Hormones and Menopause affects on Diabetes

I went to the doctor today.  She is a lovely woman who is very concerned with the affects that my menopause is having on my Diabetes.  I did not really coordinate the two going hand in hand on some of the things that have been plaguing me lately.  Now I have a little more understanding of what is going on with my Diabetes that I did not understand before.

Changes in blood sugar level. The hormones estrogen and progesterone affect how your cells respond to insulin. After menopause, changes in your hormone levels can trigger fluctuations in your blood sugar level. You may notice that your blood sugar level is more variable or less predictable than before. If your blood sugar gets out of control, you have a higher risk of diabetes complications.
Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00038

Weight gain in the menopausal  woman can create a need to increase our Insulin or our Diabetic Medications.  Our bodies fluctuation in hormones and the imbalances create a need for adjustments in our medications sometimes.

Often when we are post menopausal a drop in the estrogen that our body produces creates a better environment to bread bacteria such as candida or yeast, which creates yeast infections and options for Uti's or Urinary Tract Infections which if left untreated can cause kidney infections, this becomes very dangerous but along with that it also creates instabilities in in our blood glucose levels.  It is important to watch our sugars and also maintain good hygiene and keep well hydrated.

I am to frequently aware of , the lack of sleep do to night sweats, hot flashes which you just can not sleep through very well.  It makes our blood sugar hard to maintain and keep in control.  Our body is under stress not only from the lack of the hormone but because our body is in need of good rest and hydration.  I keep a large water bottle right next to my bed and I drink at least 36 ounces during the night.  Sleep is difficult but you can find great over the counter supplements and exercise that will help you manage some of this along with some social activities and relaxation programs will help you get better rest.  Remember the less stress the better we manage our Diabetes.

Seek help for menopausal symptoms. If you're struggling with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased sexual response or other menopausal symptoms, remember that treatment is available. For example, your doctor may recommend a vaginal lubricant to restore vaginal moisture or vaginal estrogen therapy to correct thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls (vaginal atrophy). If weight gain is a problem, a registered dietitian can help you revise your meal plans. For some women, hormone therapy is an option.
Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00038/NSECTIONGROUP=2

Its not easy for women with regular menopause, but it is even harder for us women with Diabetes.  Make sure to discuss this with your health care professional.  Let him/her know the changes and take time to journal the changes so that your doctor will have record of what you are going through.  Life changes can be difficult but managed when you keep up with your disease.

We are a community affected with something that is hard to live with but together we are a community getting healthier and living longer and better lives.  The more information we share and learn about, the better communication and understanding of Diabetes the better off we will be.  So share information and communicate with one another.

If you are interested or have an interesting topic or would like to be a guest blogger on Diabetic Day feel free to connect with me Gwen Johnson @DiabeticDay or diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.

Diabetes Can be Spendy or Thats Ok Keep the Change in Your Own Pocket

As a Diabetic without Insurance it is difficult to find economical Diabetic Supplies sometimes.  In the town I live in we don't have to many options for finding Diabetic Supplies in the Stores.  I was able to go to the Walmart and they did have a variety of meters and test strips. I purchased a ReliOn confirm/micro for $9.00 and the test strips were $19.99 for 50.  Just a couple of weeks ago I bought another meter it was without all the bells and whistles though.  It also was a ReliOn  Prime and it was $16.00 meter but for 50 test strips it was $9.00.  Of course each state may vary with prices.

For others who wish to use the internet to purchase with Medical Insurance or Medicare there are several different sites that offer different discounts.  One of my favorite sites that I have found is the American Diabetes Wholesale on line.
Link:   http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/

Special:  http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/product/free-truebalance-meter-kit_1606_120.htm

70% OFF! Retail Price: $65.97 Your Price: $19.49


Special: http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/product/free-truetrack-smart-system-meter-kit_1591_120.htm
77% OFF! Retail Price: $92.97 Your Price: $21.49 

Special:   Clever Choice Mini Blood Glucose Meter - Grey w/ 100 strips
 56% OFF! Retail Price: $70.97 Your Price: $30.99
It also comes in other colors such as blue and red. You will need to go to the website and look through all the really great options for you.

 I just went to the doctor and then took a trip to my local pharmacy and found myself just pulling out $52.00 on medications.  Usually I would have paid no payment but because of the type of Medications I have had to get and the fact that my insurance company didn't get my insurance papers correct in time I was stuck paying a bill.  Now most people would say that $52.00 wasn't much however it is when you are living on a budget and trying to make ends meet.  So I want to share some information about shopping and finding your prescripstion's for reasonable prices.  

Wal*Mart Pharmacies offer a wide range of prescription's for $4.00 and some for just slightly higher prices if you are without insurance.  They have a list at their store that gives you all the information you want.  Go to Wal*Mart Pharmacy Savings Tools

Prescription Help Information Sites.
https://www.pparx.org/ 1-888-4ppa-now (1-888-477-2669) Toll Free. Find out if you are elegible.

http://www.needymeds.org/  For helpline calls, call 800-503-6897.

http://coverageforall.org/pdf/FHCERxAssistanceProgramsGuide.pdf

This is just some of the options that are out there for you.  You could really use a numerous amounts of assistance programs.  Be sure to check if you have medicare or medicaid with your insurance information hotlines and ask questions so you are well informed and have all the information you may need before going any further with discount programs and options.  Some of your insurances will allow discount cards etc.  Also if you are over 50 you can use AARP they often offer discount on products through them. 

