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Diabetes treatment

Stress can have a negative impact on our blood sugar levels.

How does stress affect diabetes?

by tanja October 24, 2019

Stress is the reaction of our body to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. When we become stressed, the body quickly responds by releasing hormones that give cells access to stored energy – fat and glucose – to help the body get away from danger.

Diabetes and stress

As we know, diabetes management is a lifelong process. As a result, this adds stress to your daily life. Stress can be a major barrier to effective glucose control. Stress hormones in your body may directly affect glucose levels. When you’re feeling stressed, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones should give you an energy boost for a ‘fight or flight’ response. But the hormones actually make it harder for insulin to work properly, known as insulin resistance. As energy can’t get into your cells, your blood sugar levels rise.

If your blood sugar levels go too high, you face high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia. If it doesn’t go away, it can keep your blood sugar levels high and put you at a higher risk of diabetes complications. It can also affect your mood and how you look after yourself, which can start to affect your emotional health.

What do I do when I feel stressed?

Everyone copes with stressful situations in different ways. For example, sometimes I feel stressed when I try to do things perfectly. As a result, in the end, I don’t manage to finish the things as I was expecting. Because stress increases my blood sugar level, in these situations, the first thing that I try to do is to look after myself. This means that I try to stay calm and take a deep breath. Also, I check my blood sugar level more often in the following two or three hours.

Moreover, I learned not to put too much pressure on myself to do everything perfectly. This can add or lead to stress. But it’s good to be aware of how easy it can be to give in to the habit of letting diabetes self-care slip in times of stress.

Trying to get enough sleep and building exercise, rest and relaxation time into my routine also help me cope better with stress.

Last, but not least, talking with other people about what’s making me stressed helps me a lot. Talking with my family and sister about things that make me worry is the best therapy for me. Their words and advice help me put something into perspective or just make me feel relieved about getting it off your chest.

October 24, 2019 0 comment

I test my blood sugar level more often in order to manage my diabetes during the summer.

Diabetes tips Diabetes treatment

How do I manage my diabetes during the summer?

by tanja August 26, 2019

During my 20 years of experience with diabetes, I have learned that I need to be extra careful when temperatures increase dramatically. I know that I have to manage my diabetes more often because It can affect my blood sugar control.

How the heat affects my levels depends on what I’ve eaten, whether I am well-hydrated and my activity level. If the heat and my activity make me sweat profusely, I may become dehydrated. As a result, that will lead to a rise in glucose levels. If I become dehydrated, my blood glucose levels will rise. Not only it will lead to frequent urination, but also it will lead to further dehydration and even higher blood sugar levels

How do I manage my diabetes during the summer?

What do I do to manage my diabetes properly?

Enjoying the sun is one of the things I look forward to in the summer and on holiday. In order to enjoy the outdoor activities without affecting my blood sugar level, I do the following things:

Drink plenty of water

Wherever I go, I usually carry a small bottle with me.

Test my blood sugars levels frequently

I test my blood glucose levels more frequently than usual. On that way, I take appropriate and immediate action to keep my levels more stable.

Keep my blood glucose meter and test strips away from the sun

Extremes of temperature can also affect your blood glucose meter and test strips. As a result, I keep my meter and test strips as close to normal room temperature as possible and out of direct sunlight.

Store my insulin properly

During the hot weather, I keep my insulin in the fridge or a cool bag. Of course, I take care that it does not freeze.

I always take some snack with me

Some snacks can serve as a meal replacement. Others can serve as ways to prevent low blood sugars. I always have glucose tabs or glucose gel (Jubin) in my bag.

I try to avoid sunburn

I apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your body 15–30 minutes before going out in the sun.

August 26, 2019 0 comment

Diabetes tips Diabetes treatment

How To Prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

by tanja July 21, 2019

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. Moreover, it can occur if you have type 2 diabetes as well. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis may be the first sign that a person has diabetes. That is why it is important to know how to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with fluids, electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride and insulin. It can lead to loss of consciousness and, eventually, it can be fatal.

How to prevent ketoacidosis complications?

A person with diabetes can take many steps to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis. In order to do that, we have to learn how to manage diabetes well.

