Complications of Diabetes - Diabetic retinopathy

Complications of Diabetes 

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It may cause sudden (acute) or chronic complications. Usually it is because of the poor control of blood glucose.

I. Acute complications

Hypoglycaemia

It is associated with very low blood sugar levels in the blood.  You can get hypoglycaemia when take more diabetic medications, not taking enough food, or do very exhausting  exercises. If you notice the first symptoms, quickly eat something sweet or drink a glass of fruit juice before things become serious. If you do nothing, it could lead to a crisis or coma.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

This complication is typical for people with diabetes type 1. You get it when the body doesn’t have enough insulin (or insufficient quantity). People with diabetic ketoacidosis have very high blood sugar levels and get very fast dehydration of the body.Thus, glucose can not enter cells and they remain without energy. Then, they begin to provide themselves with energy as degrade proteins and fats. So,  blood becomes "sour" because of the substances (ketones) which accumulate therein. This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

II.Chronic complications. It is obtained as a result of damage to blood vessels. Due to diabetes, the small blood vessels  can become weaker, and the large ones - harden, narrow and become blocked by clots. This can lead to a number of complications. The following complications can be prevented if you keep a strict control: Problems related to blood circulation Atherosclerosis and the damage of the  major blood vessels can lead to difficult blood circulation in the body and thus,  harm the heart, brain and peripheral limbs. We must not forget the fact that people with diabetes are more prone to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Attention! When the heart circulation is affected , there is an increased risk of heart attack and angina. When the brain circulation is affected, there is increased risk of stroke on the brain. Poor blood circulation in peripheral limbs is called peripheral vascular disease. This could lead to increased frequency of infections, ulcers, and in some cases can lead to gangrene. Nerve damage caused by diabetes Most often these are the nerves of the legs and sometimes of the arms. Damage to the nerves may cause the following symptoms: reduced sensitivity numbness formication Some doctors treating the condition with medications used for the treatment of depression, and epilepsy. In diabetes the blood vessels in the retina can weaken and deteriorate. This may lead to leakage of blood into the eyeball, blearing the vision. This process is called diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy and cataract do not develop overnight. You must have been a diabetic patient for many years to be affected by them. Therefore it’s recommended to visit doctor every 1-2 years.

Renal failure as a result of diabetes.

Diabetic nephropathy.

The kidneys remove waste from the blood and  eliminate  them through the urine.

Provided that, these structures and blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, they may stop functioning (effectively). When this happens we are talking about diabetic nephropathy.

Kidneys play a huge role in regulating blood pressure. Diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, which later may damage the kidneys. Reduced consumption of salt  and proper diet can cure high blood pressure. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of developing urinary tract  infection, which can damage  the kidneys, if the infection reach them.

Problems with gums and teeth

Diabetics are subject to greater risk of developing infections of the teeth and gums. Is often advisable to visit your dentist.

Sexual weakness

Problems with the blood vessels and the resulting poor blood circulation can cause impotence in men. The situation may further be exacerbated by other conditions related to diabetes, such as high blood pressure. If you have a problem, see a doctor immediately.

Diabetes - Treatment of Type1 and Type2 With Herbs. New And Alternative Methods.

Diabetes - Treatment of Type1 and Type2
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Symptoms

They include excessive urination, thirst, fatigue and nausea.

Risk factors for development of diabetes are:

• overweight
• family factors
• high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• lack of exercise
• pregnancy
• aged over 40 years

What is Diabetes?

During the digestion process, food converts into a sugar called glucose.

Glucose (blood sugar) is a major source of fuel for the body. After food converting (into glucose), it enters the bloodstream, where begins its circulation in the body.Then it passes into the cells to be used as energy.

To move glucose from bloodstream into the cells, our body needs insulin. It is a hormone produced in the pancreas. There it is being produced the right amount of insulin to helps glucose to flow into the cells. Depending on the needs of our body for insulin per day, the level varies. People with diabetes face difficulties in producing insulin, or its absorbing from the body.

In a nutshell, the patient has a problem with the proper food absorption from the body, so it loses a large amount of energy for regular functioning.

A condition that is characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood is known as -hiperglikemia. If not treated in time, it can cause long-term complications such as:

• heart problems
• renal complications
• stroke
• eye problems

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes type1 can appear suddenly and can be quite heavy, while in diabetes type 2, they may go gradually and imperceptibly.

The Most Common Symptoms of Diabetes Include:

• weight loss and excessive thirst
• frequent urination, fatigue / tiredness
• nausea, irritability
• blurred vision and shuffling gait
• long non-healing skin wounds

The proper diagnosis

If you have some of these symptoms it is good immediately to seek a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment will help to prevent more serious complications. The most accurate method of diagnose diabetes is through blood test.

According to the latest studies, a blood test can find diabetes type 2 about 10 years before it appeared.

