Diabetic Supplies

2007-04-17 10:41:55

( Health )



Diabetes Mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycemia. There are two major types of diabetes mellitus, namely type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes mellitus, previously known as juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus, is due to decreased or absent insulin production. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes mellitus, previously known as adult-onset diabetes mellitus, is mainly due to insulin resistance, although it may also occur with decreased insulin production.

A number of complications tend to result from diabetes mellitus, especially when blood sugar levels are uncontrolled. These include retinopathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, autonomic dysfunction and lower extremity gangrene. Thus, in the management of diabetes mellitus, you should also watch out for these complications, and treat them when they occur.

If you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, your treatment will typically involve daily insulin injections around mealtimes. Insulin infusion pumps are also available. There are different kinds of insulin, and you should check with your physician which insulin is best for you. Research focusing on transplantation of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and closed-loop insulin pumps are currently underway. Type 2 diabetes may also be managed medically, initially with oral medications.

Patient education is crucial in treating diabetes. You will be advised to undergo lifestyle changes, such as dieting and exercising. Diets for diabetics are usually high in fiber and low in saturated fat and concentrated sweets. You should also decrease or totally eliminate your alcohol consumption, and quit smoking, since these are risk factors for diabetes. If you are overweight or obese, you will also need to start an exercise regimen. Regular exercise will also reduce the risk of diabetic complications, such as heart disease. However, if you already present with some diabetic complications, you may have to limit your exercise.

Monitoring your blood sugar level is important in the management of the disease. You can do this at home by using diabetic supplies, such as the fingerstick blood glucose testing kit. You take a drop of blood from your finger and place it on a strip, which you insert into a machine that determines your blood glucose level. This gives an estimate of your blood glucose levels, but is not entirely accurate. Some insurance companies pay for these diabetic supplies, so you can get them for a minimal amount.

Diabetic complications may also be prevented. You can undergo prophylactic photocoagulation to manage diabetic retinopathy. Avoidance of neurotoxins can help prevent diabetic neuropathy. Early detection of microalbuminuria may retard the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Lower extremity complications may be prevented if you wear the appropriate footwear and other orthostatic diabetic supplies. Daily inspection of the foot, good hygiene, callus management and nail care are also implemented.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.