Type 2 Diabetes: Why Many People Who Are Eligible Aren't Getting Treatments Such as Ozempic

From healthline.com

• Researchers report that 80% of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes aren’t getting treatments that they are eligible for.
• The treatments involve two types of medications, including the drug Ozempic.
• Experts say cost is a major issue, although they hope that barrier will lessen with more alternative and generic drugs coming on the market.

More than eight in 10 adults with type 2 diabetes in the United States could benefit from a pair of drug treatments that only a small fraction of them are currently being prescribed, a new study published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds.

Researchers analysed data on 1,330 nonpregnant adults aged 20 years or older and reported that 82% — about 22 million Americans — with type 2 diabetes qualified for treatment with either glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) or sodium-glucose cotransport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

However, researchers discovered that less than 4% of these adults used GLP-1 RAs therapy who were eligible for it. Only about 5% of the adults who were eligible for SGLT2 treatment used it.

That eligible population includes nearly all Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes, the study authors wrote.

How treatments can help

GLP-1 RAs, marketed under brand names such as Victoza and Ozempic, are used to help control blood sugar, either in a short-acting or long-acting form.

SLGT2 inhibitors, sold under brand names such as Invokana and Farxiga, also help control blood sugar and reduce the risk of complications from diabetes. They have also demonstrated some fringe benefits in studies such as the lower risk of stroke, heart attack, and death from cardiovascular disease in people with atherosclerosis.

“[These are] some of the exciting new drug classes that have become available over the past decade,” said Joyce Yu-Chia Lee, PharmD, a health sciences clinical professor at the University of California Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

“They have quickly moved up to the top of the treatment ladder for the management of type 2 diabetes in view of strong evidence on added benefits in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction and for some weight loss and kidney protection,” she told Healthline.

The study authors agreed.

Based on these findings, “we encourage clinicians to be aware that many of their patients with type 2 diabetes may be eligible for these medications, and we encourage patients to talk to their healthcare providers about what treatment may be best for them,” Shichao Tang, PhD, a study co-author and a health economist at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, told Healthline.

Cost is a significant factor 

In the study, researchers noted that these two classes of drugs are significantly more expensive than current diabetes medications.

The report suggests prices might have to go down by as much as 70% for the medications to be cost-effective.

“These new medications are much more expensive than older treatments like metformin, sulfonylureas, and TZDs [thiazolidinediones],” said Brandy Lipton, PhD, a visiting associate professor of health, society, and behaviour at the University of California, Irvine Program in Public Health.

“Copays for Medicare beneficiaries can be substantial, especially during the Part D coverage gap, with out-of-pocket costs for a 30-day supply of some of the newer medications exceeding $100,” she told Healthline. “Medicaid coverage for these newer treatments and out-of-pocket payments will vary by state and managed care plan. Even small out-of-pocket payments can discourage use, especially among people with lower incomes covered by Medicaid.”

“There is evidence that the newer treatments can be more clinically effective relative to the older medications, but the cost differential is large and some insurers may not be willing to bear the majority of those higher costs,” Lipton added.

“More research is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these drugs and to determine the best ways to offset the high cost. More information about the cost-effectiveness of these drugs may help target these treatments at a sustainable cost,” Tang noted.

Hope for the future

That said, more people may be already being prescribed these drugs than the study indicated.

Both of these classes of medications are now considered potential first-line diabetes treatments, which they were not during the study period.

There is also hope these prices will decrease and that drugs will become more accessible in the coming years.

The patents of the majority, if not all of these agents, have not expired yet, and this explains the high cost,” Lee said. “However, the drug price will likely decline with the loss of market exclusivity and when generic alternatives become available. Patients in the future will likely benefit from the cost-effectiveness of these medications, but for now, we will have to be creative and take extra steps to help those who would benefit most from these newer classes of agents.”

