Diabetes symptoms: Why toenails falling off may be a sign of dangerously high blood sugar

From express.co.uk

DIABETES affects almost five million Britons, but estimates say around 15 million more are "at-risk" for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can impact your feet and, in the most serious cases, result in amputation. What are the symptoms of diabetes in your feet?

Your nails can reveal a lot about your health, even before you start feeling unwell. Changes to your toenails can even be a warning sign of diabetes. Do you know the symptoms of diabetes to watch out for in your feet?

In the most serious cases, issues with your feet owing to diabetes could result in having your foot amputated. So, if you notice any warning signs, make sure to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Can toenails turning yellow and falling off be a symptom of diabetes?

Your finger and toenails are made of a substance called keratin and the state of your nails can reveal a lot about your overall health. Changes to your nails could even indicate the presence of a serious underlying health condition, such as diabetes, psoriasis or a thyroid condition.

Some people with diabetes find their nails can begin looking yellow. This can be a result of how diabetics break down sugar and how this affects the levels of collagen in your nails.

However, it can also be due to a fungal infection.

People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing an infection named onychomycosis.  Onychomycosis can cause your nails to turn yellow, become brittle and fall off.

Because diabetes can make it harder for cuts and wounds on your feet to heal, people with diabetes are urged to look after their feet, including trimming toenails and keeping them clean.

If a hardened yellow toenail was to cut into a person’s foot and the resulting wound did not heal, this could cause a bacterial infection which could ultimately lead to amputation. For this reason, you should see your doctor if you have constant yellowing toenails.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or told you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, don’t ignore the first signs of a nail infection. Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist who will be able to help you with anti-fungal treatments, to stop the infection from getting any worse.

Yellow nails can be a sign of underlying health conditions including diabetes (Image: Getty)

What are all the possible signs of diabetes in your feet?

People with diabetes should have a yearly check-up with the foot protection team. However, Diabetes UK recommends checking your feet every day, for any diabetes-related damage. Spotting the first signs of any issues could prevent a condition from worsening.

There are four symptoms considered “urgent”, these are:

• Your feet changing colour or shape
• Hot or cold feet
• Blisters or cuts you can see but can’t feel
• A strong smell coming from an open wound

If you have any of these, you should get medical help immediately, either from your doctor or your diabetic foot protection team. While waiting to speak to a medic, take the weight off your feet and keep them elevated.

If your normal doctor or foot protection team aren’t available, head to your nearest out-of-hours health centre. Leaving your foot problem untreated, can cause rapid decline and for some people put them at risk of losing their foot. So do not delay in seeking medical help.

In addition, the following 10 symptoms in your feet and lower legs could also be a warning sign for diabetics.

• Pins and needles
• A burning sensation
• Dull aches
• Shiny skin
• Hair loss on your legs or feet
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Feet not sweating
• Cuts or sores not healing
• Cramp in your calves

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your GP.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1510698/diabetes-symptoms-toenail-fall-off-blood-sugar-feet-evg?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-life-and-style-health-news+%28Daily+Express+%3A%3A+Life+%26+Style+Health+Feed%29

Eat pomegranate every day to prevent diabetes, arthritis, heart disease

From hindustantimes.com

• Pomegranate (anar) is known for its medicinal properties since time immemorial. Eat the fruit daily to boost your immunity and overall health

Pomegranate or anar, the fruit that lures with its shiny red tiny seeds that taste sweet and a little tart, is a storehouse of nutrition. Rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants and Vitamin C, pomegranate has been known for its medicinal properties since more than a thousand years. India is said to be one of the largest producers of pomegranates in the world. It is also grown in parts of the United States, Afghanistan, Russia, China, and Japan. 

Pomegranate is a storehouse of nutrients(Pixabay)

The red hue of the fruit that enhances it visual appeal is due to the presence of polyphenols that also act as powerful antioxidants. Pomegranate's anti-inflammatory properties can also benefit arthritis patients, according to studies, while its juice can help improve blood flow and prevents arteries from becoming stiff and thick. From controlling blood sugar level, blood pressure, boosting immunity, digestion, to enriching memory, pomegranate indeed in a wonder fruit that could prove to be a great addition to your daily diet.

Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar recently shared some amazing benefits of pomegranate on her Instagram page.

Take a look:

* Relieves excessive thirst and burning sensation.

* It is a good natural aphrodisiac and improves sperm count and semen quality (Shukrala).

* It undergoes digestion easily (laghu).

* It also has astringent taste which helps to relieve diarrhoea, IBS & ulcerative colitis.

* It improves intelligence, immunity and body strength (Medha balakara).

* It is good for heart and reduces hypertension and cholesterol (Hridya).

* It also has three times more antioxidants than red wine and green tea. Hence it is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods.

* It removes free radicals, protects cells from damage, and reduces inflammation.

* In addition to antioxidants, pomegranates are a good source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. One pomegranate supplies one-quarter of a day's worth of folate and one-third of your daily vitamin C.

* It helps reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar.

According to Ayurveda, sweet pomegranate is very effective in balancing tridosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha while sour pomegranate balances Vata and Kapha and increases Pitta.

If these benefits are not enough, here are more. Pomegranate gives you flawless skin, shiny hair and healthy gut.

Could you ask for anything better?

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/eat-pomegranate-daily-to-prevent-diabetes-arthritis-heart-disease-101635140661097.html

Type 2 diabetes symptoms: The warning sign on your neck that may signify too much insulin

From express.co.uk

DIABETES impacts around 4.9 million people in the UK, with 90 percent of those cases being type 2 diabetes. Though there are a number of common symptoms, some changes to your skin could also serve as a warning sign

Approximately six percent of the UK population, or one in every 16 people, are reported to have diabetes according to Diabetes.co.uk. The majority of these cases are type 2 diabetes. Although the condition has a number of common symptoms, there are also some lesser-known symptoms that could be an indication of the disease.

One such development that patients have been known to report are changes to the skin on their neck. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), darker areas of skin that begin to develop on the neck can be an early warning sign of "too much insulin in the blood". These patches of skin are also often "velvety" to the touch and appear in the creases of the neck.

Typically, they can be a warning sign of prediabetes. The medical name for this skin condition is acanthuses nigricans (AN).

Dry skin on the neck, often "velvety" or dark in colour, can be a sign of type 2 diabetes. (Image: Getty Images)

Signs of AN can also begin to present on the groin and armpits.

According to experts from HealthLine, this skin change is most commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and people with darker complexions. 

Should you notice this type of skin change, the AAD advise visiting your GP to get tested.

What are some other symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

There are a number of symptoms that undiagnosed sufferers of type 2 diabetes may notice.

According to the NHS, some of the most common include excessive thirst, frequent urination and tiredness.

Patients may also experience feelings of hunger more frequently than usual blurry vision, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

Some people with type 2 diabetes notice that cuts and wounds begin to heal slowly, and they can be susceptible to itching and test infection particularly around warm, moist areas of skin such as the mouth or armpits.

Type 2 diabetes can also increase your risk of developing serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves over time.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes (Image: DX / getty)

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Type 2 diabetes can be managed in a number of ways, both with medicines and lifestyle changes.

Management of type 2 diabetes can include healthy eating and dietary changes, regular exercise and weight loss. 

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe your diabetes medication or insulin therapy. Many people with type 2 diabetes also regularly undergo blood sugar monitoring.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1510619/Diabetes-type-2-skin-neck-symptoms-evg

Your ‘Digital Twin’ Could Help Control Type 2 Diabetes

From verywellhealth.com

Key Takeaways

• An AI-driven system that collects sensor data, lab data, and patient feedback may be able to greatly improve the health of people with type 2 diabetes.
• Taken together, the data from the system allows healthcare coaches and providers to make specific recommendations for a patient.
• Preliminary results from an ongoing clinical trial found that some patients were able to come off anti-diabetes medications within four months of using the "digital twin" system.

