Tell-Tale Signs – Do You Have Diabetes ?
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The following are diabetes symtoms that are commonly known :
- Increased urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Poor wound healing
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Rapid weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry, itchy skin
- Loss of sensation in hands or feet
- Ants are attracted to the sweet urine in the toilet, but docters say this may not be reliable and it is still best to get a blood test done.
Diabetic Alerts ! Even A Small Cut Can End In Amputation
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Diabetics Alert : Do not end up with this foot !
For a diabetic with poor blood circulation, a wound may not heal and the limb or digit may turn gangrenouns.
This is because diabetes damages blood vessels and makes them more susceptible to fatty deposit build-up called plaque. When a limb is injured, clogged arteries prevent blood from flowing to the wound and healing it. If the wound rots, the limb may require amputation.
So even if its just a small cut to the foot, but for a diabetic, it is an invitation to a surgeon’s saw !
One theory is that excess blood sugars binds to proteins in the blood vessels and alters the structure and function of the blood vessels, making them less elastic. Hence, this interferes with the flow of blood. damaged blood vessels also tend to attract fatty deposit build-up and, over time, this narrows the blood vessels.
Therefore, when there is a wound or infection, it is tougher for blood to reach the extremities to heal the area.
Gangrene sets in and strikes harder and faster than other complications that can results from the diseases, such as renal failure and blindness.
Within weeks, the area around the wound will become purplish. It refuses to heal. That is when the doctor’s saw comes in.
Worldwide, a gangrene infected limb is lost to diabetes every 30 seconds, a study published in the International Wound Journal last year said. This figure may be higher in the future, as the International Diabetes Federation estimates that 438 million people worldwide will have diabetes in the year 2030, compared to 285 million now.
If the gangrene is detected early, procedures such as ballooning and stenting can help save an infected leg by widening the blood vessels in the leg to improve blood circulation.
For example, in ballooning, a balloon is inserted up a narrowed artery via a wire, then inflated to squash the plaque built-up against the vessel wall. Stents also work to widen blood vessels.
Proper foot care techniques include keeping the feet dry and wearing proper shoes and socks.
Usually, gangrene starts with ulcers on the feet. Hence, amputation can be avoided if the patient takes care of his feet and inspects them every day for signs of problems.
A doctor once told me : ” many people are just needlessly losing their feet”.
Eat Your Greens To Prevent Diabetes
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Green leafy veg, rather than a healthy diet in general, were linked to benefits
Researchers have found that a diet rich in green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of diabetes developing, BBC reported last week.
In an analysis of six studies into fruit and vegetable intake, only green leafy vegetables, including spinach and cabbage, were found to have a significant positive effect.
Taking 1.5 portion a day was found to cut type 2 diabetes risk by 14%, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports. A portion is classified as 80g.
However, experts urged people to continue to aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
The researches from Leicester University reviewed data from the studies of 220,000 adults.
They found that eating more fruit and vegetables in general was not strongly linked to a smaller chance of developing Type 2 diabetes but “there was a general trend in that direction”.
However, when It came to green leafy vegetables – which also include broccoli and cauliflower – the risk reduction was significant. The team calculated that a daily dose of 106g reduced the risk of diabetes by 14 per cent.
It is not clear why green leafy vegetables may have a protective effect, but one reason may be that they are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Another theory is that they contain high levels of magnesium.
Study leader Melaine Davies, professor of diabetic medicine at the University of Leicester, said the message to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day remains an important one.
She added :” People like very specific health messages. We know that intake of fruit and vegetables is important, but this study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes.”
The team is now planning a study on people with a high risk of developing diabetes to see if increasing their intake of vegetables like spinach and kale can help reduce their chances of being diagnoses with it.
Dr Iain Frame, the director if research at Diabetes UK, said :”We already know that the health benefits of eating vegetables are far-reaching but this is the first time that there has been a suggested link specifically between green leafy vegetables and a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”
However, he warned that the evidence was limited and it was too early to isolate green leafy vegetables alone as method to cut the chances of developing the condition.
“We would be concerned if focusing on certain foods detracted from the advice to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, which has benefits in terms of reducing heart disease, stroke, some cancers and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes.”
