Diabetic Day: Im Living With a Killer...it's Name Diabetes

Diabetic Day: Im Living With a Killer...it's Name Diabetes: So I am wondering how you really feel about your Diabetes?  When I was diagnosed with it I really didn't take it as serious as I shoul...

Im Living With a Killer...it's Name Diabetes

So I am wondering how you really feel about your Diabetes?  When I was diagnosed with it I really didn't take it as serious as I should have, maybe that was because what I knew about diabetes I sure didn't see it as a killer.  Boy was I wrong! 

The thing about Diabetes isn't the fact that most of us die from the disease it's the fact that most of us who die from having Diabetes die because of the complications associated with the Disease.  That is why learning and communication and management of the disease is so important.  Getting a good knowledge base of what the complications are and how to treat each one is a key factor to how long of a survival rate you will have as a diabetic.  Listening to your healthcare professional asking questions and doing the best we can to care for our disease.

Recently there was a video that was put out on you tube by the International Diabetes Federation.  It is a harsh reality because it expresses the idea that Diabetes is a Killer.  Well, in my opinion it is.  Diabetes affects whatever part of the body it chooses to.  Most of the time it interferes with heart health, circulation, brain and kidneys, liver and skin.  These are all major parts of major systems in our bodies.  Once again if not managed Diabetes can kill you from its complications.  I am sharing this video here on my blog in hopes that it can gain a better understanding and wont be criticized as much.  If we really take a look at our disease it has the potential to do very bad things to our bodies along with an end through dying from complications. 

The thing is we need to continue to share and talk and campaign and work as hard as we can as a community to get noticed about the problems across the globe with Diabetes.  It is one of the most serious diseases that is growing more and more rapidly.  We must educate on healthy foods and better nutrition, as well as better health care for many with Diabetes who are under the poverty levels or those who are aged without having proper medications and health care that they need.  I'm wondering if you will let me know your thoughts on this video and also there will be a new video they want to ban regarding Diabetes killing us at alarming rates. 

I hope you will find time to share this information, and to join us in the community of care givers, family and diabetics to help keep knowledge flowing and keep the conversation open. 

If you have any ideas for a blog or would like to be a guest writer for this blog or if you have questions or something you would like to share you can find us @ #DiabeticDay and diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.

Diabetes how does it play a role in my Dental Health

Let me just begin by saying I have always had my share of dental issues since childhood and I really don't look forward to the dental visits, however I know way more about why it's important to go to the dentist frequently or on a regular scheduled basis.

I have learned that Diabetes can affect any part of your bodies that includes the mouth, gums, teeth, tongue and tissue lining the mouth right down to the saliva glands.  In the content of this blog you will understand more about what happens to us as Diabetics and why it is so important for us to maintain good Dental Care, both self care and professional care.

To begin with let me say that our mouth as a whole already carries a significant amount of bacteria, now couple that with sugar and starches that interact with bacteria then you have yourself a monster.  It turns into a type of acid called plaque that builds up on the surface of your teeth and eats away at your exterior tooth known as the enamel.  It keeps doing this until the enamel becomes thin and a cavity is born.  The reason it is so important to keep your blood sugar under control is to limit the amount of starches and sugars in your mouth and on your teeth although we should always do our best to do that anyway for our health.

The next problem that comes along with Diabetes and your dental health is Gingivitis.  It is a small red area just under your gums that become irritated the longer you can not fight the bacteria which turns into plaque and then into tartar the more irritated and inflamed the Gingiva become they become sore and bleed easily.  The birth of Gingivitis has now occured.

There is one more serious problem that can happen if your Gingivitis becomes something that is hard to deal with or you are unable to get it under control.  The disease is called Periodontitis.  This is such a serious thing that if left untreated can cause damage to the soft tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place and there will be no supportive structure to hold your teeth in place. Eventually your teeth will become lose and can even fall out. This is because your gums have shrank and pulled away from your tooth structure.

Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as Periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating Periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.
Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00013

There are ways to help prevent these things from occuring.

1. Manage your blood sugar
2. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day
3. floss on a regular basis
4. visit your dentist on a regular basis ( there are low income clinics if needed in your communities)
5. Don't Smoke
6. Exercise and keep yourself  heart healthy.

Other notable readings:
How can Diabetes affect your dental health

Diabetes and Oral Heath Fact Sheet

Diabetes and oral health by the American Dental Association

I hope this has helped you understand the affects that Diabetes has on our Dental Health.  Also remember that having poor Dental Health can have an affect on your Diabetes as well, our bodies become under stress  if we have any type of infection or health issues.

