concern when you neglect your health. It’s also important that you take care of your feet and check them every day for any potential problems. If you find any then it is essential that you visit your doctor as soon as possible so that you can be prescribed a treatment that will be effective.

Categories: Diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, Feet, feet nbsp, foot, foot problems, nbsp, problems

Is Your Job Sending You to an Early Grave?

Of all the things that affect corporate wellness, and your overall well-being, occupational stress is the worst, and the most common. We accept it as a part of life, but workplace stress is not only taking its toll on your emotions, but also your wellness. There are a number of chronic health conditions linked to stress, and some in particular that are related to on-the-job strain, so what might your high-octane career do to you?

 

Diabetes – In 2012, a study published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine, found that women who have stressful jobs are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. Fortunately for the fellas, the researchers did not find the same effect in men – I guess that glass ceiling is lined with sugar.

 

Heart attacks – When researchers at University College London undertook a review of studies in 2012, they discovered that those who have high-pressure jobs are 23% more likely to have a heart attack than those who don’t have stressful jobs, if such jobs exist.

 

Depression – A 2011 PLOS ONE study noted that, if you work more than 11 hours a day, you’re twice as likely to suffer from a major episode of depression as those lucky people who work more regular hours. Seeing as depression can also lead to a shorter life expectancy, increased risk of stroke and heart attack, disrupted sleep and addiction, it might be wise to start knocking off at 5.30pm.

 

Accelerated ageing – Not only is job stress causing a few extra frown lines here and there, it’s actually ageing you prematurely. Recent evidence has shown that people who have the most workplace stress have the shortest telomeres. There are the sections of DNA that are linked to longevity.

 

Higher risk of death – Researchers at Tel Aviv University conducted a 20-year study in which they discovered that, if you work in a hostile office environment, you have a significantly increased risk of death than those who work in calmer, happier places. The next time you complain that your job is killing you, at least you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re not actually being over-dramatic.

Categories: depression, Diabetes, Heart Attack, increased risk, Jobs, nbsp, Premature Death, risk, Stress, stressful jobs, work, workplace stress

Coping With Diabetes:5 Tips That Will Make Life More Comfortable

Diabetes is a condition that affects 18.2 million people in America. It can lead to life-threatening complications, but fortunately, you can prevent complications by managing this condition. Below are some tips that will help you manage your diabetes:

 

Eat Healthy Foods

Eating healthy will make it a lot easier for you to keep your blood sugar within the target range. You should talk to your health care provider about the right meal plan for you. However, health care providers typically recommend that diabetics follow a diet that is filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low in salt, sugar and saturated fat.

 

Exercise

Exercise helps lower your blood sugar. It also helps increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin. You should try to exercise for 30 minutes per day most days out of the week. Keep in mind that daily activities, such as gardening or housework, can also help lower your blood sugar.

 

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Frequently

One of the keys to preventing complications is to keep your blood sugar as close to the normal range as possible. That is why it is important for you to monitor your blood sugar throughout the day. You will need to check your blood sugar when you get up in the morning, before and after meals and before and after you exercise. You should also check your blood sugar before and after you take your medication and/or insulin.

 

Wear the Right Socks

Taking care of your feet will prevent them from becoming injured or infected. Did you know that you an buy special socks for diabetics? Diabetic socks like those at HJ Sock Group help improve blood circulation and keep the feet dry. You’ll also want to pair your socks with a comfortable shoe that doesn’t squeeze or rub your foot.

 

Keep Your Stress Level Down

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but you should try to keep your stress level as low as possible. Stress can cause your blood sugar level to rise. It can also weaken your immune system. Reading, going for a walk and meditating are some of the ways that you can manage your stress.

 

Brush And Floss Every Day

You are more prone to gum disease if you have diabetes. You are also more likely to develop diabetic complications if you have gum disease. That is why you want to make sure that you brush and floss regularly so that you can avoid problems with your gums, teeth and mouth. Dentists recommend that patients come for checkups every six months which is especially important if you have diabetes so you can monitor your oral health and resolve any problems that may arise.

 

Living with diabetes can be hard, but there are things that can be done to make it easier. Of course if your doctor has prescribed you any medications or insulin, you will want to follow the recommended doses on those. In addition to your medical routines, keep in mind the healthy habits listed so that you can avoid complications and live a comfortable life.

Categories: Blood, Blood Sugar, complications, Coping, Diabetes, Gum Disease, health care, life, nbsp, stress level, Sugar

Nine Foods That Fight Common Health Problems

People struggle with health problems every single day. It’s something that our lives will never allow us to get away from. Illness is just a natural part of life that we can’t avoid thanks to the myriad bacteria, viruses and the natural breakdown of cells in the body that contributes to serious problems throughout your life.

