Diabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon condition characterized by constant thirst and excessive clear, odorless urine production. Every day, the average person excretes between 1-2 quarts of urine. Diabetes insipidus patients may urinate between 3-20 quarts per day. The most prevalent forms of this illness are central diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and diabetes insipidus caused by pregnancy.
This post is here to shed light on diabetes insipidus treatment. In this article, we intend to discuss important aspects of the disease process, including the causes, diagnosis, and types of diabetes insipidus. Moreover, the article also highlights diabetes insipidus natural treatment.
Before moving toward diabetes insipidus treatment, let’s first explore the disease’s causes, symptoms, and diagnosis.
Diabetes insipidus is a metabolic condition characterized by a total or partial failure to concentrate urine, causing the body to produce excessively diluted urine. It may be caused by a deficiency of arginine vasopressin (AVP) or antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The hormone is produced by the brain and secreted by the posterior pituitary. Resistance to the hormonal action in the renal collecting ducts also results in DI.
Diabetes insipidus occurs when the hormone vasopressin does not function properly. AVP can significantly regulate the amount of fluid in the body. The portion of the brain responsible for producing this hormone is known as the hypothalamus. The AVP is stored in the pituitary gland until it is required. When the body’s water level becomes dangerously low, the pituitary gland begins to secrete AVP. It achieves its role of concentrating urine by decreasing the amount of water flushed out of the body by the kidneys. This increases the kidneys’ urine concentration.
Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition in which the body loses excessive water because the kidneys cannot produce sufficiently concentrated urine due to a lack of AVP production. AVP medication will be effective on the kidneys and forms an important part of diabetes insipidus treatment. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is the form of diabetes insipidus caused by this disease. People feel thirsty because their bodies are attempting to get them to drink more water to compensate for the additional water they are losing.
The below signs and symptoms are associated with central or partial diabetes insipidus:
Central Diabetes Insipidus
It can be inherited or caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland that produces or stores hormones. A head injury, surgery, or disease like a tumor can cause damage. An insufficient response to the hormone desmopressin is one of the hallmarks of partial diabetes insipidus.
Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Also known as primary polydipsia, this type of DI is characterized by excessive urine production due to excessive fluid intake. It may result from injury to the hypothalamus, which regulates thirst, or mental health issues like schizophrenia.
Gestational Diabetes Insipidus
This type of DI only occurs during pregnancy. An enzyme produced by the placenta prevents or inhibits the breakdown of ADH in a pregnant woman.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
It is caused by a kidney issue that prevents ADH from functioning properly. A kidney defect can be inherited, caused by a long-term problem with the kidneys, or caused by drugs such as antiviral medications.
If a patient presents with central or partial diabetes insipidus symptoms, which typically include increased thirst and urination, clinicians have many diagnostic methods at their disposal, including:
Blood Test: Diagnosing diabetes insipidus requires the results of a blood test that examines for salt and other minerals.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The brain’s imaging can determine if the symptoms are caused by hypothalamic or pituitary gland dysfunction. These glands are involved in producing and storing antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Stimulation Test: Fluids are administered intravenously that stimulate the body to produce more ADH. Then, blood tests are performed to determine if the symptoms are due to diabetes insipidus or primary polydipsia, which is excessive drinking.
Urinalysis: The urine test determines if there is excessive water in the urine. The test can also determine if excessive thirst and urination are caused by diabetes mellitus (dysregulation of blood sugar) or diabetes insipidus by measuring the quantity of glucose in the urine.
The most common diabetes insipidus treatment is to drink enough fluids to compensate for dehydration caused by excessive urine production. Depending on the underlying cause, an endocrinologist may also be able to recommend various diabetes insipidus treatment options.
Since the body cannot produce enough ADH, the hormone Desmopressin can be given to treat central diabetic insipidus. This hormone can be administered via nasal spray, tablet, or injection, according to the patient’s preference.
