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Diabetes Is My Life
  • About Tanja
    • My diabetes story
    • Contact
  • Diabetes
    • Diabetes Facts
  • Diabetes treatment
    • CGMs, Meters & Pumps
    • Insulin
    • Diabetes management
    • Diabetes tips
  • Diabetes stories from other people
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Diabetes

Accept the challenge & celebrate World Diabetes Day with us
Diabetes Facts

Accept The Challenge And Join Us In Celebrating World Diabetes Day

by tanja November 10, 2020

Our favorite month has finally come. Do you know why November is special for people with diabetes? Because November is Diabetes Awareness Month! Each year, 14th of November marks the celebration of World Diabetes Day. This day is celebrated globally to raise awareness about diabetes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) introduced this day in 1991.

The aim of this day is spreading the message about diabetes and raising awareness for the condition. Comprising hundreds of campaigns, screenings, activities, lectures, meetings and more are some of the ways how people around the world celebrate this day.

November 14th is a significant date because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best.

Join us in celebrating this incredible community all month long — and especially on World Diabetes Day. You can get involved in different ways: you can inspire others, educate peers. Or you can simply wear something blue.

Accept the challenge – Climb 5000 m for 5000 people with diabetes

On the occasion of November 14th – World Diabetes Day, Bojan Kirov-Jimi, a person with type 1 diabetes, will try to climb the top of Mount Vodno (1060) 5 times, which will dedicate 1 meter to each child and an adult with type 1 diabetes – 5000 in Macedonia.

Accept the challenge - Climb 5000 m for 5000 people with diabetes in Macedonia

For each attempt, 3 people will accompany Bojan Kirov, at a safe distance of 2 meters. Also, at the top, there will be a medical team that will take care of the health and safety of Bojan and the other people who will join him.

Due to the current situation with COVID-19, please express your support through social networks by sharing information about diabetes. Or you can simply climb the top of Vodno or another peak near you. Please adhere to the prescribed measures and recommendations for protection and prevention of COVID-19!

Find more information about this challenge on this link.

November 10, 2020 0 comment
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DiabetesDiabetes Facts

How Does Alcohol Affect Diabetes?

by tanja July 15, 2020

When it comes to drinking alcohol and having type 1 diabetes, people should be particularly cautious. It can make some of the complications of diabetes worse. First of all, drinking may cause your blood sugar to either rise or fall. That’s why it requires a lot of monitoring. Second, it has a lot of calories. If you drink, my suggestion is to do it only when your diabetes and blood sugar level are well-controlled. It can also interact with some medications that are prescribed to people with diabetes.

Diabetes and alcohol

Even if you only rarely drink alcohol, it is very important to talk with your doctor endocrinologist about it so that he or she explains more about the link between them and suggest you what kind of drinks you can drink and how much.

Effects of alcohol on diabetes

The alcohol can affect diabetes. Here is how:

  • It can cause hypoglycemia
  • Excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level
  • Beer and sweet wine contain carbohydrates which can raise blood sugar
  • It also stimulates your appetite, which can cause you to overeat and may affect your blood sugar control.

Dos and Dont’s

When it comes to diabetes and alcohol consumption, people should follow these consumption guidelines:

  • Drink slowly.
  • Do not drink more than two drinks of alcohol in a one-day period.
  • Drink alcohol only with food.
  • Avoid “sugary” mixed drinks or sweet wines.
  • Mix liquor with water, club soda, or diet soft drinks.
  • Always wear a medical alert piece of jewellery or any kind of sign that says you have diabetes.
  • Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
  • Always check your blood sugar before having an alcoholic beverage.

To conclude, Any person with diabetes that chooses to drink is advised to monitor their drinking very closely. Excessive drinking can become dangerous quickly for diabetics. In severe cases, heavy drinking can result in coma or death.

July 15, 2020 0 comment
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DiabetesDiabetes Facts

Can Diabetes Lead To Feet Complications?

by tanja December 1, 2019

Yes, if you have diabetes and if you have high blood sugar levels for a long time (hyperglycemia), it can cause some serious feet complications. Even ordinary problems can get worse and unfortunately lead to serious feet complications.