Devlin Donaldson, 64, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2015. His employer’s insurance company contacted him in early 2020 about a new, personalized system that could help manage his condition, but he didn’t believe anything could help him get his diabetes under control.

“I was kind of losing hope,” Donaldson tells Verywell. “I had decided that I was never going to get my arms around this and figure out exactly what I needed to do or how to do it. Managing diabetes seems ongoing, never-ending, and without a lot of up-side.”

Still, he gave the system, called Whole Body Digital Twin, a try.

“I was told I had a chance to heal my body. There was a chance I could reverse this,” Donaldson says. “I was hooked.”

Digital twin technology, or software replicas of patients, is a relatively new concept in medicine. Using information ranging from age and weight to activity levels and smoking status, a digital twin can help predict a patient’s response to a new prescription, or map out what lifestyle changes would best control, reverse, or prevent chronic conditions.

Twin Health

Whole Body Digital Twin is specifically designed to create a representation of person’s metabolism via an app-based tool. Thanks to a combination of blood tests, biometric data, and patient-provided information, the app allows healthcare providers to recommend various adjustments to diabetic patients.

The level of precision seems to be able to control—and even reverse—type 2 diabetes.

When he started using the digital twin, Donaldson had an A1C level of 10.1%—well above the threshold needed to be considered diabetic. He was using several medications in an attempt to keep his diabetes under control. But at the 180-day mark of using the system, his A1C level was 6%, and he was taken off all his medications. He has lost about 50 pounds. The waist size on his pants has gone from 42 inches to 34, he says.

“It’s not a hard program for me to stick with because I’m seeing results,” Donaldson says.

He’s not the only one. An interim analysis of an ongoing control trial of Whole Body Digital Twin in 33 people found that 13 patients lowered their haemoglobin A1C levels to below 5.7%—a level considered normal—after four months using the system. Nineteen others lowered their A1C levels to below 6.4%—a level indicative of prediabetes rather than diabetes.

Twelve patients who had been using oral diabetes medication were able to stop using them. Two patients using insulin no longer need it after 90 days.

How Does It Work?

Thanks to five wearable sensors, the Whole Body Digital Twin system collects 3,000 data points per day on each person with a digital twin. Information is collected via:

• An activity monitor that tracks steps and sleep
• A continuous blood glucose monitor
• A blood pressure cuff
• A scale that measures body weight and body composition
• A ketone meter

The data are sent to an app where patients enter information and answer questions about their diet, lifestyle, and activity. A person’s lab results can also be included.

“By taking all of that data in we can build a replica of a person's metabolic state," Lisa Shah, MD, chief medical officer of Twin Health, the company behind Whole Body Digital Twin, tells Verywell. “We’re continuously monitoring their metabolism, and because we can continuously monitor it, we can see the changes that demonstrate the healing process.”

Based on the data collected, a coach provided by Whole Body Digital Twin is able to make recommendations and create interventions across five key areas: nutrition, medication, sleep, activity, and breathing.

“Our health coach is partnered with members and spends a lot of time just learning about what they love in life, what they enjoy, what makes them happy,” Shah says. “Because if we make recommendations that are going to make them miserable, they’re never going to do it.”

Shah says both her parents are using Whole Body Digital Twin after 32 years with diabetes. Both now have normal blood glucose levels and have controlled their high blood pressure.

For Donaldson, setting up the system was the most challenging part. He says that it took him a day or two to get used to using the app and the Bluetooth-enabled equipment. He logs in what he eats each day, how much water he drinks, and other information into the app, but the app also gives him feedback.

“I probably check it every hour or so,” he says. He credits the support from his coach with helping him believe he could reverse his diabetes.

Clinical Trials Underway

A four-centre clinical trial of the Whole Body Digital Twin is underway, Shah says. The study will run for several years and is the one that the interim paper is based on. Another clinical trial is about to begin at single medical centre, she adds.

