Diabetic and sleep I am affected how about you.

Every night I get tired around 10:00pm and am in bed sleeping by about that time, but I don't stay asleep.  It doesn't seem to matter if I have had a snack before bed or if I have not.  The same thing occurs nightly.  I wake up and can not get to sleep.  It probably happens at least 4 or 5 times throughout the night.

I have been talking to my doctor about the problem of sleeplessness, and I have really been in what you might call a quandary of sorts.  I have been told that not sleeping well can be affecting my blood sugar and at the same time having high blood sugar could be causing my sleeping problems.  Hmm, what do I do?

So after thinking about it for a few days I decided the best thing to do was research it myself and find out why I am going through this and what is really happening to my body.  Here is the information I found and I hope it helps others to understand what is happening to them.

According to Mahowald, the body's reaction to sleep loss can resemble insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Insulin’s job is to help the body use glucose for energy. In insulin resistance, cells fail to use the hormone efficiently, resulting in high blood sugar. At night when we are supposed to be sleeping if our sugar is high most likely our kidneys are active and trying to get rid of the excess that is in our bodies making us urinate frequently.  This is one source of our sleeping issues.  On the other hand sleeping issues raise our blood sugars so what can we do about these things.
Source:  http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/diabetes-lack-of-sleep

“In general, people with diabetes have to be very careful about sleep because anything that throws off their routine can make them feel a lack of energy and fatigue,” says Zafarlotfi. “The more fatigued they feel, the more their motor is running, and the more likely they are to develop insulin deficiencies.
“Proper sleep is as important as diet for people with diabetes,” she says.
Source:  http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/diabetes-lack-of-sleep?page=2

In some of our cases we may even obtain a problem called sleep Apnea.  If you are Diabetic and overweight this is something that can cause some other severe issues besides just our Diabetes risks increase.  Those problems can be hand in hand with both our sleep Disorder (Apnea), and our Diabetes.

Sleep apnea can prevent a person from getting a good night sleep, which can worsen diabetes or perhaps increase the risk of developing diabetes. In sleep studies, you are monitored while you sleep for sleep disorders such sleep apnea.
Source:  http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/diabetes-lack-of-sleep?page=2

Sleep woes -- not getting enough sleep or poor quality of sleep -- can have serious consequences. "Not having enough good sleep is linked to the major health problems of our time: hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, weight gain, and dementia," Shives says.
Source:  http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/sleepy-all-the-time

There are a many good sources out there that have information on sleep issues and Diabetes.  There are also many articles out there on how you can get better sleep and ways you can manage the stresses that may cause sleep issues.  For us as Diabetics we must learn better ways of keeping our sugar under control.  We need to eat as good as we can and sleep as good as we can so we can stay as healthy as we can.

Its up to each one of us to get informed and share what we know with others who are Diabetic or caretakers of Diabetics.  If you have an idea for a blog or information to share or would like to be a guest blogger, contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com. 

My Diabetic Gastro Issues Things are out of Wack

 

 

Really!  You must be joking!  No I am not!  The problems that come along with Diabetes also can and does make difficulties for you with your Gastrointestinal issues.  I know they have interfered with mine and I am not ashamed to say that.

 

I had no clue that my Diabetes could cause havoc with my intestines.  Things started to happen that I was not used to.  It began with irregularity with my stools.  I used to be someone who never skipped a beat being able to go to the bathroom and do the #2.  Then my stools became hard and it became difficult to go.  The thing I think bothered me the most was that I had no urge to go at all.  Even though this was happening it wasn't a everyday thing, I just didn't know when it would happen. 

 

Since moisture is one of the things we lose when we are Diabetic I was unaware of the fact that the intestinal tract also suffers from a lack of moisture.  I decided it was time to talk to the doctor about those issues.  I thought maybe there was something else going on with me.  After speaking to the doctor he assured me it was part of my Diabetes and it was called Gastroenteropathy. 

 

Diabetic  Gastroenteropathy manifesting in upper gastrointestinal symptoms, delayed gastric emptying, constipation, diarrhea and fecal incontinence occurs frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus and represents a significant health care burden.

Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854169/

The term diabetic Gastroenteropathy encompasses all gastrointestinal complications of diabetes, which may manifest in dysphagia, heartburn, abdominal pain or discomfort, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness and bloating; as well as in constipation, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence.
Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854169/

The whole thing I am learning about this problem with Diabetes is that they need to do a lot more research and studies with Diabetics who currently show signs and symptoms of these Gastrointestinal issues.

I hope you will read on this information and find out more about why you may be having issues with your bowels and gastro system as a Diabetic. 

If we can keep on talking and keep a good communication open then we serve our whole Diabetic community.  It is important to share what you know and research what you don't know and as always if you wish to connect with me I am on google at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com also follow me on twitter at #DiabeticDay. 

Being Comfortable in the Skin Your in with Diabetic Skin and its Care

I began wondering why is my nose always have flakey dry skin and my body would peel in places just like if I had been burned by the sun.  I just didnt know what was happening and this was a very long period into my Diabetes. 

One day while at my doctors office I asked my doctor why my skin was peeling and why was I having such an issue with my dry skin.  She told me that with Diabetes it is part of the disease and that moisture is not there like it used to be.  I still have never understood that so I went on a fact finding mission.  I am going to share what I have learned with you all.

As a Diabetic we are more prone to have different types of skin issues. Here is what happens:   The body loses fluid when blood glucose gets high, making skin drier and thus itchier and sore. If the skin becomes dry enough to crack, germs are liable to enter and cause infection. High glucose levels also inhibit sweating, which keeps skin moist. Because high glucose levels provide breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, the body's ability to heal itself is compromised.  Source:  http://www.ehow.com/facts_5729502_skin-diabetes_.html

Some of the types of the skin issues include:

1.  Diabetic Dermopathy
2.  Necrobiosis Lipoidica
3.  Diabeticorum Lipoidica
4.  Diabetic Blisters
5.  Eruptive Xanthomatosis
6.  Acanthosis nigrica

This is a breakdown of the skin issues and a definition of what they are:

1.  Diabetic Dermopathy (also known as "shin spots") is a type of skin lesion usually seen in people with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by dull-red papules that progress to well-circumscribed, small, round, atrophic hyperpigmented skin lesions usually on the shins. It is the most common^{[1]:540[2]:681} of several diabetic skin conditions being found in up to 30% of diabetics. Similar lesions can occasionally be found in non-diabetics usually following trauma or injury to the area, however >4 lesions strongly suggests diabetes.
Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetic_dermopathy

2.  Necrobiosis lipoidica is a necrotising skin condition that usually occurs in patients with diabetes but can also be associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.^[1] In the former case it may be called necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD). NLD occurs in approximately 0.3% of the diabetic population, with the majority of sufferers being women (approximately 3:1 females to males affected). 
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necrobiosis_lipoidica. 

 

3.  Necrobiosis  Lipoidica Diabeticorum A skin condition called necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) occurs when collagen breaks down, deposits of fat build up and the blood vessel walls thicken.
Source:  http://www.diabetescare.net/content_detail.asp?id=815

4.  Diabetic Blisters are also called bullosis diabeticorum or diabetic bullae. They can sometimes develop in people with diabetes, although the condition is relatively rare. Only about one-half of one percent of those with diabetes is ever diagnosed with diabetic blisters. 
Source:  http://www.diabetescare.net/content_detail.asp?id=813

5.  Eruptive Xanthomatosis is due to high concentrations of plasma triglycerides, as occurs with uncontrolled diabetes. The xanthomas usually disappear when the underlying condition is treated, as when the diabetes comes under control.  Source:  http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=31584

6.  Acanthosis Nigricans (affects mostly Native Americans, Latinos and African Americans)  (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. The affected skin can become thickened and may smell bad. Most often, acanthosis nigricans affects your armpits, groin and neck.
Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acanthosis-nigricans/DS00653

The Skin is one of the largest Organs on a humans body.  Being a Diabetic your organs get affected by the disease.  It is of utmost importance that we have the best skin care possible so to avoid major issues with it.  Take proper care of your skin making sure to keep it clean, moisturized and in cases that there is a skin issue seek medical attention and make sure to follow the insturctions of your doctor. 