Preventive steps include:

Manage your diabetes. In order to manage diabetes, you should make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine.
Monitor your blood sugar level. Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure your blood sugar level remains within your target range. You should do this more often, especially if you are ill or under stress.
Adjust your insulin dosage as needed. In order to do this, talk to your doctor. Moreover, he or she will tell you what you eat, how active you are, whether you’re ill and other factors.
Check your ketone level. When you’re ill or under stress, test your urine for excess ketones with an over-the-counter urine ketones test kit. If your ketone level is moderate or high, contact your doctor right away or seek emergency care. If you have low levels of ketones, you may need to take more insulin.
Always be prepared to act quickly. If your blood sugar level is high, and you have excess ketones in your urine, seek emergency care.

Diabetes complications are scary. But don’t let fear keep you from taking good care of yourself. That is why we have to know how to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis complications. Follow your diabetes treatment plan carefully, and ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it.

July 21, 2019 0 comment

The symptoms and causes of diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetes treatment

Diabetic ketoacidosis: Symptoms and Causes

by tanja July 9, 2019

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. It can lead to diabetic coma (passing out for a long time) or even death.

This condition develops when the body can’t produce enough insulin. As we know, glucose is the major source of energy for our muscles and other tissues. Insulin helps the glucose enter in the cells. Without enough insulin, our body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones. High levels of ketones can poison the body. When levels get too high, you can develop DKA. DKA may happen to anyone with diabetes, though it is rare in people with type 2.

As a result, we have to learn the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis and know when to seek emergency care.

Symptoms

The signs may develop within 24 hours. The following symptoms may be the first indication of having diabetes:

Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Weakness or fatigue
Shortness of breath
Fruity-scented breath
Confusion

However, more-specific signs can be detected through home blood and urine testing kits as well. They are :

High blood sugar level (hyperglycemia)
High ketone levels in your urine.

What causes diabetic ketoacidosis?

Here are three basic reasons for moderate or large amounts of ketones:

Not enough insulin
If you have an inadequate insulin therapy or if you miss your insulin treatment, it can leave you with too little insulin in your system. Hence, it can trigger an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Not enough food
High levels may also occur when you miss a meal.

Insulin reaction (low blood glucose)
If testing shows high ketone levels in the morning, you may have had an insulin reaction while asleep.

Last but not least, ketoacidosis is dangerous and serious. Furthermore, it can be fatal as well. If you have any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY, or go to the nearest emergency room of your local hospital.

July 9, 2019 0 comment

Diabetes tips Diabetes treatment

How did I prepare for Wizz Air Marathon 2019?

by tanja May 5, 2019

Yesterday, on the 4th of May, I participated in the Wizz Air Skopje Marathon 2019 for a second time. I was running 5 km. It was a challenging experience for me. First, it was a fight with myself while I was running. Although I was feeling a pain in my legs, I was trying to stay calm and motivate myself to go on. Second, I wanted to prove that my diabetes won’t stop me to achieve the goal – to run 5 km without having a negative effect on my blood sugar level.

Every person with diabetes should be well prepared before the marathon. For this Wizz Air Skopje Marathon 2019, I did the following things: when I woke up in the morning, first I checked my blood sugar level. It was above the normal range – 8,5 mmol/L. I ate one banana and I drunk two glasses of water. One hour later, a couple of minutes before the marathon started, I checked my blood sugar level once again. I was 9.00 mmol/L, but I didn’t inject insulin. After I finished the marathon, almost 40 minutes later, I checked my blood sugar once again. It was 11,00 mmol/L. This time, I injected insulin in order to decrease it and I ate my breakfast. One hour and a half later, I checked it once again, it was 7 mmol/L.

My motto for Skopje Wizz Air Marathon 2019

May 5, 2019 0 comment

This is how an artificial pancreas looks like.

CGMs, Meters & Pumps Diabetes treatment

Artificial pancreas – A safe and effective treatment for type 1 diabetes

by tanja April 8, 2019

The harm that diabetes can inflict on the human body is due to the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin Because insulin is essential for survival, people with diabetes must inject it artificially. But this is often risky. Too much insulin can cause serious complications, and too little can lead to coma and death. For years, scientists have been working on creating a computerized, artificial pancreas that will continually measure the blood sugar level.

Scientists at the University of Virginia, Faculty of Medicine and Harvard, John A. Paulson, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, have been working on developing a computerized, artificial pancreas device system for years. The Artificial Pancreas Device System is a system of devices that closely mimics the glucose-regulating function of a healthy pancreas. The goal of the artificial pancreas is to automatically monitor and regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, it will eliminate the need for people with type 1 diabetes to stick their fingers to check their blood sugar frequently and manually inject insulin.