Primary polydipsia, also known as dipsogenic diabetic insipidus, cannot be treated with medication. Practitioners may recommend chewing gum, consuming ice chips, or sucking on sugar-free candies as diabetes insipidus treatment to quench thirst and maintain a moist mouth. A little dose of desmopressin taken before bed can lessen the frequency of getting up at night due to the urge to pass urine.
Desmopressin is a safe medication that can be used to treat gestational diabetes insipidus during pregnancy. Usually, the symptoms disappear following the baby’s birth, but they can return in the next pregnancy.
Diabetes insipidus treatment to treat nephrogenic diabetes is based on altering your intake of calcium and potassium or replacing the medications causing it. Your physician may also recommend taking painkillers or thiazide-based water tablets.
If you have diabetes insipidus, you must take medication and consume lots of water daily to prevent dehydration.
Regular water intake forms a crucial part of diabetes insipidus natural treatment.
Another important consideration is reducing your sallt and protein intake. It helps in reducing urine production by your kidneys. It is also vital to consult with a health expert before making significant dietary changes.
See Also: Type 1 Diabetes and Life Expectancy
Even though diabetes insipidus is typically a disorder that lasts a person’s entire life, most people can live a very normal life as long as they monitor their condition and fluid intake. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration are two of the most significant complications necessitating the prompt diabetes insipidus treatment.
In the worst situations, severe dehydration can induce confusion, nausea, fainting, seizures, and even death if it is not treated or detected promptly. People with diabetes insipidus should always consume lots of fluids to compensate for their excessive urine production. Those with diabetes insipidus who experience dizziness or confusion should not hesitate to visit the hospital immediately.
Family Medicine Austin has a team of diabetes specialists who provide comprehensive care. We equip our patients with the means to take charge of their health by acting as advisors and providing individualized treatment plans.
Schedule your appointment with Family Medicine Austin if you have any queries regarding diabetes insipidus treatment or if you suspect you have diabetes.
Most people are in a state of shock when first given a diabetes diagnosis, regardless of whether it is type 1 diabetes or they are concerned with the life expectancy associated with any other diabetes type. However, having a diabetes diagnosis and being curious about its life expectancy doesn’t stop you from living a “normal” life. Many people who are diagnosed with diabetes go on to have a variety of experiences. The majority of patients receive excellent care from their doctor and the rest of the medical staff, but some claim they were only handed some pills and asked to continue their treatment. If this occurs to you, make sure your doctor makes time to talk to you about your illness or suggests another provider who can respond to your questions more effectively.
In the United States, 34.2 million individuals of all ages, or nearly 1 in 10, have diabetes. A little less than 3% of all individuals in the United States, or around 7.3 million people, are ignorant that they have diabetes. As people get older, more people are getting diabetes diagnoses. About 1 in 4 people (about 26% of those over 65) has diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition of metabolism in which your body produces more sugar or glucose than usual. The word “hyperglycemia” is used to indicate an abundance of glucose in your blood. Blood sugar levels that are too high can be extremely harmful, which could affect life expectancy associated with diabetes, endangering your organs severely and raising your chance of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease.
The hormone insulin controls blood sugar levels by regulating the body’s ability to convert glucose into energy.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune response targets the cells that make insulin, preventing the body from using blood glucose for energy.
In type 2 diabetes, the system either produces insufficient insulin or the body’s cells become insensitive, and this is what is called insulin resistance.
Diabetes was present in 37.3 million Americans in 2019, or 11.3% of the population. Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 1.9 million Americans, including around 244,000 children and teens. The life expectancy of people with type 1 diabetes has historically been reported to be shortened by more than 20 years.
However, advances in diabetes management over the past few decades suggest that those with type 1 diabetes now live noticeably longer.
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels over time can result in a number of short-and long-term consequences.
