Smoking raises risk for diabetes, according to "The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)". Smoking increases type-2 diabetes risk by 44% in smokers when compared to non-smokers, according to Lausanne University scientists in Switzerland. 15% of diabetic cases are smoking, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School. Along with diabetes, poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and obesity plays vital role in causing diabetes. Smoking raises blood sugar levels by interfering with insulin production and increasing insulin resistance. Smoking is also the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases which are responsible for mortality in diabetics. Heavy smokers have great risk of getting diabetes than light smokers. Current smokers are at high risk than previous smokers. Heavy smokers are 61% increase in risk of getting diabetes. Diabetes and smoking statistics: 200 million diabetics are there in the world, according to World Health Organisation. Smoking causes 4 million deaths annually. Persons who have family history have high risk of developing diabetes. Smoking is the major modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Researchers analysed the data of 1.2 million smokers before deciding the impact of smoking on diabetes incidence. … [Read more...]
Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients: causes and management
The normal blood sugar level is 80-120mg/100 ml of blood. When the blood sugar level goes below the normal range, the patient develops a condition, called ‘’Hypoglycemia”, which is a medical emergency, and if not attended promptly in time, there is every possibility of threat to patient’s life. Hypoglycemia Causes: If insulin is taken in excess amounts, more than the required dose, the patient develops hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level in the blood), which is a serious condition. Other causes of hypoglycemia: Taking less amount of food After heavy exercise. Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia: 1. Sudden giddiness 2. Unbearable appetite 3. Numbness around the lips 4. Sudden sweating all over the body 5. Palpitations in the heart 6. Shivering of hands and legs 7. Diminishing eyesight 8. Paleness all over the body 9. Feeling of gradual loss of consciousness (just like a drunkard). Management of Hypglycemic patient: Immediately, patient should take milk containing sugar or should eat banana speedily. They remain in the stomach for 3 hours and make the liver to release more glucose in to the blood. Most of the patients take glucose or biscuits at this time, but their effect last only for ½ an hour, and there is chance of occurring of hypoglycemia again. So, it is well and good to take milk or banana or any other fruit. Hence, it is always better to keep/carry some food item containing more carbohydrates along with them, at the time of taking insulin injection, either at home or during journey time. … [Read more...]
Diabetic coma: Causes, Symptoms and prevention
Diabetic Coma is an emergency situation in which diabetic patient is unconscious due to extreme blood glucose levels (too high or too low). This condition is more common in Type 1 Diabetes. Causes of Diabetic Coma: 1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis 2. Hypoglycemia – Glucose level is below 3.5 mmol/L 3. Hyper osmolar syndrome – Severe dehydration and hyperglycemia. Signs and symptoms of Diabetic Coma: 1. More urination 2. More thirst 3. More appetite 4. More sedation 5. More weakness. 6. Loss of weight 7. Late healing of wounds. 8. Sight impaired. 9. More itching around the vaginal area in women. 10. Nausea and vomiting. 11. Pain in the pelvic area. 12. Rapid shallow breathing. If the blood glucose level is too low, patient is nervous, sweaty, tired and hungry. Prevention: 1. Have regular checkups about the sugar levels in the blood. 2. Take measures to keep the sugar well under control [Within the normal levels]. 3. Take diet and medication at regular intervals. 4. Take glucose packet or chocolate along with you. N.B: Avoid the following conditions as they lead to ketoacidosis. 1. Infections like flu or Pneumonia. 2. Getting wounds. 3. Mental strain. 4. Other diseases. If the glucose levels and ketone levels are very high in the urine, consult the doctor immediately and get treated. … [Read more...]
Diabetes: Risk facrors
Risk factors of Diabetes are divided into 7 types. Hereditary Obesity Sedentary life style Stress and strain Drug side effects Age Infectious diseases. I discuss here about hereditary risk factor. Diabetes due to heredity: Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes): Mainly caused by auto immunity. Severe lack of insulin is the characterestic feature. If father is diabetic, there are chances of 9% of the children gets diabetes. If mother is diabetic, 3% of the children get the disease. If both father and mother are diabetic, 30% of the children get the disease. Type 2 Diabetes: (Adult Diabetes) If either father or mother is diabetic, 30% of the children get the disease. If both parents are diabetic, 70% of the children get the disease. So, high risk group children should monitor their diabetes levels regularly. … [Read more...]