Feet complications that may occur if you don't control your blood sugar level.

Feet complications 

There are many feet complications that may occur. Some of them are the following:

Neuropathy

If you don’t control your blood sugar level, your nerves can be damaged. This process is called neuropathy. When neuropathy happens, you feel tingling, pain (burning or stinging), or weakness in the foot. It can also cause loss of feeling in the foot, so you can injure it and not know it. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems.

Diabetic nerve damage can also lessen your ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Loss of feeling often means you may not feel a foot injury until the skin breaks down and becomes infected. It can also lead to changes in the shape of your feet and toes.

Skin changes

Diabetes can cause changes in the skin of your foot as well. At times your foot may become very dry. Also, the skin may peel and crack. The problem is that the nerves that control the oil and moisture in your foot no longer work.

Foot ulcers

Ulcers occur most often on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe. Ulcers on the sides of the foot are usually due to poorly fitting shoes. Although some of them do not hurt, you should visit your doctor right awat.. Neglecting ulcers can result in infections, which in turn can lead to loss of a limb.

Poor circulation

Poor circulation (blood flow) can make your foot less able to fight infection and to heal. Diabetes causes blood vessels of the foot and leg to narrow and harden. You can control some of the things that cause poor blood flow. Don’t smoke; smoking makes arteries harden faster. Also, follow your health care provider’s advice for keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. If your feet are cold, you may be tempted to warm them. Unfortunately, if your feet cannot feel the heat, it is easy for you to burn them with hot water, hot water bottles, or heating pads. The best way to help cold feet is to wear warm socks.

Amputation

People with diabetes are far more likely to have a foot or leg amputated than other people. Many people with diabetes have peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the feet. Also, many people with diabetes have nerve disease, which reduces sensation. Together, these problems make it easy to get ulcers and infections that may lead to amputation.

To prevent these feet complications, it’s very important to take good care of your feet and wear comfortable shoes. Anytime you feel pain or notice something different, see your doctor right away as well as follow his/her advice.

December 1, 2019 0 comment
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14-th of November - World Diabetes Day!
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

November 14th is World Diabetes Day!

by tanja November 14, 2019

Today people with diabetes celebrate World Diabetes Day. It is internationally recognized and is an official United Nations Day and it takes place on the 14th of November every year. It has become a globally-celebrated event that increases awareness about diabetes.

World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) introduced this day in 1991.

Me celebrating November 14th - World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Theme

This year, the theme for World Diabetes Day 2019 is once again, The Family and Diabetes. The aim is to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected. Also, the goal is to promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.

9th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas

Every year the International Diabetes Federation is releasing new figures that highlight the alarming growth in the prevalence of diabetes around the world. On this day, november 14th, they published the 9th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas. According to their data, there are now 463 million adults with diabetes worldwide. 

The global prevalence of diabetes has reached 9.3%, with more than half (50.1%) of adults undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of all people with diabetes.

In order to reduce the impact of diabetes, people can do a lots of things. Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, while early diagnosis and access to appropriate care for all types of diabetes can avoid or delay complications in people living with the condition. Check out the other key fundings at www.diabetesatlas.org. 

Me celebrating November 14th - World Diabetes Day!
edf

Why is November 14th World Diabetes Day?

November 14th is a significant date in the diabetes calendar because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best.

This is known as one of medicine’s most incredible moments. In 1922, at the University of Toronto, scientists went to a hospital ward with children who were comatose and dying from diabetic keto-acidosis. There was a room full of parents sitting at the bedside waiting for the inevitable death of their child. The scientists went from bed to bed and injected the children with the new purified extract – insulin. As they began to inject the last comatose child, the first child injected began to awaken. One by one, all of the children awoke from their diabetic comas. A room of death and gloom became a place of joy and hope. Thank You Dr. Banting and Dr. Best!

