Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Diet, Symptoms and Causes of Hypoglycemia, Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar level in human body, medically termed as hypoglycemia is a sudden condition occurring among diabetic patients. Healthy lifestyle with proper medication is very important for controlling this diabetic situation. Let’s see versatile symptoms shown by patients with low blood sugar level. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are unpredictable and will vary from one person to another depending upon vivid parameters like patient’s age and the amount of blood sugar level. Proper awareness of these symptoms helps in easier recognition of hypoglycemia.

These symptoms are developed in order to counterpart the reaction due to secretion of stress hormones. Lowering of blood sugar level creates many impacts like nervous and mental problems. A patient with low blood sugar may show eagerness, clamminess and anxiety in his or her behaviour. Patient will be prone to irritability, nervousness and will be in a state of confusion. Jerking while sleeping and jitters are some of the symptoms due to hypoglycemia shown by new born babies.

Hypoglycemia during sleeping hours induces sweating and night mares among patients. Upper stomach complaint followed by vomiting is yet another symptom seen in hypoglycemic patients. It may also cause eye problems like blurred vision and flashy lights in vision. Dizziness, rage, appetite, pricking feel effect, mydriais or dilated pupil, ataxia, paresthesia and stroke are other signs of low blood glucose level.

Now we will see various causes for the formation of low blood glucose level in the body. Carbohydrate concentration in food intakes plays a key role in promoting blood glucose level. Lowering of carbohydrate components in food intake is one among the main cause for hypoglycemia. Rice, fresh fruits, vegetables and milk products like ice creams and fruit salads are some food items rich in carbohydrate. Alcoholism and over consumption of fast and processed foods lowers blood sugar level. Do you know the reason behind this?

Food items like sugar candies made up of simple sugar components make digestion faster. Due to rapid increase in blood glucose level, various stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol are induced in the body. These stress hormones are responsible for lowering of blood sugar level in the body.

Low blood sugar level or hypoglycemia can be easily controlled by planning a healthy diabetic diet. Prepare diet for a week or two in advance and try to follow meals as per the diet. It helps in eliminating unnecessary food intakes there by maintaining blood sugar level. Smaller meals in regular intervals of time can be preferred over larger meal. Try to maintain a balanced diet with the inclusion of snacks in between meals. Nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables are some of the food intakes supporting hypoglycemia.

Consumption of protein rich food items make metabolism slower and helps in maintaining blood sugar level for a longer interval of time. Always stay with consuming food items with complex carbohydrate concentration. Cereals, legumes, pastas and vegetables are examples of food items with complex carbohydrate concentration. Avoid consumption of alcohol and other sugary beverages like coffee, tea and wine. Hypoglycemic problems occurring in diabetic patients can be well managed with proper medication and healthy diet.

Read more about Diabetes Natural Treatment. Also know about Diabetes Home Remedies.

Know About Kidney Disease (Nephropathy) of Diabetes

Nephropathy due to diabetes is a kidney disease induced as a result of capillary dysfunction in kidney glomeruli. This diabetic condition discovered by Wilson and Kimmelsteil is also known by name Kimmelsteil-Wilson syndrome. If not diagnosed in earlier stages, disease may later induce the need for dialysis and kidney transplantation. Diabetic nephropathy is more frequently seen among diabetic men than in women. In some diabetic patients, disease may even result in chronic kidney failure and end-stage kidney disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients are equally affected by this kidney trouble.

Do you know how detection is done for nephropathy? Detection of kidney diseases due to diabetes is done mainly by conducting urine test. Urine of patient with kidney disease will contain traces of albumin. Albumin is a plasma protein formed due to thickening of glomerulus. Medication is made depending on the intensity of albumin level in urine. Albumin concentration with less than 30 mg per day in urine is referred as microalbuminuria and those with albumin concentration greater than 300 mg per day in urine is referred as clinical albuminuria or macroalbuminuria. Growth of nephropathy increases albumin concentration in urine. Intensity of nephropathy can be checked by conducting kidney biopsy in patients.