It consists of three types of devices. A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM), an insulin infusion pump and a blood glucose device. The blood glucose device is a glucose meter. Thus, we use it to calibrate the CGM.

How does the artificial pancreas work?

The artificial pancreas measures blood sugar levels using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Then the CGM transmits this information to an insulin pump. This device calculates and releases the required amount of insulin into the body. This is the same just as the pancreas does in people without diabetes.

The Do-It-Yourself Pancreas System (#DIYPS)

The Do-It-Yourself Pancreas System (#DIYPS) was created by Dana Lewis and Scott Leibrand in the fall of 2013. The main goal of #DIYPS is to solve the problem with an existing FDA-approved medical device. The figured out a way to augment continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alerts, which aren’t loud enough to wake heavy sleepers and to alert a loved one if the patient is not responding. #DIYPS can be utilized by those with CGM and insulin pump, CGM and multiple daily injections of insulin as well as for those with no CGM and daily injections.

In my opinion, technology has the potential to change lives. As a result, the artificial pancreas will be a milestone in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It can make life with diabetes easier. Moreover, it can help people achieve more stable blood glucose levels too. Imagine waking up every day with blood glucose levels in the target range? That is something that we are waiting for.

April 8, 2019 0 comment

Diabetes tips Diabetes treatment

What kind of food can I eat if I have diabetes?

by tanja March 31, 2019

If you are facing with diabetes for the first time, for sure, you are constantly asking yourself, “What kind of food can I eat?” Firstly, it’s time to stop worrying! Secondly, living with diabetes doesn’t have to mean feeling deprived. However, you just have to learn to balance your meals and make the healthiest food choices too.

Moreover, you may worry that having diabetes means going without the foods you enjoy. The good news is that you can still eat your favorite foods, but you might need to eat smaller portions or enjoy them less often.

The food groups

The key to eating with diabetes is to eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, in the amounts your meal plan outlines.

The food groups are:

vegetables
- nonstarchy: includes broccoli, carrots, greens, peppers, and tomatoes
- starchy: includes potatoes, corn, and green peas
fruits—includes oranges, melon, berries, apples, bananas, and grapes
grains—at least half of your grains for the day should be whole grains
- includes wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, and quinoa
- examples: bread, pasta, cereal, and tortillas
protein
- lean meat
- chicken or turkey without the skin
- fish
- eggs
- nuts and peanuts
- dried beans and certain peas, such as chickpeas and split peas
- meat substitutes, such as tofu
dairy—nonfat or low fat
- milk or lactose-free milk if you have lactose intolerance
- yogurt
- cheese

Eat foods with heart-healthy fats, which mainly come from these foods:

oils that are liquid at room temperature, such as canola and olive oil
nuts and seeds
heart-healthy fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
avocado

Photo of salmon avocado grains and olive oil.

Furthermore, use oils when cooking food instead of butter, or stick margarine.

How much can I eat if I have diabetes?

Eating the right amount of food will not only help you manage your blood glucose level but also it will help you manage your weight. In fact, your doctor can help you figure out how much food and how many calories you should eat each day.

March 31, 2019 0 comment

Diabetes management Diabetes treatment

How do I manage my diabetes during Christmas?

by tanja January 6, 2019

Christmas brings seasonal joy and the comfort of the family. Christmas is a time of great excitement. It is a time for family and for children, for lights, for decorations, Santa presents and of course for food! Eating at Christmas is part of the fun, and there’s no need to completely miss out on certain foods. As a result, you may wonder how do I manage my diabetes during Christmas?

Healthy eating for people with diabetes is the same as for everyone else. All of the traditional Christmas foods such as mince pies, Christmas pudding, and Christmas cake can still be enjoyed but just don’t eat too many or too much in one go. The trick is to spread them out over the Christmas period and keep your portions as small as you can.

Christmas dinner during the Christmas Eve at my home. It is that time of the year where all the members of the family are gathered together.

So here are some tips to help you eat healthy this Christmas and keep your diabetes on track:

I know how much insulin to take to a gram of carbs. That helps me gain good blood sugar control all the time, not just for the holidays.
I test my blood sugar level before and after dinner. On that way, I keep track of active insulin so I don’t overdose.
If I drink alcohol, I inject bolus insulin. And of course, I need insulin as well if I mixed with juice or other carb-heavy drinks.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, exercise helps keep your glucose under control. Do consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program. For Christmas, I usually go for a walk after dinner. Today I went out for a walk with my boyfriend.