We have to take care of ourselves in able to support other Diabetics with complications.  Together we make a community that is over 26,000,000 Americans alone.  We are large and growing.  It is important to offer each other a variety of good solid information so we can care for ourselves and others better. 

If you have a story a question or would like to write an article for this blog please contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com

Understanding Diabetes and How It Works in Our Bodies

There is just no way around it, Diabetes is a very serious and dangerous disease if left untreated and unmanaged.  In some cases it still may be very dangerous because of not being able to control it.  So what most of us who have it want to know is how it works on our bodies systems.  I have gotten some general answers to the question but I want to know exactly how it affects my body. 

Diabetes is being redefined as an Autoimmune Disease.  It is a Metabolic Disease at this time.  What does this mean? 

1.  Autioammune Disease:   An illness that occurs when the body tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex organization within the body that is designed normally to "seek and destroy" invaders of the body, including infectious agents. Patients with autoimmune diseases frequently have unusual antibodies circulating in their blood that target their own body tissues.
Source:  http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2402

2.  Metabolic Disorder:  Metabolic disorders: Disorders that affect the metabolic system in human. Metabolic disorders: A congenital (due to inherited enzyme abnormality) or acquired (due to failure of a metabolic important organ) disorder resulting from an abnormal metabolic process. -- 2003
Source:  http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/m/metabolic_disorders/basics.htm

What happens to my Body During The Diabetic Disease Process?  Metabolic disorders develop when normal metabolic processes are disturbed. Normally, food is broken down by the body into simpler components (proteins, fats and sugars) in a highly regulated manner. Metabolic disorders are defined by a breakdown in any one of the steps of this complex process. Disorders in metabolism can be inherited, in which case they are known as inborn errors of metabolism, or they may be acquired.
Source:  http://www.localhealth.com/article/metabolic-disorders

Type 1 Diabetes:  Do not Produce Insuline
Type 2 Diabetes:  Are Insuline Resistant meaning they produce it but the cells are resistant to it. 

The body does not effectively produce insulin, and it is more difficult for the glucose to enter the cells. The pancreas may try to make more insulin, but the cells do not respond. High levels of glucose build up in the bloodstream. 
Source:  http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4567479_diabetes-affect-body.html

The added sugar or glucose in the blood vessels damages the walls, allowing cholesterol to build up and creating poor circulation.

What is Glucose: 
Glucose is a sugar serving as the fuel that provides energy for the body's cells. Your liver produces some glucose and your body gets the rest by digesting sugars, starches, and other foods you eat.
Source:  http://www.healthcommunities.com/understanding-diabetes/diabetes-mellitus-overview.shtml

Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in a part of the pancreas known as the islets of Langerhans. Insulin controls how much glucose the liver produces and also helps to move glucose from the bloodstream into your cells, where it is needed as a source of energy.
The uptake of glucose into your cells occurs through a complex series of events. It begins when insulin attaches ("binds") to receptor sites on the surface of cells in muscles and other tissues and causes carrier proteins (called glucose transporters) to move from inside the cell to the cell's surface. Like little dump trucks, these transport proteins deliver glucose from outside the cell to the inside. Without the initial binding of insulin to the receptor sites, glucose enters the cells too slowly.  Source:  http://www.healthcommunities.com/understanding-diabetes/diabetes-mellitus-overview.shtml

If you do nothing to treat this disease such as diet and excercise, then complications can occur in the form of Nerve damage, Heart problems, Liver problems, Kidney problems, Eye Problems, Dementia or Alzhiemers, and even Limb Amputations and Coma or Death.

If you have these syptoms consult your physician immediately to get a check up:  Excessive thirst, Frequent Urination, Blurry Vision, Dizzyness, Heart palpatations, High blood pressure, Numbness or Tinglinging in the Legs, Feet or Hands.  Diabetes is a very serious Condition and should not be taken lightly.

I hope this information has helped you to understand how it works within our body systems.  I know that as a team we can keep informed and share what knowledge we have with each other to become more aware and to be able to live healthier as a Diabetic community.

If you have information would like to write a segment for this blog or would like questions answered for you as a Diabetic or a caregiver of a Diabetic contact me at  diabetic.day2013@gmail.com together we can take care of each other and give each other support.