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/80-of-u-s-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-met-criteria-for-these-2-treatments-why-they-arent-getting-it#Hope-for-the-future

Diabetes and your emotions

From diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes doesn't just affect you physically, it can affect you emotionally too.

Whether you've just been diagnosed or you've lived with diabetes for a long time, you may need support for all the emotions you're feeling. This could be stress, feeling low and depressed, or burnt out. The people around you can feel all of this too. Whatever you're feeling, you are not alone. Here's some information you might find helpful – you might like to share it with your family and friends too.

Focus on things you can control

If you're finding yourself worrying, it might help to try to focus on the things that you can control in your life. Here are some tips:

• know your sick day rules
• go to appointments if your healthcare team ask you to
• check out your work policies around sickness and time off
• keep important numbers handy
• know the symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you begin to feel ill
• make sure you have supplies and repeat prescriptions up to date
• look after your body – try to make healthy food choices, be active, get enough sleep and wash your hands more often
• check out our recipe finder for new ideas
• make sure to look after your mind if you're staying at home – keep in touch with friends and family if you can
• say no to things if you need to, and ask for help if you feel you need it
• get your news from reliable sources, but it’s also okay to take a break from the news if it feels too much.

Things you can’t control

Focusing your mind on things out of your control won't change things. This can lead to worry, so gently try to redirect your attention.

You might be feeling nervous, because your condition may make you more vulnerable to becoming unwell. But you don’t have control over this, so try to be kind and compassionate to yourself if you are unwell. 

If you are ill then you may have to miss work, school or appointments. This is okay and the best thing to do to look after yourself and others.

You might also be worrying about some diabetes appointments being cancelled or finding it difficult to get hold of your healthcare team. There might be alternative options, like phone or video appointments, so look into these. Most appointments aren't urgent, but if your diabetes team really need to see you they will get in touch with an appointment. It’s important that you try to go to these.

Not being able to get what you want from the shops can be stressful. You can't control the availability of supplies. Try to be patient and try not to panic buy. If you are having difficulty getting food supplies, we are doing our best to support you. Find out what we're doing.

It’s not easy to stop feelings of anxiety and worry, and these are completely normal responses given the current circumstance. You can't control your feelings, but you can control what you do with them. Talking about how you’re feeling might help. And the mental health charity Mind have put together some useful information about taking care of your mental health during this time too.

Talking about how you feel

Talking about diabetes and how it's making you feel isn’t always easy. It can be hard to get started, or find someone you think you can open up to. Maybe you don't feel like you need to talk about anything or you don't want to burden anyone. But offloading some of what you're feeling has so many benefits, both for you and for those close to you. 

Read our advice on talking about your diabetes. We've got tips to help you start those conversations with your family and friends, your boss at work, and really importantly your healthcare professional team.

Stress and diabetes

Everyone can feel stressed from time to time. But having diabetes to manage as well as everything else in life can feel very overwhelming. Stress can affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important you know how to recognise when you're stressed and how to deal with it. We can help you cope with stress when you have diabetes.

Coping with being diagnosed

Being diagnosed with diabetes can come as a shock. First reactions may be disbelief, feeling overwhelmed, even anger. Usually these feelings ease after a while and diabetes becomes part of life. But sometimes these feelings don’t go away easily. If you feel this way, you're not alone. 

There are lots of people out there to support you – your family, your friends, your healthcare professional team, and we're here for you too. We can help you get to grips with diabetes and help you find other people going through the same things as you. Take a look at our guide to being diagnosed to help you start adjusting to life with diabetes.

Depression and diabetes

Diabetes can be difficult to live with day to day and get you down, this is completely normal. But if these feelings won't go away, you might have depression. Having depression and diabetes is more common than you might think – people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop depression than people who don't have diabetes. We can help you know the signs of depression and how to manage it.

Diabetes distress

Diabetes can be really tough to live with. Sometimes people feel distressed, which can include feeling frustrated, guilty, sad or worried. It's understandable if you feel this way from time to time – you’re not alone. There are lots of things you can do to help you cope with feeling diabetes distress.