Now let's see various causes for the occurrence of nephropathy. Increase in blood sugar level is considered as the primary cause of nephropathy. Hyper tension, a factor of nephropathy effects normal renal function and creates an increase in plasma volume. Nephropathy acts as a silent killer in earlier stages and shows its symptoms only at later stages. Edema or swelling of body parts is one of the symptoms shown by nephropathy. Nephropathy may some times block normal blood circulation in patients causing arteriosclerosis. Vomiting, headache, itching, frequent hiccups and poor appetite or anorexia are some other symptoms shown by a patient with nephropathy.

Preventive measures for controlling nephropathy can be started by controlling blood sugar level. Do continuous blood sugar monitoring and plan diet according to glucose level in blood. Prepare a diabetic diet by seeking the help of your diabetic specialist. Make your meals special by including food items rich in protein. Soy beans, legumes, whole grains and legumes are some of food samples rich with protein concentration. Try to maintain cholesterol level and hypertension under control by proper medication.

Today, several antihypertensive drugs for reducing growth of nephropathy are easily available in market. Taking ACE inhibitors reduces the risk of diabetic nephropathy. Use of ACE inhibitors helps in reducing albumin concentration in urine. Studies say that ACE inhibitors contribute mainly to type 1 diabetic by retarding the growth of nephropathy. In case of type 2 diabetic patients, both ACE inhibitors and ARB are used for treatment. Patients should limit intake of food items with rich iodine concentration. Do not take non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs while taking treatment for nephropathy. Taking drugs like naproxen creates negative impact on patients. If not treated in earlier stage of disease, nephropathy even results in premature death of patient.

Read more about Diabetes Natural Treatment. Also know about Diabetes Home Remedies.

Benefits of Green Tea for Diabetes Patients

Green tea, commonly used by diabetic patients is famous for its medicinal value. It is a composition of unfermented leaves which can be used as beverage and as medicine. Camellia sinensis is the alternate name given for this medicinal tea. Drinking green herbal tea is an effective way for controlling sugar metabolism. Studies made on diabetic patients prove that those who drink herbal tea had a controlled blood sugar level. It promotes insulin production, blocks glucose absorption and helps in managing blood sugar level. Controlling high blood pressure is another advantage of drinking herbal tea. Presence of antioxidants like polyphenols in green herbal tea takes control over high blood pressure which in turn helps regulating sugar level. Slight bitter taste of herbal tea is due to the presence of these polyphenols.

Functioning of antioxidants prevent action of free radicals in body. These free radicals are responsible for cell damage and ageing functions. Regular drinking of herbal tea promotes normal functioning of body cells. Tea, composed with catechins and polysaccharides slows down the growth of blood glucose level. Major six compounds of catechins equipped in green tea include catechin, gallaogatechin, epicatechin, epigallogatechin, epicatechin gallate and apigallochatechin gallate. Out of these six catechin compounds, apigallochatechin gallate commonly known as EGCG is the abundantly present and most functioning one in green tea.

Green tea can be added in patient's diet as a regular natural food supplement. Feel free to contact your health practitioners when ever you need help regarding dosage level. Nutritionists suggests in drinking at least two- three cups of green herbal tea a day. Green tea plays a vital role in reducing body weight of a person. Low body weight lowers blood sugar level and prevents consequences due to diabetes. Experiments had revealed that usage of green herbal tea had helped many diabetic patients to control their body weight.

Drinking green tea promotes excretion of urine, prevents flatulence, maintains body temperature, improves heart function and helps in healing wounds. Magical power of green tea in suppressing stress helps in preventing hypertension there by reducing the risk of diabetes. L- theanine amino acid present in green tea is responsible for this anti stress property. Proper digestion control power, reducing risk of constipation and improving mental health are other advantages of using green tea in diet.

Leading role played by green herbal tea in regulating postprandial hyperglycemic condition is remarkable. Postprandial hyperglycemia is a diabetic condition occurring due to increase in blood sugar level after intake of meals. Drinking green and fresh tea after meals helps in reducing blood glucose level due to postprandial hyperglycemia. Diabetic patients with type 2 diabetes are often advised to drink green and fresh tea for maintaining their blood glucose level. Today, extracts from green herbal tea are added in many food supplements in order to improve nutrient level. Powdered form of tea leaves are mixed with food supplements. It is also available in capsule and liquid form in market. Caffeine free supplements of green tea are preferred for better health provision. It helps in leading a healthier lifestyle with no side effects.