Types Of Diabetes And Reasons That Cause It

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type1
• Type2
• Gestational diabetes

Treatment of Diabetes - Type 1

In this type of diabetes, pancreas produces little or no insulin. It is known as insulin-dependent diabetes. It occurs in kids7-12 years old, but  it can appear at any age. About 10% of all people with diabetes suffer from type 1.

It is believed that this type appears  as a result of an autoimmune response of the body. During this reaction, the immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues (of the body). In this type, the body attacks and destroys the cells responsible for insulin production in the pancreas, making them incapable for it producing.

We still have no idea what is reason for this autoimmune response, but it is assumed that these are certain viruses or genetic factors. According to different sources, some diets and stress also play a role in its occurrence.

Treatment of Diabetes Type 2

In this type, the pancreas still produce insulin but not enough to meet the needs of the body. Thus, cells in the body are incapable to use insulin, especially cells in the liver and muscles. This type of diabetes is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes.
It can affect people at any age and some of them need insulin.  Ninety percent of all patients with,  suffer from type 2.

It is related to many hereditary problems. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity, and it usually occurs after age 40.

Gestational Diabetes

This atypical form of diabetes occurs most often during pregnancy. Between 2-4% of pregnant women can develop this type of diabetes, but it usually disappears after pregnancy.

Some people with diabetes type 1 and some with diabetes type 2 need insulin injections. Depending on what is the duration and the effectiveness of the insulin, there are different types of injections. Some of them very quickly can be absorbed by the body, while others have longer-term effects. Sometimes both types are required.

Unfortunately, there’s still no cure for diabetes, but it can be controlled through the life. The goal is to maintain healthy blood glucose levels between (4.0 mmol / L and 8.0 mmol / L), and to prevent complications.

Attention!

Blood glucose control should be done under medical supervision.

Maintenance Diet

Generally you should avoid eataing foods that contain refined sugar:

chocolate, jam, soft drinks, biscuits, cakes and fruit juices.

Useful Foods- fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals. The basis of the diet should come eating less fat and rich in fiber. Avoid alcohol-it contains a lot of sugar.

To maintain balanced blood sugar levels, follow basic food habits and seek the advice of nutritionists.

Other reasons causing diabetes

• Some drugs, such as diuretics  increase the chance of the development of insulin deficiency
• certain diseases of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis), or diseases of the endocrine glands
• Injury or surgery (surgical removal of the pancreas)
• Diabetes can "unlock" certain genetic predispositions (Down syndrome or muscular dystrophy

Exercises

Blood glucose levels are regulated very well with some exercise. This maintains a balanced weight, normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This in turn, reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Bear in mind that excessive exercise can lead to very low blood sugar levels. Do not overdo it!

Other factors

When body is in a state of stress, it is very difficult to control the level of blood sugar. Therefore it is better to avoid stress as much as possible. If you become ill from a disease and the blood sugar level falls, you  must see a doctor, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting.

Treatment Of Diabetes With Herbs

Olive stones relieve diabetes

Grind finely about 100 olive stones.  Pour on 2 liters of water and boil until remain 1 liter. Drink three times a day, one tablespoon after every meal.

Black Berry

Wonderful herb that reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy.Take the herb (only leaves) of 80 milligrams per day. The fruit is full with antioxidants and its leaves reduce blood sugar levels.

St. John's Wort, Clove, Dandelion and Nettle

Soak a bunch of  St. John's Wort in one liter of brandy. Add another 12 grains of cloves, two blades of dandelion (leaves and root) and two blades of nettle.  Leave the mixture for ten days aside. It is ready on the 11 th day. Take every day by one tablespoon on an empty stomach.

Rooibos tea

It has powerful antioxidant effect and helps prevent retinopathy and cataract.

Green Tea

Rich in nutrients, catechins. They prevent red blood cells from damage. Caffeine and high antioxidants makes it a valuable herb for diabetes.

Chrome

Helps absorbing of the glucose by the body. It is one of the vital micronutrients for the body. Consult your doctor for the proper dose.

Ginseng

It makes you feel good and lose weight, also stabilizes blood sugar. Take 3 grams per day, two hours before each meal. Consult a doctor for the proper dose.

Cinnamon

It helps reducing blood sugar in people with diabetes type 1 and type 2. Daily intake of a glass of  low fat milk with cinnamon, a strict diet, and a lot of movement,  may put glucose to normal levels within a month. 

 Treatment of diabetes - new methods

Unfortunately, still no permanent cure for diabetes. Here are some of the alternative ways in which specialists seeking for a solution to supply the body with insulin:

• alternative ways to deliver insulin - new type nasal sprays and tablets
• devices that measure blood glucose levels through the skin (without syringes)
• transplantation of porcine cells which producing insulin can treat diabetes in the near future
• bioengineers will offer artificial way of producing insulin

Complications of diabetes - diabetic retinopathy.

Useful links:

American Diabetes Association - here you will find all the latest information related to diabetes and recent studies in this area