The pancreatic gland secretes approximately 24- 40 units of insulin per day, which are sufficient to our body needs (Otherwise, we have to give 2-3 times more amount of insulin from outside to the body needs). But the demands of insulin required by the body vary time to time in the body in the 24 hours. Insulin is generally taken in injection form through syringes or pumps. Inhaled form is also available in developed countries. The pancreatic gland estimates from time to time, and secretes the actual amount of insulin required by the body, for that time and situation, i.e. sometimes more and sometimes less amount of insulin. For example: 1. From 1 AM to 7 AM, our body is very active attending to the needs of the several of the body (metabolic activity is high), so the demand for insulin is also more, automatically. 2. Likewise, the demands for insulin is more at the time of mid-afternoon (1-2 PM) and the night time (8-9 PM). At the rest of the tomes, the body needs less amount of insulin, to some extent. Hence, we have to give insulin 1-2 times from outside (in the form of injection), as per the needs of the body. Types of insulin depending upon the duration of action: 5 types are available. 1. Short acting Insulin: Its action (controlling the glucose level in the blood) lasts for only 6 hours in the body. It acts very speedily and it looks almost like water. 2. Intermediate or medium acting Insulin: Its action lasts for 12 hours in the body, after taking injection. It is sticky in appearance (like gruel). 3. 24 hour’s Insulin: Its action, controlling the glucose in the blood, lasts for 24 hours only. It is also sticky in nature, appears like gruel. 4. Pre mixed type (30/70 type): In this variety, both short acting and long acting insulin 30% of short acting and 70% of long acting insulin are mixed in a vial at the time of manufacture itself. That means 30% starts its action as soon as the insulin injection is taken by the patient and the blood sugar level is kept within normal range and its efficacy becomes less after a certain time. Then the 70% type starts its action and keeps the blood sugar level under control for 12 hours.( other types like 50-50 mixed and 70-30 mixed types are also available). 5. Analogue types: Changes are made in insulin by different methods, to suit the body needs of the patient. In these types the chances of occurring ‘’ hypoglycemia’’ (low glucose levels in the blood) and its effects on the bodily organs, is less. Insulin Dose: Depending upon the glucose levels in the blood, the patient is given either short acting (when blood sugar levels are high) or long acting insulin injections (when the blood sugar level is less). For those estimations blood sugar tests are to be done whenever necessary. … [Read more...]
Diabetes: Diet and Blood tests
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels, including the arteries that supply blood to the brain. This damage makes it easier for fatty deposits (plaques) to form in the arteries. The build-up of arterial plaques (atherosclerosis) can choke off blood supply to raise the blood pressure, leading to coronary heart disease. Timings of Blood sugar tests: Time of testing - Normal readings/per 100 ml of blood: 1. before breakfast - 80-120 mg. 2. 2 hours after breakfast - 140—180mg 3. Before lunch--------------80—120mg; 4. Bed time------------------100—140mg; 5. At 3am--------------------70—140mg. Diabetes and Diet: 1. High Glycemic foods raise the blood sugar levels. Then extra insulin is produced, quickly sending sugars into blood cells, this is extra burden to the pancreas. 2. Effective management of diabetes depends on a delicate balance between medication and diet control and also to keep the weight under control (neither over weight nor under weight). 3. To maintain blood sugar levels close to the normal levels. 4. Doing exercise regularly and avoiding stress and strain. 5. Avoid sweets and fried foods, which raise cholesterol levels in the blood (leading to heart disease). 6. Every adult requires 2000 calories per day to maintain optimum health. 7. The diet of the person with diabetes should consists of a good combination of nutrients i.e.;-carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals, in order to stay fit and fine and to keep the blood sugar levels in check. … [Read more...]
Diabetes advice: Exercise, Medication and Diet facts
These are some of the essentail facts about Diabetes. Advice on Diabetic diet, Diabetic medication and exercise. If proper care is taken with disciplined life style, Diabetics can live normal life. It is hereditary. Diabetes runs in families.. A gene is present in the family members. More thirst, more urination – more common mainly in diabetic Children. These symptoms may be less common in adults. If both parents are diabetics, more is the risk for children. Wounds take more time to heel in diabetics. So, proper care is better. After 30 years, it should be good to monitor glucose levels yearly. In Diabetes, sugar level in the blood is more important than in urine. If sugar is present in urine but not in blood, it is renal Glycosuria. There is no diabetes in that perso. Diabtes -Blood tests: Random blood sugar test is not perfect. Test on empty stomach early in the morning and after 2 hours food taken is essential. Borderline persons – Glucose tolerance should be done to decide diabetes in them. Diabetes Diet: Diet should be taken in small amounts 5-6 times daily at regular intervals. Diabetics should not indulge in fasting and feasts –as they imbalance the glucose regulatory mechanism. Exercise – Be regular and uniform. Brisk walking is the best exercise in diabetics. 30-45 minutes of daily walk is a must for every diabetic patient. Keep a candy to compensate decrease in the blood level if necessary. Diabetes Medication – Medicine should be taken at regular intervals. By mistake, if you forgot to to take the drug yesterday, you should not take it in excess dosage today. You might have taken sweets, for that you need not increase the dosage. Never stop taking insulin even in illness. Check your glucose levels at least monthly once or as per directions of physician. Taking medicine without consulting doctor is not good for your health. The time honored slogan in Diabetes: First preference: Regular exercise. Second preference: Diet control Third preference: Drugs All the three are important. For the sake of one, you should not neglect others. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