Remember to always take good care of yourself and help others by sharing the information you have learned.  We are a large community and we owe it to ourselves and each other to share information and keep that conversation going.  Together we can support each other to live a healthier life style and live longer.
If you are interested in writing a blog as a guest or if you have an idea on what we should blog about please connect with me on Titter at Gwen Johnson @DiabeticDay or at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and google+ me.  Join the conversation. 

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.

Diabetic Day: How can you tell when your diabetic skin is breaki...

Diabetic Day: How can you tell when your diabetic skin is breaki...: Diabetes is only one of the causes that will lead to skin breakdown in a person.  Other causes can be anything from smoking, anemia, and ...

How can you tell when your diabetic skin is breaking down and what should you do

Diabetes is only one of the causes that will lead to skin breakdown in a person.  Other causes can be anything from smoking, anemia, and a variety of vascular diseases.  Other things such as drug use and alcoholism can also do great damage to the cellular level of the skin. 

I am Diabetic so for me this is a major concern.  Skin is a real concern for us as Diabetics because we have poor circulation and our vascular systems are always compromised with this disease. What we as Diabetics need to be concerned about is what is causing it and how to recognize it then also how to treat it or what to do to prevent it.

The most common areas for skin breakdown (pressure points) in adults are the sacrum/coccyx (tailbone), heels, elbows, lateral maleollus (outside of the ankle), greater trocater (hip bone) or the bottom of the femur (outside and inside of the knee) and the ischial tuberosities (the bones we sit on).  Pressure points for children are different and based on age and development (7).  For infants and children less than three years of age, the head makes up a greater portion of the total body weight and surface areas.  When they are placed on their backs, the occipital region (back of the head) becomes the primary pressure point.  When placed on their side, the ears are also very susceptible.  For older children, the sacrum (lower spine) and calcaneous (the heel of the foot) are most at risk (9).
Source:  http://myelitis.org/newsletters/j5/journal-5-04.htm#.UhO31H_pxVI

For those with Obesity problems you should also check under the folds or flaps of skin that may overlap and create no air flow and bacterial breakdown. 

Other things that can have a big play on breakdown of skin is if clothing or blankets, pillows are folded under you creating a pressure point.  Make sure that you smooth any clothing, blankets or pillows you may be using to keep and insure a better amount of blood and oxygen flow to all parts of your body. Bedding or sheets should be as wrinkle free as possible as well.  Make sure not to wear shoes that will rub on toes or feet.  Some jewelry also can cause issues of circulation. 

Make sure that you keep skin dry and clean it will help you to insure the best possible way to keep your skin from breaking down.  At the same time you don't want your skin to not have moisture but make sure it is the right type of moisture.  Lotion your skin properly after showers or bathing because you do not want to get cracks in your skin. 

Maintain a healthy diet and get proper nutrition.  Help your body to stay vascular healthy by eating certain foods such as:   

• Omega 3 fatty acids(salmon, mackerel, flaxseed)

• Vitamin C(citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli)

• Vitamin A(Vegetables that are dark green or dark orange in color)

• Zinc(seafood, meat and eggs)

• Protein(meat, eggs, cheese, and soy products)

Make sure that you switch positions from sitting to standing to walking and if you are laying on your side in bed switch positions about every 2 to 4 hours.  This will help you from keeping pressure off of any one point for too long.


Keep muscle spasms under control 
Some muscle spasms can be beneficial as they help you change position, if you can’t move yourself.  Too much muscle spasticity can cause rubbing and friction, especially when you are in bed at night.  Talk with your care provider about how to best manage spasticity.  Exercise and range of motion are two good ways to reduce spasticity.  Make sure orthotics (braces) are fitting properly, that they are worn correctly, and that the straps are fastened properly to prevent friction or pressure.  Be sure that your bladder and bowel programs are working well as increased spasticity can be caused by a urinary tract infection or constipation.  Spasticity can also increase when you have a burn or skin breakdown.  
Source:   http://myelitis.org/newsletters/j5/journal-5-04.htm#.UhO31H_pxVI

What does minor skin breakdown look like? 
Skin breakdown starts out as a red or purple spot on fair skin or a shiny, purple, blue or darker spot on dark skin, which does not fade or go away within 20 minutes. When you press on the spot with your finger, it does not become lighter (blanch).  It may feel warmer or cooler than the skin around it.  The spot may feel hard or squishy under your fingers and may look swollen.  If you have sensation, it may be itchy or painful.  At first, it may not look like much, especially if the skin is not broken or open, but it can get a lot worse.  If your skin becomes blistered, scabbed or has a small open area on the surface, this is more serious, as it indicates that the tissue underneath has begun to die.  At this stage, the progression of skin break down is reversible: the skin will return to normal as soon as the cause of the irritation is found and eliminated and the skin is properly cared for.  If these steps are not taken, the damage can rapidly progress to a dangerous level where infection can attack the underlying tissue and bone, posing a serious risk to your health.
 Source:  http://myelitis.org/newsletters/j5/journal-5-04.htm#.UhO31H_pxVI