Because the Whole Body Digital Twin system uses sensor technologies and devices like activity monitors and body weight scales that have already received approval, it does not need approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), she says.

Twin Health is already working with two insurance companies to offer the system to patients with type 2 diabetes. They expect that insurance companies or employers will pay the costs of the system, rather than patients. About 5,000 people are now using the Whole Body Digital Twin.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-digital-twin-5206096

Dr. Roach: What’s next for overmedicated diabetic?

From eu.detroitnews.com

Dear Dr. Roach: About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and began years of increasing numbers of medications and higher doses, until all but one is maxed out. The Jardiance, metformin and Rybelsus I take are at their max doses, and the Tresiba is close.

About six months ago, my doctor decided to find out how much insulin my body makes. It turns out I make adequate insulin but I’m insulin resistant. I can find little about this. My doctor is treating me the same with the same lack of results. My BMI is north of 40. Of course, I know I need to lose weight but have not been successful at it.

— N.V.P.

Dear N.V.P.: Type 2 diabetes is a disease of insulin resistance. Most people with Type 2 diabetes, at least early on in the disease, are able to make normal amounts of insulin; in fact, insulin levels tend to be higher than normal, because of the resistance to insulin. However, people with Type 2 eventually are unable to make insulin fast enough to bring the blood sugar down, especially after a meal. This combination of insulin resistance and inability to quickly make large amounts of insulin causes the blood sugar to rise. The high blood sugars are the predominant, but not only, way that complications arise from diabetes.

Your doctor has you on four medicines to try to help bring your blood sugar down. Empagliflozin (Jardiance) works by preventing your kidneys from absorbing all the blood glucose, so you literally lose blood sugar into the urine. The increase in urine infections is smaller than one might expect: about 2% more infections. Metformin works predominantly by preventing the liver from making sugar. Both of these therapies reduce the amount of insulin your body needs to make.

Semaglutide (Rybelsus and others) blocks a protein called GLP-1. This has several effects, including increasing insulin secretion, slowing stomach emptying (which slows sugar absorption and allows the body time to make more insulin), reducing the anti-insulin hormone glucagon, and promoting weight loss, largely through making people less hungry. Weight loss with the injection form of this medicine at higher doses (2.4 mg per week) can be impressive.

Degludec insulin (Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting insulin. I’m not sure what you mean about the dose being near the maximum. Insulin can be prescribed at very high levels if needed. I have had patients on greater than 200 units a day.

There is a class of drugs you are NOT taking. This class (the TZDs, such as pioglitazone) works primarily by reducing insulin resistance. They are not often prescribed due to concerns about heart failure, and because they may cause or worsen weight gain.

Honestly, I am not sure more medication is right for you. Even a moderate increase in your exercise combined with a little less food (especially less sugars/starch) will have a significant impact on your blood sugar. Working with a nutritionist and a diabetes educator can be very helpful. If you really can’t successfully make changes to your food intake or exercise, it would be worth considering bariatric surgery, which has powerful effects on blood sugar control, often bringing blood sugar down so much that no medicines are necessary to control the diabetes.

https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/life/advice/2021/10/21/dr-roach-next-overmedicated-diabetic/119066248/

'I Ate A Mostly Vegan Diet And Did Strength Training To Lose 45 Pounds After A Prediabetes Diagnosis'

 From womenshealthmag.com

"The first 10 pounds melted right off."

My name is Yanel Mayorga (@shewolf_getsfit), but everyone calls me Nelly. I am 30 years old, and I am from Long Beach, California. I am a full-time wedding and maternity photographer. After learning I was at risk of diabetes, I decided to eat a vegan diet overnight and strength train to weight loss. I lost 45 pounds in the process.

I have always been overweight and that's pretty much been my biggest insecurity. In a nutshell, I associated my potential with my weight, and I used my weight as an excuse as to why I was living a mediocre life. My unhappiness with my weight was my life story because I let it be.

