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Diabetes treatment

There is a connection between diabetes and skin complications.
Diabetes treatment

Diabetes And Skin Complications – Part 2

by tanja

Diabetes and skin complications are very connected. If we don’t control our diabetes, it can affect every part of our body, including our skin. Some of the skin complications include diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, diabetic blisters, and eruptive xanthomatosis. 

Diabetes and skin complications are very connected

Diabetic dermopathy

To start with, when people with diabetes don’t control their blood sugar level, it can cause changes in the small blood vessels. Dermopathy often looks like light brown, scaly patches. These patches may be oval or circular. Also, this disorder most often occurs on the front of both legs. They do not hurt, open up, or itch. Dermopathy is harmless and doesn’t need to be treated.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum

Changes in the blood vessels can cause necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD). NLD is a rare condition that causes spots similar to diabetic dermopathy, but they are fewer, larger, and deeper. It often starts as a dull, red, raised area. After a while, it looks like a shiny scar with a violet border. The blood vessels under the skin may become easier to see. Unfortunately, sometimes NLD is itchy and painful.

Eruptive xanthomatosis

Diabetes can also cause eruptive xanthomatosis. It consists of a firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin. Each bump has a red halo and may itch. This condition occurs most often on the backs of hands, feet, arms, legs and buttocks. Fortunately, these bumps disappear when diabetes control is restored.

Diabetic blisters (bullosis diabeticorum)

Rarely, people with diabetes can have blisters. Diabetic blisters can occur on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, feet and sometimes on legs or forearms. These sores look like burn blisters and often occur in people who have diabetic neuropathy. They are sometimes large, but they are painless and have no redness around them. Usually, they heal by themselves, usually without scars, in about three weeks. The only treatment is to bring blood sugar levels under control.

Conclusion

To conclude, there is a connection between diabetes and skin complications. To protect ourself from the skin complications, it is very important to take control of our diabetes, check our blood sugar level regularly as well as visit our endocrinologist regularly. However, if we face some skin complications and don’t know how to solve them, we should go to our dermatologist (skin doctor).

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Diabetes complicaitons may occur if you don't have a regular control of your diabetes.
Diabetes treatment

Diabetes And Skin Complications – Part 1

by tanja

Unfortunately, diabetes can affect every part of our body, including the skin. Skin complications, such as itching, bacterial infections and fungal infections are more common in people with diabetes.

Diabetes and skin complications.

Skin complications

Itching

Yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation can cause itching. When poor circulation is the cause of itching, the itchiest areas may be the lower parts of the legs.

Bacterial infections

There are several kinds of bacterial infections that may occur. For example, styes (infections of the glands of the eyelid), boils, folliculitis (infections of the hair follicles), carbuncles (deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath), infections around the nails, inflamed tissues are usually hot, swollen, red, and painful.

Fungal Infections

The culprit in fungal infections of people with diabetes is often Candida albicans. It can create itchy rashes of moist, red areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. These infections often occur in warm, moist folds of the skin. Problem areas are under the breasts, around the nails, between fingers and toes, in the corners of the mouth, under the foreskin (in uncircumcised men), and in the armpits and groin. Common fungal infections include jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm (a ring-shaped itchy patch), and vaginal infection that causes itching.

Good skincare

Yes, you can prevent skin complications. You can prevent that by doing the following things :

  • First, it is important to keep your diabetes well managed. People who have hyperglycemia tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria. Both conditions increase the risk of infection.
  • Second, avoid very hot baths and showers. If your skin is dry, don’t use bubble baths. Moisturizing soaps may help. Afterwards, use a standard skin lotion, but don’t put lotions between toes. The extra moisture there can encourage fungus to grow.
  • Third, prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow the infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather.
  • Also, treat cuts right away. For instance, wash minor cuts with soap and water. Furthermore, cover minor cuts with sterile gauze. See a doctor right away if you get a major cut, burn, or infection.
  • Moreover, during cold, dry months, keep your home more humid. Bathe less during this weather, if possible.
  • Take care of your feet. It is recommended to check them every day for sores and cuts. Wear broad, flat shoes that fit well.
  • Last, but not least, if you don’t know how to solve your skin problems, go to your dermatologist (skin doctor).
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Stress can have a negative impact on our blood sugar levels.
Diabetes managementDiabetes treatment

How Does Stress Affect Diabetes?

by tanja

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.

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

How Do I Manage My Diabetes During The Summer?

by tanja

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.

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Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

How To Prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

by tanja

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.

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The symptoms and causes of diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetes treatment

Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Symptoms And Causes

by tanja

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.

Diabetic ketoacidosis: the causes

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 :

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.

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Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

How Did I Prepare For Wizz Air Marathon 2019?

by tanja

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
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This is how an artificial pancreas looks like.
CGMs, Meters & PumpsDiabetes treatment

Artificial Pancreas – A Safe And Effective Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes

by tanja

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.

An example of artificial pancreas

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)

Dana Lewis and Scott Leibrand, the creators of 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.

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Diabetes food
Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

What Kind Of Food Can I Eat If I Have Diabetes?

by tanja

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.

The food groups people with diabetes can eat.

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

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.

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How do I manage my diabetes during Christmas?
Diabetes managementDiabetes treatment

How Do I Manage My Diabetes During Christmas?

by tanja

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:

  1. 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.
  2. I test my blood sugar level before and after dinner. On that way, I keep track of active insulin so I don’t overdose.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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