These consist of:
Those with type 1 diabetes are more likely than those with type 2 to get it earlier in life. As a result, people often live longer with the illness and its associated problems. Recent studies have also demonstrated that diabetes complications are now better managed and the illness is now simpler to identify sooner thanks to technological developments and innovations in diabetes treatment.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes frequently develops more slowly. As a result, type 2 diabetes (and other kinds of diabetes) may not be discovered in patients until years after they first exhibit symptoms. However, type 2 diabetes may only be discovered after other health issues start to show symptoms.
Each year, people with diabetes should have a number of significant health examinations. It is crucial that these examinations be performed once a year. Children under the age of 12 are an exception, as they often do not require testing for retinopathy (eye disease), nephropathy (kidney damage), or neuropathy (nerve damage).
Diabetes of type 1 is an immune system disorder with a hereditary component. Traditional therapies cannot reverse this form of diabetes. To survive, you need insulin all the time in your life to increase the life expectancy associated with diabetes of type 1. In general, you must see your physician at least every three to four months if you are receiving insulin injections for your condition. If you are taking medication or controlling your diabetes with food, you should see a doctor at least every four to six months. If your blood glucose is not under control or if diabetes problems are getting worse, you might need to see your doctor more frequently.
Acid reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a condition in which the contents of the stomach retrograde through the esophageal sphincter back up into the esophagus. Along with food, the stomach contains enzymes and acids which cause a burning sensation in the esophageal walls.
Normally, a band of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes to let food and liquid pass through to the stomach. It then contracts and closes to ensure the contents of the stomach remain contained within the muscular bag. Sometimes, abnormal relaxation or weakening of the LES can allow regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus, causing inflammation and erosion of the esophageal lining. This is called acid reflux/GER and commonly feels like heartburn.
Many people experience mild acid reflux sometimes. However, if you experience it multiple times a week, you might have GERD. GER disease (GERD) is a long-lasting condition of acid reflux, producing frequent symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. GERD is one of the most commonly diagnosed GI disorders in the US, affecting approximately 20% of people in America. The risk for GERD increases with high alcohol consumption, lower socioeconomic status, age >50, and more importantly, type 2 diabetes.
If you experience these symptoms regularly, you should consult a doctor. Your doctor may be able to diagnose you through a description of your symptoms or an endoscopy. Self-medication through PPIs can lead to an increased risk of diabetes.
Diabetes is extremely common in the developed world, with 1 in 10 people in the US diagnosed with the disease. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood sugar. In type 2 diabetes, the cells of the body become resistant to insulin, a hormone that allows the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for storage. Consequently, glucose circulates in the blood, and chronic high blood glucose level results in complications of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.
For this discussion, the most important complications of diabetes mellitus are vascular damage and neuropathy (damage to nerves).
The hallmark symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination, hunger, and thirst.
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor for a timely diagnosis. A fasting blood sugar test is performed. A confirmed diagnosis of diabetes shows a fasting blood sugar exceeding 125 mg/dL on two separate tests.
An estimated one-fifth of the American population suffers from acid reflux, and the numbers are on the rise. GERD is an economic burden on the country, with the total cost for treatment exceeding $12 billion. With 10.5% of the US population also suffering from diabetes and a national cost of $327 billion, it is important to study the established relationship between the two disorders to further discuss the management and treatment options.
Acid reflux/GERD and diabetes are linked in a few ways.
Overweight individuals are 50% more likely to develop GERD. The abundance of fat in the abdominal area may inflict mechanical pressure on the stomach, causing it to reflux its contents into the esophagus. Obesity also increases the chances of hiatal hernia and an amplified gastroesophageal pressure gradient, providing the perfect scenario for acid reflux to occur.
We know that patients with diabetes tend to be overweight or obese. Thus, it makes sense for overweight diabetic patients to also frequently experience acid reflux.
The likelihood and coincidence of these disorders cannot just be attributed to obesity. According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, individuals with diabetes mellitus are at greater risk of GERD than non-diabetic individuals. Some studies have also found that 40% of diabetic individuals also suffer from GERD, regardless of weight. This indicates a more direct connection between diabetes and acid reflux.