What does serious skin breakdown look like?
Serious skin breakdown occurs when the cause of the problem is not eliminated and tissue has been deprived of oxygen and nutrients for so long that the tissue has died and there is now a large hole or crater.  Damage extends at least into the subcutaneous tissue.  In the most serious wounds, tissue death includes muscle and extends as deep as the bone.  Drainage is almost always present.  If you have fever, see green or yellow drainage, and have a warm temperature around the wound, you may have developed an infection.  Wounds such as this, with or without infection, must be evaluated by a health care professional.  This care may be obtained through your spinal cord injury provider or you may be referred to a wound center to be evaluated and treated by a professional that specializes in the treatment of serious wounds.  When an infection forms in a wound, the surrounding tissue and bone can become infected.  If this continues, infection can enter the blood stream causing sepsis; and if untreated, can be fatal. 
Source:  http://myelitis.org/newsletters/j5/journal-5-04.htm#.UhO31H_pxVI

Consult your physician with either of these two Serious Skin breakdowns and Minor Skin Breakdowns.  Your doctor will be able to give you the proper advice on what you should do for your Skin Breakdown. 

I encourage you to read more from this article on Skin Health:  Prevention and Treatment of Skin Breakdown Janet Dean, MS, RN, CRRN, CRNP  Link:  http://myelitis.org/newsletters/j5/journal-5-04.htm#.UhO31H_pxVI

Remember we are a team a community and your information that you share is important like my information that I share can help keep us healthier and live better and stronger lives.  If you have something to share, a blog idea, or would like to share information via the blog then connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  Together we can support each other.

What are the best Diabetic Foods to keep your Blood Sugars from Spiking?

I think this has been one of my hardest things to overcome.  It isn't easy trying to figure them out even after keeping a food Journal.  What I realized is that some foods in combination with others spiked it really high while others didn't and mixtures were sometimes better than single ingredients. 

I was reading a post by a Woman named Joy Bauer @ JOYBAUER.com about 9 foods that we as Diabetics should eat and well the article basically lays it out for you.  It offers you less spikes in sugars with these 9 foods.

Joy Says that Beans are one of those foods.  Beans (including black, white, navy, Lima, pinto, garbanzo, soy, and kidney) are a winning combination of high-quality carbohydrates, lean protein, and soluble fiber that helps stabilize your body's blood-sugar levels and keeps hunger in check. 

Next she said that Oatmeal was a great food for Diabetics.  I can understand that because when I was researching earlier about grains and having Celiac Disease with Diabetes I learned that it was gluten free except when contaminated by wheat or barley.  Oatmeal: It's packed with soluble fiber, which slows the absorption of glucose from food in the stomach — keeping blood-sugar levels under control.

  Fish: Pair fish with the high-quality carbs found in vegetables, lentils, or beans for another balanced meal combination that will keep your blood sugar from rising.

Nonfat Yogurt
Fat-free yogurt naturally contains both high-quality carbohydrates and protein, making it an excellent food for slowing or preventing an unhealthy rise in blood sugar.

Almonds
Unsalted almonds provide a healthy, low-carb mix of monounsaturated fats plus magnesium, which is believed to be instrumental in carbohydrate metabolism.

Non-starchy Vegetables
Chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers) are an ideal source of high-quality carbohydrates.

Wild salmon or sardines are not only rich in omega 3s but also contain a healthy-fat-and-protein combination that slows the body's absorption of carbohydrates, keeping blood sugars on an even keel.

Egg Whites
Rich in high-quality lean protein and low in carbs, egg whites are another healthy choice for controlling or preventing type 2 diabetes.

Avocado
Avocado is high in monounsaturated fats, which are generally considered among the healthiest of fats. Researchers have found that a diet high in monounsaturated fats and low in low–quality carbs may improve insulin sensitivity.
Source:  http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/best-foods-for-type-2-diabetes.aspx

Joy has a variety of help topics to listen to read and watch on her website JOYBAUER.com.  Here is one of the links below that will help you get to her information.  I find her information is leading in its expertise. 
Source:  http://www.joybauer.com/type-2-diabetes.aspx

I am really offering her as a source because like you I am trying to find the best way to manage my Diabetes through help, information and conversation.  While reading what she had to say I decided to pass some of it along.  She is a walking book of information on help for us with many diseases that plague us as Diabetics, Heart Disease, Eye sight and so much more.  I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think.

If you have an idea or would like to chat you can connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com feel free to connect with me so we can continue to learn and grow healthier together.