Fear of hypos

Hypoglycaemia or a hypo is when your blood glucose level (blood sugar) goes too low. Not everyone with diabetes can get hypos, but some often worry or get anxious about having them. If these feelings don't go away or start to take over your daily life, then it's important you talk to someone about it. Find out how to work through your hypo anxiety.

Emotions and food

Diabetes can put more of a focus on food and diet. Having to pay close to attention to what you eat and learn new ways to cook can be stressful. Some people find they eat more when they're stressed or eat less because they're feeling low. Eating different foods can have an impact on your mood too – find out more about the link between your feelings and food.

Sometimes, it can mean more of a focus on weight and body image too. This can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food, something called
disordered eating, or possibly an eating disorder. Diabulimia is a serious eating disorder that people with Type 1 diabetes can develop. We've got more information on diabulimia and what can help if you're struggling with it.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions?utm_campaign=649187_General%20Enewsletter%20February%202023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dot_digital&utm_content=%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20ELRT&dm_i=79RZ,DWWZ,1PBE5R,1PFSK,1

High Blood Sugar: 7 Everyday Habits That Increase Diabetes Risk

From zeenews.india.com

Do you spend most of your time seated? Do you not get enough sleep? These are a few daily habits you'll be surprised to know can increase your blood insulin levels and cause diabetes 

Diabetes risk: Diabetes and high blood sugar can have a negative impact on our life in numerous ways. It may cause significant health problems. Poor lifestyle decisions can also cause diabetes, even though it shares certain genetic factors with most diseases. Several routine activities that we may not even consider can increase the amount of insulin in our blood.

Your lifestyle has a significant impact on your risk of acquiring diabetes, in addition to factors like age and family history. The extent to which a few regular habits might increase your risk may astound you. 

Keep reading to find out which factors are most important and how to avoid danger.

1. Skipping breakfast

The risk of developing diabetes is higher for people who skip breakfast than for those who eat oatmeal or eggs at a table. It seems that those who eat breakfast were able to maintain a lower body mass index, not the meal itself (BMI).

2. Sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a stretch

You are aware that being active regularly is essential to prevent a diabetes diagnosis. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises everyone to get up every 30 minutes and engage in some type of modest exercise, even those who do not have diabetes.

3. Drinking more than a glass of wine or two daily

Although there is insufficient evidence, moderate alcohol consumption may lower your chance of developing diabetes. Alcoholism can cause the pancreas to become chronically inflamed, which might affect the pancreas' capacity to release insulin and possibly cause diabetes.

4. Getting too little sleep

Not the occasional episode of insomnia causes damage. Chronic sleep loss that occurs night after night increases your risk of developing diabetes. Your hormone levels may become out of whack as a result of persistent sleep loss, and the body may generate more stress hormones like cortisol, which raise blood sugar.

5. Smoking

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers have a 30 to 40% higher chance of developing diabetes than non-smokers, and heavy smokers are considerably more at risk.

6. Eating processed foods

Many cereals, deli meats, and microwaveable meals are examples of highly processed foods that have long been associated with an elevated risk of cancer, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Higher calorie intake and more highly processed meals are likely to be correlated. Overeating causes weight gain, which raises the chance of developing insulin resistance.

7. Lacking quality connections

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that being away from loved ones for an extended period of time may be difficult. Researchers claim that emphasising the quality of social ties rather than the quantity may help reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes, though they are unsure exactly why.

https://zeenews.india.com/health/high-blood-sugar-7-everyday-habits-that-increase-diabetes-risk-2577527

How to snack with diabetes

From eu.coshoctontribune.com

By Emily Marrison

It was so good this week to be back visiting with seniors at the Coshocton Senior Centre. On Thursday, I taught a lesson about healthy eating with diabetes and focused on snacks. We talked about the advantages of choosing snacks that combine carbohydrates with fibre, protein or healthy fats.