Read more about Diabetes Natural Treatment. Also know about Diabetes Home Remedies.

Diet for Hypoglycemia, Low Blood Sugar Level

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level can be well managed by following a regular diabetic diet. Most of hypoglycemic issues are happening due to uncontrolled food intakes by diabetic patients. Complications related to hypoglycemia can be easily made under control by tracing patient's diet. Hypoglycemic diet should be properly planned with the help of a dietitian. A hypoglycemic patient can start his or her day by having a good diabetic breakfast. Never try to skip breakfast, as it is necessary for maintaining the blood glucose level. Always self control and keep a limit in food intake.

Consuming according to the preplanned diabetic diet will do well. Eating small amounts of meals in regular intervals with inclusion of snacks in between diet helps in regulating blood sugar level. Try taking small meals in every three hours or as prescribed by nutritionist. Prepare regular note of every small bite and do continuous glucose monitoring for better result. Ripened fruits, boiled meat, and raw vegetables are some of the favorable food items for a hypoglycemic patient. Alcohol consumption and tobacco effects negatively in maintaining normal blood glucose level. Alcohol consumption in empty stomach promotes rapid metabolism leading way to sudden fall in blood glucose level.

Devising a healthy diabetic diet is very important for hypoglycemic patients. Hypoglycemic diet should be natural, slow and gradual. But in case of artificial fast food it is just reverse. Nutritionists highlight their preference in taking fruit and vegetable juice than other sugary beverages like coffee, tea, chocolate and wine. Some food items rich with carbohydrate concentration induce sudden spike in blood sugar level after eating. In order to counterpart high blood sugar level, body makes use of hormones which may some times result in hypoglycemia.

Today, many food supplements capable of reducing stress hormone formation are available in the market. Vitamin B complex capsule is an example for anti stress hormone which helps in preventing adrenalin and cortisol formation. Production of these stress hormones in body creates emotional changes leading way to mental problems. Headache, muscle pain, insomnia, cold sweat, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, faintness and weakness are some of the symptoms shown as a result of hypoglycemia.

Dietitians prefer protein cum fat rich dishes for hypoglycemic patients. Protein and fat helps in maintaining blood glucose level by reducing metabolic rate of the body. Eggs, soybeans, fatless creams, fatless cheese, fishes and white meat like chicken comes under protein cum fat rich food items. Yogurt mixed with fresh vegetables is considered as a special recipe for hypoglycemic patients. Doctors often advice hypoglycemic patients to carry a sugar candy with them so that patients can use this sugar candy in case of emergency.

Consumption of sugar candies comprised with simple sugar components create sudden spike in blood sugar level. Eating foods with complex carbohydrate proportion prevents retardation of blood sugar level for a longer period of time. Cereals, legumes, whole grains, pastas and vegetables are examples of complex carbohydrate food items which help in slow sugar metabolism. Maintaining diet with proper medication reduces hypoglycemic consequences to a maximum level.

Read more about Diabetes Natural Treatment. Also know about Diabetes Home Remedies.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia, Low Blood Sugar Level

Hypoglycemia is a diabetic condition induced as a result of low blood sugar level in human body. Prolonged fasting, less carbohydrate concentration in food intake are some of the main causes behind hypoglycemia. This silent killer is unpredictable and can happen at any time even during our sleeping hours. If not seriously taken and untreated, hypoglycemia may lead to death of patient. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia vary depending upon the diabetic condition of patient. Some diabetic patients feel shakiness, weakness and dizziness due to hypoglycemia. It may induce nervousness and faintness among some other patients. Often hunger is another sign shown for hypoglycemia.

People suffering from this diabetic condition may frequently ask for food due to hunger. Rumbling sound which is produced as a result of movement of gas in stomach can be heard in some patients. This condition is medically termed as Borborygmus. Hypoglycemia creates upper stomach complaints and induce vomiting tendency in patients. Hypoglycemic patients may prone to several emotional changes like eagerness and anxiety. Situation creates tongue twisting problem and difficulty in normal speaking.