 

But while many people suffer with issues for their whole lives, there are actually simple and effective ways that you can deal with many problems. Primarily this can come through added certain foods into your diet. Here is our list of nine foods that can really help you out with certain health problems.

 

What is good for arthritis?

 

Ginger

Ginger is not only a delicious additive to many different foods such as soups and curries, but it can also be very beneficial to your health. It can work in a similar way to anti-inflammatory medicines and so can function as pain relief. It’s important to remember that it is also a blood thinner, so it shouldn’t be eaten too excessively or taken with other blood thinning medicine.

 

Pumpkin

According to recent research, the high levels of antioxidants in pumpkins can help to prevent arthritis and provide pain relief through anti-inflammatory methods. You could try eating pumpkin puree to get plenty of it on board. Pumpkin soup is highly delicious too and well worth eating to get your fix.

 

Red bell pepper

With a large amount of vitamin C and a good number of carotenoids, which are great for fighting inflammation, red peppers are very good for you. With regards to the vitamin C, it’s been shown in a number of studies that a lack of vitamin C in your diet can lead to an increased risk of arthritis. Given that peppers can be put in virtually anything, it’s easy to get more of them in your diet.

 

 

What is good for diabetes?

 

Beans

Beans are great for diabetes, whether they are kidney beans, pinto beans or anything of the other beans. They are able to stabilise the blood sugar levels which is exactly the problem that people with diabetes have.

 

Egg whites

We know the quality of eggs, but you might think that the yolk is the only way to get ideal nutrients. But it seems that egg whites are great for the battle against diabetes. This is because they are very low calorie but high in protein.

 

Nuts

Nuts are highly delicious and they are extremely versatile. There are many different types of nut including pistachios, brazils, almonds and peanuts. They are all great for fighting diabetes because of their high levels of protein. They are also packed with healthy fats that are actually good for you.

 

 

What’s good for PMS?

 

Cheese

Studies have shown that women who suffer from PMS often have low levels of calcium. There is no doubt that cheese has high levels of calcium and given that it’s very tasty you can add it to almost anything and it stays great.

 

Pineapple

Pineapple does a lot for you if you’re suffering from PMS. It’s a great source of manganese, which can help reduce mood swings in women with PMS. It’s high level of water can help reduce the bloating that many women experience during their struggles with PMS.

 

Almonds

Almonds are a fantastic source of magnesium which is a mineral that is known to relieve the symptoms of PMS. Almonds can be eaten simply as a great snack or can be put in salads and other dishes to eat as part of a main meal.

Categories: anti-inflammatory, Arthritis, Diabetes, egg whites, health problems, high levels, levels, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, Pain Relief, PMS, pms nbsp

Could a New Vaccine Protect You from Type 1 Diabetes?

When your wellness is affected by type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t produce any insulin. This is different from the more common version of the disease – type 2 diabetes – in that type 2 involves your body either not producing enough insulin, or your cells ignoring insulin that is indeed present in your body. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes and so researchers often look into ways to prevent the disease and now a new study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, may have found a way to do exactly that.

 

In an early stage trial, a new vaccine for type 1 diabetes is showing promising results in stalling and preventing the autoimmune disease from manifesting. Up until now, type 1 prevention has revolved around suppressing your immune system, but this method can be damaging to your wellbeing in other ways; increasing your risk of cancer and infections. According to Dr. Richard Insel, chief scientific officer of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), ‘What one really wants to do is tame or regulate the specific aspects of the immune system that have gone awry and leave the rest of the immune system intact.’

 

For the study, the Netherlands’ Leiden University Medical Centre and California’s Stanford University researchers experimented with the TOL-3021 vaccine, which was genetically altered so that it could shut down your harmful immune system cells without affecting the rest of your system. 80 type 1 diabetics, who were all receiving insulin injections, were given the vaccine for 12 weeks, which appeared to help maintain some insulin-producing beta cells within the pancreas. The vaccine raised people’s levels of C-peptides, which is a sign that the insulin beta cells were working, and lowered the number of immune system-killing T cells.

 

Study author Dr. Lawrence Steinman, a Stanford professor and the co-founder of company Tolerion – which was created to commercialise the vaccine when it is ready – commented, ‘So far, it looks like it is doing what we want. It looks like it has some potential, but very small numbers.’ The researchers are now designing a new and longer study, with the hope of recruiting as many as 200 patients.