What is the advantage of that? It helps in a few ways. The first is a more gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream avoiding spikes to blood sugar levels. Another benefit is feeling fuller longer. These combinations also help us to get more nutrients that our bodies need.

According to University of Illinois Extension, “it is now known that snacks are not needed to regulate blood glucose levels and may cause weight gain or increased blood glucose levels when excessive.” It is important to talk with your physician or dietitian about the best meal plan and approach for you if you are living with diabetes.

Sometimes we can get into a rut with our food choices. Thankfully, the American Diabetes Association has created the Diabetes Food Hub (diabetesfoodhub.org) with food information and lots of great recipes. These are all available from nutrition professionals who specialize in diabetes nutrition.

Here are a few great combinations to try, whether you have diabetes or not, to give you a more balanced approach to snacking.

Snacks with veggies and fruit:

• Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches: Sandwich 1 tsp of cream cheese between two cucumber slices (makes six sandwiches total). (80 calories, 1 g carb)
• Apple slices and nut butter: Slice half of a medium apple and dip in 1 tbsp peanut or other nut butter. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor. (150 calories, 15 g carb)
• Guacamole and raw veggies: dip raw veggie sticks (like cucumber, red bell pepper or radishes) in ¼ cup guacamole. (120 calories, 5 g carb)
• Fruit and cheese: Have one small piece of fruit (like a plum or clementine) with a string cheese. (110 calories, 9 g carb)
• Sweet cottage cheese: ½ cup cottage cheese topped with ¼ cup fruit such as berries, chopped pineapple or peaches. (100 calories, 8 g carb)

Snacks with protein:

• Hard-boiled egg: Prepare several hard-boiled eggs and store unpeeled in the fridge for a quick protein-packed snack. Optional: season with salt and pepper or hot sauce. (80 calories, 0 g carb)
• Hummus and raw veggies: Dip raw veggie sticks (like cucumber, red bell pepper or radishes) in ¼ cup hummus. (140 calories, 15 g carb)
• Savory yogurt parfait: Top ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt with ¼ cup chopped cucumber. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper. (120 calories, 5 g carb)
• Cucumber boats: Slice a small cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Fill one cucumber half with ½ cup tuna or chicken salad. (160 calories, 9 g carb)

Snacks with healthy fats:

• Avocado bowl: Top half an avocado with 1 to 2 tbsp salsa and 1 tsp shredded cheese — eat it right out of the avocado skin. (125 calories, 7 g carb)
• Green wrap: Spread ¼ of an avocado over a small (6-inch) whole-wheat tortilla. Top with a handful of fresh greens such as spinach or arugula and wrap tightly. (160 calories, 18 g carb)
• Celery and peanut butter: fill a few celery sticks with 1 tsp of peanut butter each.
• Trail mix: combine 1 tbsp each of pumpkin or sunflower seeds, chopped nuts and raisins or other dried fruit. (125 calories, 10 g carb)

Today I will leave you with this quote from Walt Whitman: "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you."

https://eu.coshoctontribune.com/story/news/local/coshocton-county/2023/02/26/how-to-snack-with-diabetes/69937354007/ 

Diabetes: Early detection and management of diabetic foot complications

From hindustantimes.com

Worldwide, every half minute one leg is lost due to diabetes. Here's all you need to know about the early detection and management of diabetic foot complications

Globally, millions of people battle the chronic illness of diabetes where a diabetic foot is one of the most prevalent complications of diabetes and if it is not identified and treated promptly, it can cause serious health issues. Pain, loss of function, redness, warmth and swelling are the 5 pillars of inflammation, which is the immediate response of body to injury and first step towards healing but long standing diabetic with poor inflammatory response and loss of sensation in both feet, there is no pain and no loss of function.