Back in 2016, I went to the doctor because I was dealing with insomnia. I found out I weighed 286 pounds that day, and was diagnosed with depression and high-blood pressure. My blood work came back indicating that I was prediabetic, which was a nightmare come true. Diabetes and heart disease run in my family, and I was really upset about it.

That doctor's appointment in 2016 was the wake-up call I needed.

When I was a teenager, my uncle lived with us, and he passed from diabetes complications. It was one of the most difficult experiences to helplessly witness his body shut down while his spirit was very much alive and know it could have been prevented had he prioritized his health. That doctor's visit made me re-evaluate my priorities and make the first step. I literally went home, watched Unsupersize Me (a weight loss-focused series) on YouTube, did a bunch of research, and made the decision that I would put effort into making better choices.

I cleaned out my kitchen and fridge, went grocery shopping, and added healthier, more nutritious foods to my diet. The first 10 pounds melted right off.

I still eat mostly vegan, except this year I started experimenting with fish every now and then. I avoid added sugars, processed foods, and gluten. However, I am not restrictive. I choose to live healthy because it makes me feel good. I just eat what makes my body feel good because that’s really the ultimate goal.

Here’s what I eat in a day now.

Breakfast: I practice intermittent fasting almost naturally, so most days I don't eat breakfast unless I am training early. If I am training early, I eat a banana and a cold brew coffee with oat milk. Or I make a smoothie with half an apple, half a banana, ¼ cup of oats blended in 8 oz. of water, with a dash of cinnamon. It’s delicious and filling, but not too filling.

Snack: Mixed nuts and a can of heart of palms or fruit.

Lunch: Protein shake with frozen mango, frozen pineapple, nut butter, vanilla protein powder, and spinach.

Snack: Cucumber with lemon and tajin.

Dinner: A voluminous salad with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, pumpkin seeds, green beans, and a protein like salmon, tofu, or a black bean burger.

Dessert: Frozen mango.

For exercise, I started going on long walks when I first started.

Eventually I started going to the gym to do 30 minutes of walking on an incline on the treadmill.

Now, I do extensive workouts five to six times a week. I do 30 minutes of cardio, and then weight lift for 45 minutes. I really am having a lot of fun at the gym. I’m enjoying seeing how far I can push my body and how much stronger I am getting. The physical results aren’t bad either, but the gym is really a place where I’m proving to myself that I can push further than I think.

These three changes made my weight loss journey a success.

I changed my inner dialogue. I used to really beat myself up about my weight and my choices. I really used to believe that if I was thinner, my life would be better. Now, anything I do is because I love myself. If I’m having a self loathing moment, I look at photos of how far I’ve come. I list things that I like about myself, or say a prayer of gratitude for my journey. It’s really about turning your inner dialogue into something that’s going to support your goals.

I started believing that there is space in the fitness world for me. I used to believe that the gym wasn’t for me because I was not fit. I know that sounds bizarre, but it’s true. The gym gave me anxiety sometimes, and I used to believe that people in there were judging me or looking at me. When I started my fitness page, it was a way to keep myself accountable. As it began to grow, it allowed me to connect with others like me. It allowed me to create a space within the fitness community for myself, but also allowed me to prove to myself that fitness is for me.

I allowed myself to succeed. This is the most recent change I have made. In the past I would lose weight, gain momentum, and then when I began to see progress, I would unconsciously self-sabotage. I don’t know why, it was like my brain would not allow me to succeed. I no longer fear success, and I welcome it.

I have lost 45 pounds since my highest weight. I had gained some weight during quarantine, but lost it again (and then some).

Weight loss has been a bonus in my fitness journey. I began with the goal to lose weight, but I have learned so much about myself, who I am, and what I can accomplish if I get out of my own way. It really is about treating yourself with the utmost respect, rooting for yourself harder than anyone, and allowing yourself to have whatever you want. Once you change your mindset, you can do everything.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a37897045/vegan-diet-strength-training-prediabetes-weight-loss-success-story/

Watch Out For Black Toenail Fungus

By Mark M Morris

Black Toenail Fungus is an infection that envelops the nails of your toes. When you suffer from this fungal infection, the natural colour of your toes changes form white/off-white to black.