Categories: beta cells, cells, Diabetes, Insulin, Research, type, type 1 diabetes, Vaccine

Got Diabetes? Eat Some Beans

It is well known that beans are good for us. They can be a very important and nutritious aspect of your healthy diet – this is a commonly known fact by nutritionists and dieticians. So it might not come as surprise when you’re told that beans can actually help you with a number of medical conditions. But perhaps one that you might not expect for them to be useful in is diabetes. However, as it turns munching on more lentils, pulses, legumes and beans can be extremely helpful in lowering blood pressure and your blood sugar levels – this is clearly something that can be very helpful if you’re worried about the prospect of diabetes.

 

According to a report by a team of Canadian researchers, people who suffer from type 2 diabetes can see a vast improvement in their levels of blood sugar and blood pressure if they are able to add more beans and other legumes into their diet. It’s certainly true that legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and beans are high in protein and fibre and as such can be very beneficial when it comes to improving the health of your heart. If you’re someone who suffers from diabetes or feels that their diet might lead them to potential get the condition, it may well be worth taking the advice of this study and doing everything you can to get a few more of them into your body.

 

“Legumes, which we always thought were good for the heart, actually are good for the heart in ways we didn’t expect,” said Dr David Jenkins, who was the lead researcher on the project. He continued that among diabetics “not only did their glucose control become better, but – and this surprised us –it had a significant effect on blood pressure”.

 

Exactly why the beans and legumes were able to have such a positive effect is not yet known, according to the authors of the study. However, it is highly likely to have something to do with the high levels of protein, fibre and minerals that they contain, which is naturally good for your health anyway and is having a knock-on effect. Indeed, the authors were keen to note that it’s a very good idea to add more legumes into your diet as soon as possible.

 

“They will do well for you,” Dr Jenkins continued “they will help you keep your blood pressure down and your blood glucose under control, and help you keep your cholesterol down”. Clearly then, it’s a very good thing to be eating plenty of legumes. And the fantastic thing about them is that there are so many ways that you can add more of them to your diet – they are so versatile they can used with almost anything.

 

We all know the humble baked bean, but maybe you’ve never considered it to be a health food before! Well, now you can. There are, of course, many other options if you are looking for different methods of getting more legumes into your diet. Chickpeas and any derivative of chickpeas such as dips like houmous, are another great way to eat more of them. Equally you could start eating more lentils, this could come in the form of a bake or added to a casserole to add a little extra bite. Lentils are also well known to mix with curry spices, so perhaps you’d like to try this. Overall, legumes should be considered something that is very good to get into your diet especially if you are a sufferer or potential sufferer from diabetes.

Categories: Beans, Blood, blood pressure, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, diet, Legumes, lentils

Is Your Sex Drive Being Affected By Diabetes?

Both men and women can be affected by sexual problems as a result of diabetes. Although these health problems are fairly common among diabetics, they are not usually discussed. There is good news though – there are often treatments for diabetes-related sexual health problems. There are a number of reasons why men with diabetes suffer from sex problems, and some of these are no different to those that men in the general population may suffer. The most common result of diabetes in terms of sex is erectile dysfunction, also referred to as impotence. This is the inability to get an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse, and also includes not being able to sustain an erection. There is a number of reasons why this can happen, including damage to the nerves or blood vessels which supply the penis; poor blood sugar control; or stress and fear over not being able to achieve an erection.

Nerve damage is common and can occur because of the ongoing high blood sugar levels which damage the blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. When they’re damaged they aren’t able to transmit signals properly. If the nerves that supply the penis are damaged, they may not be able to get the messages from the brain that it needs to respond appropriately, even if you’re mentally stimulated. Nerve damage can also narrow the blood vessels, which makes the blood flow more difficult to your penis, limiting the chance of a successful erection. Atherosclerosis is another issue that can occur, which is the name for a situation when the arteries narrow and harden. If you have diabetes, you’re more at risk of this happening, and the problem increases the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

As well as causing problems with your nerves, diabetes can affect another mechanism which controls the erection which is the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the chemical produced by the body that’s vital for erections, and is released by the penis. High blood pressure can also reduce the libido, so bringing your blood glucose back under control again may restore a man’s sex drive. Stress plays an important role in not being able to perform in bed, and being anxious can quickly become a vicious cycle . Other psychological problems, from depression, can make the issue worse. The combination of psychological and physical problems can make sustaining an erection difficult.