Hence, a sole injury goes unnoticed and gets complicated quickly because of repeated pressures and contact with dirt and this may lead to loss of limb and even life. In India the estimated diabetic patients are 87 million in the year 2021 and among them, 25% have risk of developing diabetic foot complications and 30% have serious infection which require hospitalization as the primary cause for foot infections is majorly due to diabetic neuropathy and vasculopathy but unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes and neuropathy where worldwide, every half minute one leg is lost due to diabetes.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Praveen Chandra Shetty, Podiatrics Surgeon at KMC Hospital in Mangalore, shared, “Prevention, needs understanding of management of under nourished, painless feet daily. In brief, avoid injury, look for any injury before sleeping and examine the footwear to prevent it being cause of injury. However small the injury is, clean it with antiseptic, cover with clean cloth, don’t bare weight on that part and don’t soil it in bathroom for 5 days. Consult a podiatrist if not improving.”

He recommended to follow these guidelines and save your foot, your life and your family:

• Don’t walk bare foot
• Examine the foot every night, if no injury apply moisturiser
• Examine the footwear every morning, clean it before wearing
• Avoid self-nail cutting, vigorous massage, scrubbing, hot water bath to the feet
• Measure your feet before buying a footwear/shoe, which should be slightly longer and wider than your foot
• Consult podiatrist if you are a diabetic

Dr Sandeep Reddy, Endocrinologist at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad's LB Nagar, revealed, “Diabetes patients who have diabetic foot experience nerve damage and reduced blood flow to their feet, which can result in infections, ulcers, and even amputations. The significance of early detection and management of diabetic foot complications will be covered in this article.”

Diabetes: Early detection and management of diabetic foot complications (Photo by Twitter/HealthProRadio)

He asserted, “Early detection is the first step in managing diabetic foot complications. It should inspect its feet on a regular basis for changes in skin colour or texture, blisters, sores, or cuts. They should also look for numbness or tingling in their feet, which could indicate nerve damage. Any of these signs or symptoms should make you seek emergency medical care. Early detection can aid in the prevention of foot ulcers, which can be difficult to treat and lead to infections and amputations.”

He suggested, “Foot ulcers can be avoided by keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing comfortable shoes, and avoiding wearing tight socks or stockings. Controlling blood sugar levels is also important to avoid nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the feet. Antibiotics for infections, wound care to promote healing, and, in some cases, surgery to remove infected tissue or prevent infection spread are all possible treatments. Complications should be evaluated by a foot specialist, such as a podiatrist, to ensure proper care and avoid future complications.”

He advised, “People with diabetic foot complications should seek medical attention as well as take steps to manage their condition at home. Finally, early detection and management of diabetic foot complications is critical for avoiding serious health issues such as infections and amputations. Diabetes patients should inspect their feet on a regular basis for any changes or symptoms, and seek medical attention immediately if any complications are discovered. People with diabetic foot complications can live healthy and active lives with proper care and management.”

Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Naveen Kumar HR, HOD and Senior Consultant, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital in Bengaluru, highlighted, “The risk of developing diabetic foot infections is common in individuals who has more than 10-year history of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy features. The incidence of diabetic foot infection (DFI) will start as small trivial injury to foot due to loss of sensation over sole and may progress to become chronic ulcers, spread of infection, deformity and ends up in losing toes and limbs. Therefore, in addition to controlling blood sugars, it is also most crucial to identify these high-risk individuals at initial stages and give proper care in order to avoid life and limb threating consequences.”

He pointed out, “With advanced technology, new gadgets and questionnaire program (NEUDIACAN) available it is possible now for health care professionals to identify at risk individuals who could be victim for diabetic foot infections (DFI). The principal cause for DFI is neuropathy which causes permanent damage of peripheral and autonomic nerves of legs and feet. This would result in loss of sensation over the sole which will be the first clue to develop and most often ignored or unnoticed by patients. Identifying these clues early in the disease is possible by using modern gadgets.”