Studies suggest that diabetic neuropathy – nerve damage due to high blood sugar – accounts for GERD symptoms in diabetics. Although nerve damage commonly occurs in the legs and feet, it can also occur in the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve regulates many parasympathetic functions in your body – functions that you cannot consciously control. These include heart rate, digestion, and immunity, amongst others.
Damage to the vagus nerve impairs GI function, including esophageal, stomach, and intestinal actions. Abnormal relaxation and contraction of the LES can directly lead to acid reflux and symptoms of GERD. In addition, impairment of the pyloric sphincter (between the stomach and intestine) causes delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis). Prolonged retention of gastric contents increases the likelihood of acid reflux. Barring acid reflux, gastroparesis produces other symptoms of GERD like heartburn, nausea, bloating, and early satiety.
High blood glucose is a silent killer, having several adverse effects on the body before diabetes is even diagnosed. Not only does high blood glucose damage nerves, but it can also damage the vascular tissue that it circulates in. This can lead to GI tissue damage, including the esophagus and LES, increasing chances for acid reflux and regurgitation.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of antacids prescribed to treat acid reflux. The stomach releases acids to create a low pH for optimal activity of the digestive enzymes it releases. PPIs inhibit the release of excessive acid to curtail the consequent symptoms of GER. PPIs are amongst the top ten most used drugs in the world since they are used in the treatment of a wide array of GI issues such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers, and indigestion.
Although an effective drug for GER, studies have shown that prolonged use of PPIs increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 24%. Thus, it is not recommended to unnecessarily prescribe PPIs, especially for long-term use. Based on these findings, doctors should also recommend users of PPIs regularly get screened for diabetes.
Although genetic predisposition plays a major role in our health, we can control the food we eat and the activities we partake in. Both diabetes and GERD have a high prevalence in the obese and sedentary population of the world. So, to prevent the unpleasant symptoms of acid reflux and the uncomfortable limitations of diabetes, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. Half an hour of daily physical activity and a balanced diet saturated with natural and organic foodstuff will protect you from most modern diseases.
Studies have proven a distinct relationship between diabetes and acid reflux. If you regularly experience acid reflux and have been using PPIs for the past two years, you should get screened for diabetes immediately. Conversely, if you are a diagnosed patient with diabetes and experience regular GER symptoms, you should consult your doctor to rule out diabetic neuropathy.
Family Medicine Austin houses excellent diagnostic, management, and treatment facilities with expert medical teams to guide you on your health concerns. Head over to our blog post section to read more or contact us today to avail of our services.
Bacteria invade your skin when it is damaged or cracked. Scrapes, burns, surgeries, fungal infections, and other factors can all cause skin breaks. Bacteria can enter even if the breach in the skin is just too small to see. Cellulitis can impact any area of the body, although it is most commonly found in the limbs. It typically manifests as red patches, soreness, swelling, and burning, and it can also result in a fever. Cellulitis and diabetics are more relatable when it comes to diabetes; and are more common in the summer, probably because the heat produces greater perspiration and swelling, resulting in skin irregularities. If you feel you have cellulitis, see your doctor as soon as possible.
If microorganisms enter the layers of skin, anybody can have a potentially severe skin infection. Certain factors, however, increase your chances of acquiring cellulitis even more worse in the case of diabetes.
Cellulitis symptoms include swelling, redness, soreness, and tenderness in the afflicted region. Blisters, shivers, fevers, and nausea are also common. Antibiotics can be used to treat cellulitis. However, if left untreated, the bacteria can affect the blood system and prove fatal. Although cellulitis is not always prevented, recognizing its causes and consequences may reduce your chances of contracting this infection.
The immune response is the mechanism through which the body manages infection. When the immune system is weakened, the ability to regulate infection is reduced, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause damage. People with weakened immune systems, such as those affected by cancer, HIV/AIDS, or even certain drugs, should take extra care to keep their skin clean in order to avoid cellulitis; especially cellulitis in diabetes. For example, one basic step to take is to keep the crevices between the toes dry and clear of infection. Cleansing scratches with soap and warm water, applying moisturizer to dry skin, and cleaning your hands frequently are some methods to practice excellent skin hygiene.