Hypoglycemia occurring during night time sleeping hours is dangerous than daytime hypoglycemia. Here patient may not feel or know about the situation in his sleep. Formation of cold sweat, night mares, crying out, confusion, irritability and tiredness after waking up are some of the signs and symptoms due to night time hypoglycemic condition. These signs and symptoms are formed in order to counterpart the reduced blood sugar level. Studies say that stress hormones like adrenalin and occurrence of neuroglycopenia induced due to reduced blood sugar level in brain are responsible for these signs and symptoms.

Increased heart beat or tachycardia can be seen among some hypoglycemic patients. If palpitation persists for a longer time even after taking medicine, never hesitate to consult a diabetic specialist. Pupil of patients may appear dilated in some cases. Dilated pupil condition is medically referred as mydriasis by doctors. Double, blurred vision and flashy lights in vision are other commonly seen eye problems related to hypoglycemia. Pallor caused due to reduced oxyhaemoglobin in blood is another symptom of hypoglycemia. Patients may show behavioral changes like clamminess and rage. Some patients feel Paresthesia or pricking feel effect during hypoglycemic conditions.

Hypoglycemia may even lead way to certain neurological dysfunctions like ataxia and stroke in age old patients. Ataxia stops muscular movements due to its lack of co-ordination with neuron cells. Patients with ataxia may appear like drunkard. Severe hypoglycemia results in stroke condition or paralysis of body parts. In new born babies, hypoglycemia creates jerking effect and jitters while sleeping. Certain type of hypoglycemia worsens situation by the formation of epileptic seizure.

As a result of this unwarned seizure typically known as epilepsy, patient losses his or her awareness. Automatic behaviour or automatism characterized by loss of self control is another disorder exhibited by patients under this category. High emotional stress induced in hypoglycemic patients tempt in developing amnesia or loss of memory especially in elder people. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia vary with age and intensity of hypoglycemic condition. Hypoglycemia can be well managed with proper medication by analyzing these signs and symptoms.

Read more about Diabetes Natural Treatment. Also know about Diabetes Home Remedies.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Diet, Symptoms and Causes of Hyperglycemia, High Blood Sugar

Hyperglycemia is a diabetic condition occurring as a result of increased blood sugar level. Healthy diabetic diet with proper medication helps in keeping blood glucose under control. High blood sugar level or hyperglycemia can be mainly divided into after meal hyperglycemia and fasting hyperglycemia depending on the time of occurrence. As the name suggests, after meal hyperglycemia or postprandial hyperglycemia normally occurs after taking meals and fasting hyperglycemia occurs after prolonged fasting. When we monitor blood glucose level, the value of sugar intensity level reaches above 180 mg/dl in the case of postprandial hyperglycemia and it reaches above 130 mg/dl in case of fasting hyperglycemic condition.

Symptoms shown by hyperglycemic patients will vary according to patient's age and intensity of diabetic condition. Severe head ache, loss of consciousness and thirst are some of the earlier signs shown by hyperglycemic patients. Increased blood glucose level causes various stomach problems like constipation and diarrhea in patients. Some patients show slow healing effects, foot sore problems and appetite as its consequence. In advanced stages, hyperglycemic patients may trouble from blurred vision, glaucoma, frequent urination, and swelling of body parts.

Now let's see the causes of hyperglycemia or increased blood sugar level. Uncontrolled food intake is considered as a major cause for the occurrence of hyperglycemia. Foods with rich carbohydrate concentration increases blood sugar to a maximum level. Maintaining well balanced diabetic diet is the only solution for this problem. Lack of exercise results in accumulation of fatty deposits in the body there by it increases the chance of hyperglycemia.

Blood pressure is another cause for the formation of increased blood sugar level. Excessive food intakes with no exercise increases body weight promoting hyperglycemia. Diabetic patients should avoid consumption of oily food items like fried meat in their diet. High stress condition induced in patients creates spike in blood sugar level. Inappropriate insulin dosage is yet another factor to decide the occurrence of hyperglycemia. Insulin, if not taken in required amount may create several health problems leading to hyperglycemia.