November 14th is a significant date. It marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who discovered the insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best.
November 14, 2019 0 comment
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It can affect our blood sugar levels, as well as our blood glucose control, can t affect our sleep.
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

What Is The Link Between Sleep And Diabetes?

by tanja September 22, 2019

People who have diabetes always wonder what is the connection between diabetes and sleep. Yes, there is a connection between them. It can affect our blood sugar levels, as well as our blood glucose control, can t affect our sleep. Difficulty getting a good night’s rest could be a result of a number of reasons, from hypos at night, to high blood sugars or maybe signs of neuropathy.

Trouble sleeping from high sugar levels

On one hand, high blood sugar levels, hyperglycemia can have a negative impact on your sleep. The high levels make it less comfortable for you during the night. Sometimes you may feel too warm or irritable and unsettled.

Another factor when your blood sugar levels are high, you need to go to the toilet during the night. People who face with regularly high blood sugar levels at night feel frustrated because they can’t rest and feel tired the next day.

Trouble sleeping from low sugar levels

On the other hand, low blood glucose levels, hypoglycemia, can have a negative impact on your sleep as well. If you are taking insulin or other blood sugar medication, you may be at risk of low blood glucose levels during the night.

Low blood sugar levels overnight can disrupt your sleep pattern. Moreover, it can lead to difficulty waking in the morning and tiredness through the day.

Nighttime hypoglycemia can be noticeable. For example, when I face with hypoglycemia, I always wake up sweating. If you are experiencing night time hypos, it is important to talk with your doctor.

Getting a good night’s sleep

If you want to have a good night’s sleep, it is very important to do the following things:

  • Keep your blood glucose under control
  • Ensure your room is cool (around 18 degrees Celcius) and well ventilated
  • Incorporating a period of exercise into each day
  • Stick to a regular bedtime.

Last, but not least, I would recommend it to check the website of SleepHere.Org. They have created a list of additional resources about diabetes and sleep that you might find useful.

September 22, 2019 0 comment
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Diabetic retinopathy
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

Diabetic Retinopathy – Symptoms and Causes

by tanja October 22, 2018

One of the diabetes complications that may affect our eyes is diabetic retinopathy. This happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. The retina detects light and converts it to signals sent through the optic nerve to the brain. Furthermore, it can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or hemorrhage (bleed), distorting vision.

The description about what diabetic retinopathy means.

In fact, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms. As the condition progresses, the symptoms may include:

  • Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
  • Blurred vision
  • Fluctuating vision
  • Impaired color vision
  • Dark or empty areas in your vision
  • Vision loss.

Consequently, diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. However, it may progress through four stages:

Mild nonproliferative retinopathy

To start with, this is the earliest stage of the disease when small areas (microaneurysms) in the retina’s tiny blood vessels occur. Likewise, they may leak fluid into the retina

Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy

As the disease progresses, blood vessels that nourish the retina may swell and distort. Moreover, they may also lose their ability to transport blood.

Severe nonproliferative retinopathy

In this stage, not only many more blood vessels are blocked, but also the blood can’t be supplied to the areas of the retina. These areas secrete growth factors that signal the retina to grow new blood vessels.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

At this advanced stage, the new blood vessels are fragile and they are more likely to leak and bleed as well. Accompanying scar tissue can contract and cause retinal detachment—the pulling away of the retina from underlying tissue and this can lead to permanent vision loss.

Source: https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy

October 22, 2018 0 comment
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Interesting facts about diabetes
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

Interesting Facts About Diabetes (Part 2)

by tanja May 23, 2018

There are many facts about diabetes we should be familiar with.