Whether you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop cellulitis in diabetes in two ways. The first is connected to diabetic problems. Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is a frequent diabetic consequence that causes you to lose feeling, particularly in your feet. This implies that if you have a leg injury or diabetic leg cellulitis, you may well not recognize it – which makes it difficult to treat effectively, allowing bacteria to enter.
The second way diabetes raises the risk of cellulitis is that elevated blood sugar, which is a characteristic of diabetes, impairs immune function, allowing bacterium and other infectious microbes to proliferate.
If you have diabetes, you may help prevent yourself from cellulitis by always wearing comfortable shoes and protective gloves when appropriate. You should also keep an eye out for any indications of illness. Therefore, patients with diabetes (chances of cellulitis), especially, should seek medical attention if they do not notice symptoms of wound repair in a day or two.
Pre-existing skin problems like athlete’s foot allow skin germs to reach greater depths of the skin and produce infection. The athlete’s foot is distinguished by blistering, cracking, or peeling skin beneath your foot, which allows germs to enter the skin and the tissues beneath it. Cellulitis other than in diabetes, is also more likely if you have eczema. The skin condition indicates that your skin’s barrier has been damaged, but you may have more germs on your skin than usual, both of which might lead to infection.
Lymphedema is a chronic disorder that causes swelling. It impairs the lymphatic system, which is critical in assisting your body in fighting sickness. Lymphatic fluid, which transports anti-infection white blood cells, accumulates in the legs and arms. This condition increases your chances of acquiring cellulitis and so in diabetes when there is cellulitis. The accumulation of fluid in afflicted areas causes edema and can create skin abnormalities that predispose to infection. Once germs infiltrate the skin and soft tissue, the lymphatic fluid provides an ideal environment for them to proliferate. Furthermore, the lymphatic system’s dysfunction makes it less capable of fighting infection.
Anything that generates a breach in the skin, such as a cut or abrasion, provides a chance for skin germs to infiltrate deeper. Take care to wash and disinfect any wounds or scrapes and to keep a lookout for any indications of infection. Bed sores might also make you susceptible to infection.
The veins within your legs normally maintain blood flowing toward your heart. However, with venous insufficiency, all connections in these veins are broken, allowing blood to flow backward into the legs. This leads blood to pool and build up in the legs, causing discomfort, swelling, and, in severe instances, open sores. Because these lesions are open places through which bacteria may readily infiltrate the deep layers of the skin, they render persons with venous insufficiency particularly susceptible to cellulitis and so in the case of diabetes.
See Also: Diabetes Cellulitis Treatment – How to Diagnose and Treat It?
Discussing prediabetes vs diabetes; both are two diseases caused by a lack of insulin, a natural hormone produced by the body. Insulin aids in the transport of sugar (glucose) from your bloodstream to your cells, where it is used for energy. Blood sugar levels rise when your body does not create enough insulin or does not respond to insulin as much as it should (a condition known as insulin resistance). High blood glucose levels can eventually result in prediabetes and diabetes.
Prediabetes is a state characterized by a steady rise in blood sugar that isn’t high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is thought to be a transitional period between normal metabolic regulation and diabetes.
The measurement of blood sugar levels is used to diagnose prediabetes. After fasting for 8-10 hours, blood glucose levels are checked in the morning. This test is insufficient to establish a diagnosis. The glucose tolerance test is used to validate it. The patient consumes a 100-gram glucose solution in the morning, and her or his blood glucose levels are monitored for 2 hours at regular intervals. 2 hours after glucose consumption, normal sugar levels are estimated to be between 6.1 to 7.8 mmol/l.