He added, “The first gadget in this category is sensors integrated in footwear designed to assess the foot pressure over the sole while walking. The readings are recorded in computer data acquisition system (DAS) and the points with highest pressure can be identified which would result in ulcer formation if left untreated. The same principal used with other sensors which can pick up changes at sweat glands, vibration receptors and pain receptors level. The subtle changes in values at these receptors level would give clue about possibility of developing breakage in skin leading to ulcer formation. The next tool is NEUDIACAN. This is a DFI questionnaire screening instrument framed after considering many aspects of the disease and helps in detecting high risk individuals. This tool is most useful for patients who can visit hospital setup and analysed by trained nursing personnel.”

Insisting that the most advanced gadget in detecting DFI is FLIR camera integrated smartphones, he explained, “The advantage of non-invasive test, user friendly and availability has made these smart phones new tool in detecting early DFI. FLIR are infrared cameras helps in detecting the increase in temperature over the point of sole susceptible for ulcer formation. This would help in taking preventive measures and stop further progression of disease. The new advanced CAT s60 smart phones comes with built in infrared cameras which is patient friendly and will become important tool for diabetic patients who are at risk of developing DFI.”

He elaborated, “The management of DFI depends on presentation and severity of the disease. The early manifestation like callus, callosity, toe nail infection and minor ulcers can be treated on outpatient basis. However, the severe infections like gangrene of toes, limbs, osteomyelitis and deformity corrections need hospitalization. The preventive measures involve, foot hygiene, toe nail care, offloading of pressure points using total contact cast and customized foot wear. DFI management need multi-disciplinary care. The availability of new gadgets and screening tools helps to detect DFI at early stages and take preventive measures to stop the disease progression.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/diabetes-early-detection-and-management-of-diabetic-foot-complications-101677377875868.html 

Type 2 diabetes and physical activity

From blufftonicon.com

By Jay Salyer, APRN-CNP

Type 2 diabetes is an illness that interferes with the way in which your body utilizes blood sugar. The human body is made of trillions of cells (brain cells, muscle cells, skin cells, hair cells, etc.) and all of those cells need sugar to function properly. Sugar is transported to body cells with the help of the hormone insulin. If your body stops making insulin (type 1 diabetes) or stops responding to insulin appropriately (type 2 diabetes), sugar can elevate in the bloodstream rather than getting to the cells where it belongs. Insulin resistance, a major contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes, can be improved through regular physical activity, which dramatically improves diabetic control by reducing the amount of medication needed to treat the disease.

Benefits of activity 

Regular physical activity helps to prevent and/or improve a variety of chronic illnesses including heart disease, osteoporosis, various cancers, depression, anxiety, as well as type 2 diabetes. With a focus on diabetes, activity increases the effect of insulin within the body. Medications used to treat the disease are also more effective with regular activity. These improvements are not only witnessed during activity itself, but last for several hours following exercise completion. Additionally, long-standing increase in insulin sensitivity happens from increased muscle mass, reduction in fat tissues, and changes within the liver all of which, in turn, significantly improves blood sugar control.

Considerations before, during and after exercise

It is important for those with diabetes to consult with their healthcare team before engaging in strenuous activity to ensure safety. If deemed safe, individuals should maintain hydration with plenty of fluids before, during and after activity. It’s crucial to ensure they wear well-fitting shoes to prevent sores to feet. Monitoring of blood sugars before, during and after activity is also important, as fluctuation can be expected. It would be sensible to keep rapidly absorbed carbohydrates (juice, glucose tablets, etc.) on hand should low blood sugars occur, particularly for those using insulin. 

Choosing the right activity plan

Finding exercise that is enjoyable and interesting to the individual is crucial to help remain consistent with an activity regimen over time. Exercise can be broken into multiple categories including aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and stretching. Aerobic activities raise the heart rate and breathing and include swimming, walking, hiking, biking, rowing and running. Strengthening exercises grow and build your muscles and include weight lifting, exercise machines and exercise bands. Stretching helps muscles and joints move more freely.