20 interesting facts about diabetes

In addition, read the following 20 interesting facts about diabetes:

  1. Experts report that diabetes decreases life expectancy by five to 10 years.
  2. Men have a higher risk of death from diabetes than women.
  3. Researchers suggest that average glucose levels can be higher for diabetic girls with menstrual difficulties.
  4. Women with diabetes are more likely to develop vaginal infections than are non-diabetics.
  5. Individuals who have other genetic syndromes such as Down’s syndrome, myotonic syndrome, Turner’s syndrome are also at risk of developing diabetes.
  6. Individuals with an “apple” body shape are at greater risk for diabetes than are those with “pear” body shapes.
  7. Those with diabetes, particularly adolescent girls with Type 1 diabetes, may be at increased risk of developing eating disorders. Some adolescent girls purposely withhold their insulin to lose weight
  8. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
  9. In the states, diabetes is the main cause of blindness in individuals at age of 20-74 years. Experts emphasize that early detection and treatment could prevent up to 90% of cases of blindness.
  10. Heart disease has increased by 23% for women with diabetes.

10 more interesting facts about diabetes

  1. Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. has Type 1 diabetes. Due to his diagnosis, his physician told him to give up swimming. He changed doctors, continued training, and finally, he won a gold medal.
  2. White children have a greater risk of developing Type 1 diabetes than children of other races. However, it varies greatly from country to country.
  3. The word “diabetes” is Greek for “siphon”. It refers to the copious urine of uncontrolled diabetes. “Mellitus” is Latin for “honey” or “sweet,”. The name was added when physicians discovered that the urine from people with diabetes is sweet with glucose.
  4. The name “diabetes” is attributed to the famed Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia. He practiced in the first century A.D. and believed that diabetes was caused by snakebite.
  5. Each year, there are approximately 86,000 lower-limb amputations on diabetics in the United States. Rates of amputation were higher among men than women and higher among African-Americans than whites.
  6. Some studies have indicated that individuals with diabetes are at much greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, they can develop other forms of dementia than are non-diabetics.
  7. William Cullen (1710-1790) is a professor of chemistry and medicine from Scotland. He is responsible for adding the term “Mellitus” which means “sweet” or “honey-like” to the word diabetes.
  8. Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, physicians would often put their patients on starvation or semi-starvation diets.
  9. The word “insulin” comes from the Latin insula (“island”). In fact, the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas secretes the hormone.
  10. Oskar Minkowski (1858-191931) was the first to link diabetes to the pancreas (pan – “all” + kreas – “flesh). He removed the pancreas from a dog. Later, the dog developed diabetes.

Sources:https://www.factretriever.com/diabetes-facts

May 23, 2018 0 comment
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Hyperglycemia - High blood sugar level
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

What Is Hyperglycemia?

by tanja March 18, 2018

Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood glucose (blood sugar). It describes an abnormally high blood glucose (blood sugar) level.

However, normal ranges for blood glucose measurements can vary slightly: For example:

  • The blood glucose levels are greater than 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dl) when fasting;
  • The blood glucose levels are greater than 11.0 mmol/L (200 mg/dl) 2 hours after meals.
Hyperglycemia - high blood sugar level

What causes hyperglycemia?

In fact, high blood glucose happens when the body has too little insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly.

Furthermore, more reasons for hyperglycemia include:

  • Missing a dose of diabetic medication, tablets or insulin;
  • Eating more carbohydrates than your body and/or medication can manage;
  • Being mentally or emotionally stressed (injury, surgery or anxiety);
  • Contracting an infection.

What are the early signs and symptoms?

Some of the early signs and symptoms are the following:

  • Frequent urination;
  • Increased thirst;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Fatigue;
  • Headache;
  • Regular/above-average urination;
  • Weakness or feeling tired;
  • Loss of weight.

Finally, if you recognize the early signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, it can help you treat the condition promptly.

Later signs and symptoms

If we don’t treat hyperglycemia, it can cause toxic acids (ketones) to build up in your blood and urine (ketoacidosis) as well. Consequently, later signs and symptoms are:

  • Fruity-smelling breath;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Dry mouth;
  • Weakness;
  • Confusion;
  • Coma;
  • Abdominal pain.

What are the complications?

Long-term complications of prolonged hyperglycemia can be severe. When the condition is poorly controlled, they can not only worse, but also they may develop slowly over time.