If you have any questions regarding any of the information that has been provided for you feel free to write me and I will answer any questions you might have.  You may even just have a comment or would like to share your information on this blog if so connect with me @ diabetic.day2013@gmail.com. 





 

Work out The all over Medicine for Diabetes

I know that the cartoon image up above may seem a little on the harsh side, but being diabetic I have learned one thing and that is without exercise we risk much more than just high blood sugar. 

Diabetes brings with it much more for us to be concerned about, like Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, and a broad range of Brain, Eye, and Nerve issues.  Circulation and getting blood flow and Oxygen to our vital organs and lower extremities is key to better health and saving our lives as Diabetics. 

Taking the time to at least get 30 minutes of exercise a day can better your chances of  lowering your Blood Glucose levels, keeping blood flow to your legs and feet, making your Heart stronger and aids in better and Liver function.  It is even better if you can put in an 60 minutes a day.  But if you can not find the time then 30 minutes is standard.

Walking of course is one of the best exercises for Diabetics.  It is low impact and brings great results for our Blood Glucose levels.

"George Griffing, MD, professor of endocrinology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine says that small bouts of exercise per day is fine.  He says that as long as they equal to 30 minutes a day it will work. "

Source:   http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20425548_2,00.html

It is important that Diabetics maintain movement and keep that oxygen and blood flowing throughout our bodies.  We should try to increase any type of activity that we would normally do, such as housework, or walking up and down our stairs.  Any type of exercise that will get that heart pumping.  Be sure you connect with your physician before you begin an exercise program to be sure it is safe for you.

I have used a pedometer for about 3 years now.  I had a mild Heart Attack in 2010 and since then have relied upon my pedometer to make sure I am getting enough steps in per day.  I was recommended 10,000 steps to equal five miles. This can make your Blood Pressure lower,  and lower your Blood Glucose and Cholesterol.

It is also important at the time to consider what caloric intake you have.  Keep yourself a daily journal there are applications you can put on your smart phone to keep track of your calories and how many proteins, fats, and carbohydrates your calories equal. You can also use programs on your computer to do the same as well as a regular notebook and do a handwritten one.  The Application I use on my Android Phone is :  My Diet Diary by GE healthymagination.  You can find this app on Google App Store
Find more Information out @ http://www.medhelp.org 




Source:  http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression


Source:  Fifteen tips for Diabetic Exercise

What a wonderful source of happiness.  It is so much safer and better than pain medications and sleep medications.  It is also much better than us having to take medications for Depression and Anxiety Disorders.  Side affects of Chemicals can damage our bodies, but with exercise we are okay for better ways in which our bodies handle stress and sleeplessness.  The benefits of exercise outweigh the alternatives of no exercise.  Happier, Healthier, and alive.

Together we as Diabetics must keep the conversations happening.  We need the information and communication that can get us healthier and keep us strong.  If you would like to write a blog post information or have an idea or comment or question please contact me at:  diabetic.day2013@gmail.com

Type 2 Medication Madness...or What am I taking?

The First thing that happens as a Diabetic is that they decide what type of medication is best suited for where you are in the disease.  My first medication was Metformin then went on to add Glipizide.  I am a type 2 Diabetic so these are pretty standard drugs.  I don't really know much about the Diabetic Drugs out there so I am doing some research so that I can learn about the options and alternative's  if I have to change drugs to manage my Diabetes.

The Oldest type of Diabetic Drug is a Sulfonylureas.  These drugs work to stimulate the pancreas to increase the production of Insulin.  Currently the oldest one of these drugs on the market is Chlorpropamide  Diabinese.

 The second-generation Sulfonylureas are taken once or twice a day. They include Glipizide Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, Glyburide Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase, and Glimepiride Amaryl.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

Meglitinides also stimulate the release of more insulin from beta cells. Repaglinide Prandin and Nateglinide Starlix are taken before each of three meals.

There is a medication that decreases your glucose production and increases your insulin on This Drug is a Biguanides.  Metformin Glucophage, is the only medication that  works by decreasing production of glucose by the liver and by making muscle more sensitive to insulin.

Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

Thiazolidinediones work in a simular manner as Metformin does. These drugs are:   
 Rosiglitazone Avandia  Pioglitazone Actos.

The interesting thing that I found while reading was that there were drugs that slowed down the breakdown of carbohydrates and sometimes even stopped them or blocked them from absorption.  My doctor has never spoke of the option of drugs with me and since I now know that this information is out there I can talk with him and stay better informed on the options that I have. 

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are the drugs that slow down the absorption of carbohydrates.  These drugs slow the inhibiting the breakdown of starches in the intestine, these medications slow the rise in blood sugar normally seen after a meal.
Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

The drug DPP-4 inhibitor Sitagliptin Januvia. This drug works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body that leads to increase in insulin release. It also decreases the production of glucose by the liver.
 Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

There are non-insulin injectable drugs that are also used for type 2 Diabetes to read more about these types of drugs available for use as a Diabetic go to this website.
 http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192&page=2

There are options out there also for natural help and I will be doing a follow up article on it so that you are aware of naturopathic options.

I hope this has helped you on some of the type 2 medications and by reading the links you will be able to understand these medications even further.  By staying informed you can make proper decisions along with your doctors on how to best manage your Diabetes.

Together as a community we can support one another and offer each other the knowledge to get through this one day at a time.  If you have a story a blog post you would like to write or any other things you wish to discuss or chat about connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.