If starting from a sedentary lifestyle, focusing on slow and steady improvements to activity habits can be less overwhelming. Think five to 10 minutes sessions for three to four days per week in the short term, building up to recommended 30 minutes per day, five to six days per week in the long term. Listen to your body when active and know your limits. Exercise does not have to be intense to provide benefits, as even a modest elevation in heart rate is shown to improve diabetic control.

In this new year, commit to a more active lifestyle enjoyed with friends, family or maybe even solo and see the benefits it provides to not only diabetes but overall wellness!

Physical activity can easily be completed in the comfort of your home or in an outdoor space. 

https://www.blufftonicon.com/news/2023/02/25/weekend-doctor-type-2-diabetes-and-physical-activity

Diabetes: Hair Loss & Other Health Issues That May Be Caused By Uncontrolled Blood Sugars

From ndtv.com

Keep reading as we discuss some health problems that diabetes might cause

Your blood glucose or blood sugar levels are too high if you have diabetes. You consume foods that contain glucose. A hormone called insulin facilitates the entry of glucose into your cells, where it provides energy. Having type 1 diabetes prevents your body from producing insulin. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body struggles to produce or utilise insulin. 

Insufficient insulin causes the glucose to remain in your blood. Diabetes or high blood sugar levels can affect other parts of your body and cause a variety of health issues. Read on as we share health issues that can be caused by diabetes.

Health issues that may be caused by diabetes:

1. Hair loss

Diabetes can inhibit the growth of hair. Also, having diabetes can result in you losing more hair than usual. Not just your head is affected by hair loss. Your arms, legs, and other body regions can also lose hair. The rate at which the hair regrows is slower than typical. Alopecia areata, a disease, is more common in those with type 1 diabetes.

2. Dental issues

Gum disease and other dental issues can result from high blood sugar levels in saliva because they encourage the growth of dangerous bacteria in the mouth. Plaque is created when the bacteria and food combine to produce a soft, sticky coating. Plaque can also result by consuming foods high in sugar or carbohydrate. Certain kinds of plaque contribute to foul breath and gum disease. Cavities and tooth decay are caused by other types.

3. Kidney diseases

Diabetes increases the risk of kidney illness (nephropathy) because it alters the kidneys' tiny blood capillaries. Up until an advanced stage, kidney disease has no symptoms and is painless. The screening process is crucial. By looking for microalbumin (extremely little levels of protein) in the urine at least once per year, kidney impairment can be detected early. Moreover, a blood test will be performed by your doctor to assess your kidney function.

4. Cardiovascular diseases

Heart attack, stroke, and blood vessel disease are all examples of cardiovascular illness. Those with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease because they frequently have higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Your risk is further increased by smoking, having a family history of cardiovascular disease, and being inactive.

5. Health issues in the feet

Every day, you should examine your feet. Diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet and lower the blood flow to certain areas. This means that foot injuries may not heal effectively and that you could not feel pain or an injury in your foot. Ulcers and infections may result from these issues. Basic precautions are crucial, such as keeping feet dry and clean to prevent infection, avoiding walking barefoot outside to prevent nicks and cuts, wearing comfortable shoes, etc.

6. Eye diseases

Over time, diabetes can harm your eyes, resulting in vision loss or possibly blindness. The good news is that diabetes management and routine eye exams can help prevent visual issues and halt their progression. Diabetes patients are susceptible to developing diabetic retinopathy, macular edoema (which typically occurs in conjunction with diabetic retinopathy), cataracts, and glaucoma. All of these conditions can cause vision loss, but early detection and treatment can greatly improve your chances of keeping your sight.

Understanding what other health issues diabetes can cause, can help you prevent them by making the correct lifestyle choices. 