Finally, if you control your blood sugar regularly, you can prevent many complications. Some of them are:

  • Cardiovascular disease;
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy);
  • Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) or kidney failure;
  • Damage to the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), potentially leading to blindness;
  • Clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye (cataract);
  • Feet problems caused by damaged nerves or poor blood flow that can lead to serious skin infections, ulcerations, as well as amputation;
  • Bone and joint problems;
  • Teeth and gum infections.

How to treat it?

Important, checking your blood glucose often is part of diabetes management. Likewise, ask your doctor how often you should check it. Last, but not least, check your blood and treat your blood glucose. Besides, it will help you avoid many problems.

March 18, 2018 0 comment
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Basic information about hypoglucemia.
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

What Is Hypoglycemia?

by tanja March 12, 2018

Hypoglycemia also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below normal. It occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 4 mmol/L (72mg/dL).

Severe hypoglycemia is when your blood glucose level becomes so low that you’re unable to treat yourself and need help from another person. It is dangerous and needs to be treated right away. This condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes.

The moment when I face with hypoglycemia.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Symptoms of hypoglycemia are different However, people often notice the following symptoms:

  • Flickering
  • Sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat and pallor

If it is not treated, symptoms can worsen and lead to:

  • Confusion
  • Vague speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Changes in behavior, such as aggression, irritability, crying
  • Unconsciousness

What factors contribute to hypoglycemia in diabetes?

The following factors can make hypoglycemia more likely:

Not eating enough carbohydrates (carbs)

When you eat food that contains carbohydrates, your digestive system breaks down the sugars and starches into glucose. Glucose then enters your bloodstream and raises your blood glucose level. If you don’t eat enough carbohydrates to match your medication, your blood glucose could drop too low.

Skipping or delaying a meal

If you skip your meal, your blood glucose could drop too low.

Increasing physical activity can decrease your blood sugar level

Increasing your physical activity beyond your normal routine can lower your blood glucose level for up to 24 hours after the activity.

Drinking too much alcohol without enough food

Alcohol makes it harder for your body to keep your blood glucose level steady. Especially if you haven’t eaten in a while. The effects of alcohol can also keep you from feeling the symptoms which may lead to a severe hypoglycemia.

If you ignore the symptom too long, you may lose consciousness. That’s because your brain needs glucose to function properly.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia early because untreated hypoglycemia can lead to a seizure, loss of consciousness or death.

March 12, 2018 0 comment
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Characteristics of each type of diabetes
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

The Characteristics Of Each Type Of Diabetes

by tanja February 27, 2018

In the previous post, I explained what diabetes is, what are the symptoms, and the health problems that diabetes can cause. In this post, I will explain the characteristics of each type of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-dependent diabetes)

Type of diabetes: Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The pancreas does not produce insulin. As a result, this condition requires lifelong insulin treatment with insulin pens or insulin pumps.

The disease can occur at any age. However, mostly occurs in children and young adults. It is sometimes referred to as ‘juvenile-onset’ or ‘insulin-dependent diabetes’.

Type 2 Diabetes (insulin-independent diabetes)

Type of diabetes: Type 2

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). The body isn’t effective at using the insulin it has produced. In some cases, is not able to produce enough insulin. 

The body is unable to metabolize glucose. As a result, the blood sugar level increases which over time may damage the organs of the body.

It was formerly known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes. People over 40 usually have it. However, this type is now becoming more common in young adults, teens, and children and accounts for roughly 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide.

It was formerly known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes. People over 40 usually have it. However, this type is now becoming more common in young adults, teens, and children and accounts for roughly 90% of all cases worldwide.

Gestational diabetes

Type of diabetes: gestational

Gestational diabetes occurs when you have hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) during pregnancy. It usually develops in the third trimester (between 24 and 28 weeks). Typically it disappears after the baby is born. We must control it. As a result, it may affect the normal growth and development of the baby.  Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later on in life.

Fortunately, there are many well-informed health professionals that can guide you through this very important time in your life.

February 27, 2018 0 comment
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About Me

A girl who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for 21 years, shares her personal everyday experiences and explains how she manages her diabetes world.

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