 

There are many treatments for erectile dysfunction, which means no matter what problem you have it there may be a solution. From counselling to treatments for the physical symptoms, there is a multitude of ways to resolve erectile problems. Oral medicines, such as Viagara, Cialis and Levitra, have all be proven to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes. Vacuum pump devices are a physical method of producing an erection. And you can also inject the penis with a medicine known as Caverject, which is another effective treatment. And if none of these work, penile implants are also an option. Your doctor is the best person to advise you on the various treatments available to you if you’ve been affected sexually by diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is something which occurs more often and on average 10 to 15 years earlier in men with diabetes than in those who don’t have the condition. It’s also important to remember that lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking, will affect you in a positive way.

Categories: Diabetes, erectile dysfunction, Sex

Is Your Sex Drive Being Affected By Diabetes?

Both men and women can be affected by sexual problems as a result of diabetes. Although these health problems are fairly common among diabetics, they are not usually discussed. There is good news though – there are often treatments for diabetes-related sexual health problems. There are a number of reasons why men with diabetes suffer from sex problems, and some of these are no different to those that men in the general population may suffer. The most common result of diabetes in terms of sex is erectile dysfunction, also referred to as impotence. This is the inability to get an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse, and also includes not being able to sustain an erection. There is a number of reasons why this can happen, including damage to the nerves or blood vessels which supply the penis; poor blood sugar control; or stress and fear over not being able to achieve an erection.

Nerve damage is common and can occur because of the ongoing high blood sugar levels which damage the blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. When they’re damaged they aren’t able to transmit signals properly. If the nerves that supply the penis are damaged, they may not be able to get the messages from the brain that it needs to respond appropriately, even if you’re mentally stimulated. Nerve damage can also narrow the blood vessels, which makes the blood flow more difficult to your penis, limiting the chance of a successful erection. Atherosclerosis is another issue that can occur, which is the name for a situation when the arteries narrow and harden. If you have diabetes, you’re more at risk of this happening, and the problem increases the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

As well as causing problems with your nerves, diabetes can affect another mechanism which controls the erection which is the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the chemical produced by the body that’s vital for erections, and is released by the penis. High blood pressure can also reduce the libido, so bringing your blood glucose back under control again may restore a man’s sex drive. Stress plays an important role in not being able to perform in bed, and being anxious can quickly become a vicious cycle . Other psychological problems, from depression, can make the issue worse. The combination of psychological and physical problems can make sustaining an erection difficult.

 

There are many treatments for erectile dysfunction, which means no matter what problem you have it there may be a solution. From counselling to treatments for the physical symptoms, there is a multitude of ways to resolve erectile problems. Oral medicines, such as Viagara, Cialis and Levitra, have all be proven to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes. Vacuum pump devices are a physical method of producing an erection. And you can also inject the penis with a medicine known as Caverject, which is another effective treatment. And if none of these work, penile implants are also an option. Your doctor is the best person to advise you on the various treatments available to you if you’ve been affected sexually by diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is something which occurs more often and on average 10 to 15 years earlier in men with diabetes than in those who don’t have the condition. It’s also important to remember that lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking, will affect you in a positive way.

Categories: Diabetes, erectile dysfunction, Sex

What Does it Mean When Your Vision is Blurred in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is an exciting and magical time, but it can also bring a number of health concerns, and many new mothers-to-be spend a lot of time worrying about their own wellness as well as the wellbeing of their unborn child.

 

One problem that occurs in some expectant mothers is blurred vision. Some vision changes can be a normal part of pregnancy, and blurred vision happens more commonly than people know about. Many women even experience blurred vision as one of their first symptoms of pregnancy, and likely do not even realise that this is a side effect of the pregnancy as they don’t know they are pregnant yet!

 

Hormonal change are usually the cause of blurred vision amongst pregnant women. Just like fluid builds up in your ankles and face, it can also build up in your eyes, causing your cornea to thicken and the pressure in your eye to change. This can make your eyesight become hazy and can cause an uncomfortable feeling in your eyes.

 

Many women complain of eye irritation, changes in vision, floating blobs in the line of sight, dry eyes or even double vision at various times during pregnancy and these symptoms usually disappear after the birth. It is very important to get any visual disturbances checked out, however, as they can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure (pre eclampsia) or pregnancy induced hypertension.

 

Blurred vision points in particular to high blood sugar, so is a symptom that anyone with diabetes or a risk of diabetes should not ignore. Any of the conditions mentioned above can be very serious and even life threatening (both to mother and unborn child) if not treated swiftly and appropriately, so it is very important that, although vision changes are normally perfectly normal in pregnancy, you do get this symptom checked out with your doctor and don’t ignore it.

Categories: blurred, blurred vision, Diabetes, high blood, nbsp, pregnancy, unborn child, vision