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

https://www.ndtv.com/health/diabetes-hair-loss-other-health-issues-that-maybe-caused-by-uncontrolled-blood-sugars-3810707

Monitor Your Diabetes and Health Daily One Step at a Time

From dvidshub.net

If you have diabetes, monitoring your health can be a lot to manage: checking your blood sugar, making healthy food, finding time to be active, taking medicines, and going to doctor’s appointments. With all that, your feet might be the last thing on your mind.

“Poorly controlled diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels going to people’s feet,” said Dr. Daniel Lamar, an internal medicine specialist with the 56th Medical Group at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. “As a result, people can lose the sensation in their feet. This causes people to change the way they walk and may result in the development of sores on their feet that they don’t feel.”

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 11 percent of the U.S. population having the disease, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the National Institutes for Health, foot problems are common in people with diabetes. Checking and taking care of your feet every day can help lower your chances for diabetes-related foot problems. Managing your blood glucose levels can also help keep your feet healthy.

Due to nerve damage in feet, people can develop sores, which then can get infected and be very difficult to treat because of the damage to the blood vessels, according to Lamar. “The damaged blood vessels cause decreased blood flow which makes it hard for the immune system to respond and makes it difficult to get high levels of antibiotics to the area of infection. As a result, people can end up with amputations.”

When poorly controlled, Lamar notes that diabetes causes complications throughout the body. “It can damage all nerve cells including people’s retinas. Diabetes is the most common cause of nontraumatic amputations in the U.S, and is one of the two most common causes of people going on dialysis. It can also cause people to go blind.”

When Should You See the Doctor?

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away:
• Pain in your legs or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves
• Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet
• Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well
• A change in the shape of your feet over time
• Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs
• Dry, cracked skin on your feet
• A change in the colour and temperature of your feet
• Thickened, yellow toenails
• Fungus infections such as athlete’s foot between your toes

How to Keep your Feet Healthy

“Prevention is the best way to keep your feet healthy. Complications from diabetes are most associated with diabetes being poorly controlled. If a patient keeps their blood sugar under control, manages their weight, and has regular provider visits, it dramatically decreases the risk of long-term complications,” said Rachel Perkins Garner, a disease management nurse at Luke Air Force Base.

Tips to maintain your feet include:
• Check your feet every day for cuts, swelling and blisters.
• Wash your feet every day.
• Never go barefoot.
• Wear shoes that fit well.
• Trim your toenails.
• Get your feet checked with the doctor.

Not all Diabetes are the Same

There are two types of diabetes, each with its own set of causes and treatments:

• Type 1 diabetes: This is the rare form, making up about 5% of all diabetes. According to the CDC, Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. It is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

• Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type. “Type 2 diabetes is caused primarily by genetic factors and fat tissue,” said Dr. Lamar. “As people have more fat tissue, people with a genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes will have worsening insulin resistance.” Being overweight is a leading cause of Type 2 diabetes, and it keeps your body from using insulin properly. “Many patients with Type 2 diabetes can cure it with weight loss, but even if weight loss doesn’t cure a person’s diabetes, it will still make it easier to control,” Lamar said.
Lamar noted that if someone is not properly controlling their diabetes, they may be thirsty all the time and will urinate a lot. “People with poorly controlled diabetes feel generally poorly.”

Staying Healthy and Creating Lifestyle Change is Important

According to the CDC, eating healthy, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help control your diabetes.

With over 130,000 Department of Defence beneficiaries worldwide affected with diabetes, according to Perkins Garner, the Defence Health Agency sees an urgency in combatting this chronic disease.

One example of this is the DOD’s focus on promoting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The U.S. Air Force has adopted Lifestyle and Performance Medicine to keep their airmen healthy.

According to Perkins Garner, “Lifestyle medicine is an evidenced-based lifestyle therapeutic intervention which is based on six pillars: a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connections. These interventions practiced, can prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic disease, such as diabetes.”

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