This is how I manage my diabetes at Christmas! 🙂 How do you do manage your diabetes?

Enjoy Christmas and New Year, it is a time for celebration and eating for everyone.

January 6, 2019 0 comment

Diabetes treatment Insulin

How does the long-acting insulin work in controlling diabetes?

by tanja December 26, 2018

Long-acting insulin

These are long-acting insulin that has a slower effect (1 hour after injection), and longer duration (24 hours or longer):

Lantus

A diabetic should take it once or twice a day, in the morning or in the evening, and has a period of effect of 24 hours
In diabetics type 1 goes in combination with short-acting insulins and covers the night and period between meals
Store at 2-8 ° C and do not freeze, after use at room temperature for 28 days

Levemir

Insulin with a period of action up to 24 hours
A person should take it twice a day, depending on the prescribed therapy (in the morning and in the evening)
Store at 2-8 ° C, do not freeze
After use, it can be stored for 42 days at room temperature

Insulatard

It starts with 90 minutes and lasts up to 10 hours after injection
It is used mainly in combination with Actrapid that works during the day because it has a longer effect than other short-acting insulins
Store at a temperature of 2-8 ° C and after use for 6 weeks at a temperature of up to 30 ° C

Toujeo

Insulin-containing 3 times more insulin in 1ml than standard insulin
A person should take it once a day (in the morning or in the evening)
The fact is longer than 24 hours

Tresiba

New insulin that is at the very beginning of use in our area
The effect is longer than 24 hours and gives flexibility as it is possible to shift the injection time by 8 hours compared to the previous day
A person should take it once a day (morning or evening)

NovoMix30

This type of insulin belongs to a special type of mixed insulin
It contains 30% of short-acting insulin that lasts 10-20 minutes and functions 3-5 hours after injection and 70% of long-acting insulin
It allows fast action of insulin with prolonged action during the day
Store at 2-8 ° C and after opening for 28 days at room temperature
There is in combination 70% short-acting and 30% long-acting

December 26, 2018 0 comment

Diabetes treatment Insulin

Types of insulin: Short-acting insulin

by tanja December 8, 2018

Today we can find a large number of short-acting insulin used in different combinations. Each of them is similar, but it also has some details of itself inherent. In order to better understand the functioning of the insulin in the body and determine the required dose, it is necessary to know some details. For example, the period of action, what type of drug, and how to protect the insulin we use.

These are fast-acting insulin (10-20 minutes from injections) as well as short-acting (3-5 hours). People with diabetes use them before or after meals to cover the effect of food on blood sugar levels. Today I am going to explain more about the short-acting insulins:

NovoRapid

The fact begins 15 minutes after injection;
The most severe effect is from 1-3 hours and stops with the effect of 3-5 hours after injection;
A person should keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 ° C. When a person opens it, it can use it for 28 days and keep it at room temperature;
A person with diabetes should use it with long-acting insulins to cover the period when NovoRapid does not work.

Actrapid

A person should inject this type of insulin 30 minutes before meals;
It starts with effect from 30 to 60 minutes after injection
The most powerful effect is 2-4 hours and up to 8 hours after injecting;
A person should store it at 2-8 ° C, after opening at room temperature for 28 days;
This type of insulin a person should use with long-acting insulins to cover the period of the night when Actrapid does not work.

Humalog

A person should inject 15 minutes before a meal or just before a meal;
It starts with effect after 15 minutes after injection;
The most effective action is 1 hour and runs 2-4 hours after injection;
A person should keep it in the refrigerator after opening 28 days at room temperature;
A person should use it in combination with long-acting insulin to cover the period in which Humalog does not work.

NovoLog

It is injected immediately before or after meals;
It starts with effect 5-10 minutes after injection;
The strongest effect is 1-3 hours and it is 3-5 hours after injecting;
It is stored in the refrigerator and after opening for 28 days at room temperature;
It is mainly used in combination with long-acting insulins to cover the period in which NovoLog ends the action.

Apidra

It starts with an effect 15 minutes after injection;
The worst effect is 1 hour and works 2-4 hours after injection;
Store in a refrigerator and when not in use at temperatures higher than 37 ° C;
A person should use in combination with long-acting insulins to cover the period when Apidra has no effect.

December 8, 2018 0 comment