Even before you start to panic, ensure that you are consuming a nutrient dense diet. It could also be a resultant of a recent nail polish that you used on your toe nails.

It is best to wait and watch your fungus black toenail for a week to see if it changes back to its original colour or not. If it remains the same or deteriorates, it is time to take action.

What does it Mean when Toenail Fungus Turns Black?

There could be a myriad of reasons behind your fungal infection. Here are a few common reasons for the same:

>>> Your Organs are Not Functioning Well Enough: This is undoubtedly the first tell-tale sign of such a fungal infection. It is highly likely that your toes are turning black because you are a diabetic or your kidneys are not functioning optimally. An underlying heart disease or aneamia is also a cause for the same.

>>> You Have Suffered an Injury: If your toe has been recently injured then, it is highly likely that your toe shall turn black in colour. When you hit your toe on a hard surface, the blood vessels underneath your nail tend to rupture. This leads to blood loss and discolours your nail (black fungus under toenail).

>>> Covid 19 Infection: It has been reported that men and women that have suffered viral infection (covid 19) suffer from fungal infection in their toes.

>>> You Often Suffer from Wet Feet Syndrome: If you are habitual of wearing socks on wet feet or you refrain from drying them, fungal infection sets in. Moreover, if you stay in a warm climate that has high humidity levels, you may develop fungal infection in your toes.

>>> Skin Cancer: This is also a reason why your toe nails are turning black in color. The lack of optimal pigmentation caused by skin cancer leads to this phenomenon.

How to Cure Black Toenail Fungus?

The cure to black fungus under toenail differs from one individual to another and is based on the causes behind this phenomenon. Here is how I can explain this:

>>> In case you have suffered an injury and your toe has turned black then, there is nothing much to worry. Your blood vessels shall heal over time and your toe shall regain its original color.

>>> If you have an underlying medical condition then, you might have to get yourself analyzed by a trained medical examiner. He or she shall reveal the next course of action to improve your current fungal infection.

>>> If you suffer from a severe condition then, you might need to opt for 'over the counter' fungal medicines. Use of these medicines as well as topical ointments may also help.

Home Remedies for Black Toenail

>>> Cold Compress: You can try and compress your injured toe or black colored toe in a small plastic bag containing crushed ice cubes. You can apply this ice pack for 20 minutes, twice a day for best results.

>>> No Movement: You should avoid walking, running, jogging or indulging in rigorous physical activity. If you do need to move, be careful on your foot.

>>> Over the Counter Nail Fungal Medications: If your black toenail tends to pain then, you could opt for ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen. Taking these shall reduce the swelling and ease your pain. Lamisil is also a good OTC medicine to treat black toenail fungus.

>>> Soak Your Foot in Vinegar: In two mugs full of water pour one mug filled with vinegar. You need to use water that has a temperature higher than normal room temperature. Soak your foot for 20 minutes before drying your feet. You can repeat this process 2 to 3 times daily.

>>> The Shoe & Sock Quality: To avoid black toenail fungus from doing further damage to your nails, wear socks that absorb sweat. You should also wear a shoe that is a size larger than your normal one. This shall avoid your toe from rubbing when you walk/run/play.

>>> Wear Protective Gear: It is a good idea to cover your black coloured nail with toe caps. Over this, you should wear a pair of thick socks to offer more protection.

>>> Use Anti-Fungal Cream: Urea 40+ and Lotrimin AF are two ointments that help cure your fungal infection. Medicated nail polish is also a wise option.

Conclusion:

Your toenail tends to collect debris, which causes fungal infection. Discoloration of nails (yellow, black, pale yellow) is a clear sign that your toe is infected. Your nail may emit foul odour or your nail might become brittle. So, always keep your toes clean and dry. You can also take herbal pills that improve nail health and kill toenail fungus naturally.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Black-Toenail-Fungus---Best-Way-to-Get-Rid-of-Toenail-Fungus&id=10511865