Diet plays a key role in controlling blood glucose level of diabetic patients. Consuming meals according to a preplanned diabetic diet will do well. Patients with hyperglycemia should minimize their food intakes with rich fat and carbohydrate concentration. Rice, potato, cereals and sugary beverages like coffee, tea and wine are some of the food items with increased sugar concentration. Hyperglycemic patients should completely avoid alcohol consumption so as to maintain blood sugar under control. Alcohol consumption promotes quick metabolism and causes sudden increase in blood sugar level.

Nutritionists prefer fruits and vegetable juices for diabetic patients instead of other sugary beverages like wine and coffee. Patients are advised to take white meat like boiled chicken rather than fried one for improving their health. Over consumption of red meat will create a negative impact on diabetic patients resulting in hyperglycemia. Try to include a major portion of diet with protein rich food items like nuts, beans and fishes which helps in controlling blood glucose level. Also, keep checking blood glucose level by making use of continuous blood glucose monitors and plan diet accordingly. High blood sugar level in diabetic patients can be easily controlled by planning a diabetic diet with proper medications.

Read more about Diabetes Natural Treatment. Also know about Diabetes Signs and Symptoms.

Foods and Diet Menu for Gestational Diabetes Patients

Gestational diabetes is a common diabetic condition occurring among pregnant women. Gestational diabetes, if not controlled properly may affect both mother and child in later stages of their life. Maintaining a planned diet helps in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. High diabetic condition causes severe problems during pregnancy time. Let's see the causes and preferable diet for gestational diabetes. Over consumption of foods rich in carbohydrate concentration is considered as the main reason behind gestational diabetes. Potatoes, rice, fruits, sugar candies, beverages like tea, wine, dairy products like ice creams and fruit salads are some of the food items rich in sugar concentration.

Avoid over intake of theses foods in diet so as to regulate blood sugar level. Try to consume a balanced diet by consulting with your physician. Now we will see some of the favourable diet for gestational diabetic patients. Plan a protein rich breakfast in diet by including food items like peanuts and whole grain products. Always make a self control over food consumption. Never try to over eat starchy food which welcomes hyperglycemic condition.

Plan diet accordingly so that patient takes small amounts of food in specific intervals of time. Meals can be taken two to three times per day as directed by dietitian. Keep snacks in between meals so as to maintain normal blood sugar level. Inclusion of fruits in diet helps in keeping pregnant women healthy. Care should be taken while choosing your favourite fruit. Certain fruits like jackfruits and raisins are equipped with high sugar concentration. Nutritionists prefer fruits like plums, straw berries, apple, jamun and kiwi fruits for gestational diabetic patients. These fruits with low sugar concentration help in regulating blood sugar level of patients.

Whenever consuming diary products, make sure that you pick only sugar less products. Take skimmed milk with less fat concentration at least twice a day. Avoid intake of beverages like wine, tea and alcohol that increases risk of diabetes. Minimize or try to limit the intake of fast foods from hotel and prefer homely food instead. Include green leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce in meals. Take half cooked vegetable salads before or after meal. Make use of high fibre rich products like whole grain products in diet.

Monitor blood glucose level after taking meal and this can be better expressed as carbohydrate counting. Diet can be well planned by knowing the exact carbohydrate count in diet and it helps to a great extend in leveling diet. Following is a sample diet preferred for gestational diabetic patients. Have a breakfast snack giving priority to protein and fat rich foods. Lavish your lunch with a rich combination of starch, protein, milk, fat and veggies according to diet level.

Also take a pleasant dinner by including starch, protein, fruit, fat and veggies. Never forget to take snacks in between diet. Add a protein cum starch snack during afternoon time and spice your diet by adding protein, starch and milk as bed time snack. Almost all dietitians prefer inclusion of natural food supplements in diet than artificial ones. Maintaining a well controlled diet keeps away the risks of gestational diabetes.

Read more about Diabetes Natural Treatment. Also know about Diabetes Signs and Symptoms.