If the patient’s blood sugar levels are between 6.1 and 6.9 mmol/l after fasting as well as less than 7.8 mmol/l 2 hours after glucose ingestion, he or she is likely to have impaired fasting glucose. Prediabetes is mostly asymptomatic. There are a few potential symptoms, although they are insignificant, which may cause prediabetes to proceed to diabetes gradually. Such symptoms include a sudden and severe rise in hunger, a strong and languid thirst, abrupt and unexplained weight fluctuations, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and slowed skin wound healing.
A prediabetes diagnosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is “your chance to prevent type 2 diabetes.”
In contrast to prediabetes, diabetes is a condition characterized by an elevated blood sugar level as a result of a reduced cell reaction to insulin or inadequate insulin synthesis in the body.
Diabetes is defined by intermittent or chronic hyperglycemia and can be detected by either of the following symptoms:
Some less common diabetes symptoms include impaired vision, recurrent infections, problematic wound healing, loss of weight, ketoacidosis, irritability, tiredness, disorientation, and so on.
The most serious consequence of prediabetes in contrast to diabetes is the development of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is more than simply an inconvenience. Excessive levels of glucose in the blood can result in major cardiac (heart and blood vessel) issues over time, including:
Diabetes-related neuropathy (nerve damage). Diabetic neuropathy can result in tickling, numbness, or complete loss of sensation in the hands, limbs, legs, and feet. Neuropathy may be very painful and frequently necessitates the use of a separate set of drugs to treat.
Diabetic retinopathy (visual damage) and cataracts are all common complications of diabetes. Damage to the blood vessels in the eyes caused by high blood sugar levels can result in illnesses such as cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, all of which can result in vision loss and blindness. Every year, diabetics should get a particular eye test.
Kidney failure. The kidneys filter all of the blood throughout the body, and when that blood contains sugar, the kidneys must work considerably harder. The kidneys may eventually become overburdened, which can lead to renal disease.
Coronary artery disease Cardiovascular disease is among the primary causes of mortality among diabetics. Diabetes increases your likelihood of acquiring a sudden cardiac arrest or stroke.
Wounds and amputations heal slowly. High blood sugar levels make wound healing more difficult. Uncontrolled diabetes patients are more prone to suffer sluggish healing wounds, particularly on the foot, that they might feel owing to nerve loss. This raises the likelihood of infection and, ultimately, amputation.
Hypoglycemia prediabetes (low blood sugar). When most people think of diabetes, they think of elevated blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia prediabetes may be harmful. Diabetes patients are at a higher risk of hypoglycemia since they frequently take drugs to reduce their blood sugar. To avoid hypoglycemia, don’t stop taking your diabetic meds; instead, make sure you eat regularly to keep your blood sugar from going too low.
Diabetes-related coma. Diabetes coma is a potentially lethal condition induced by either excessive hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is the sort of diabetic coma that you are most likely to experience if you have type 2 diabetes.
See Also: Learning Diabetes Care and Factors Affecting Diabetic Wound Healing
The most effective strategy to prevent type 2 diabetes problems is to keep your blood sugar under control. But do not overlook blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition to diabetes, you are more likely to have problems if you have hypertension and high cholesterol. For an appropriate and timely diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes, contact Family Medicine Austin clinic near you and get further assistance from seasoned consultants.
Diabetes affects 29.1 million individuals in the United States, accounting for 9.3 percent of the population. Some symptoms of diabetes might have an impact on an individual’s overall health. These can be caused by the illness itself, other health problems, or the negative effects of specific drugs; diabetes dizziness is one of them.
Dizziness is characterized by the sense of being lightheaded, dizzy, or bewildered. When you are dizzy, you could also feel low or unstable. Standing up, walking, or rotating your head might cause dizziness, and you could also feel sick. Dizziness that occurs suddenly or is severe may need you to rest or lie down.
Diabetics may suffer diabetes dizziness for a variety of causes, including:
Hypoglycemia happens when a person’s blood sugar level is extremely low which may cause diabetes dizziness. Blood sugar is required for the brain to operate correctly and as a source of energy. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are the hormones that the brain uses to elevate blood sugar levels. The brain cannot operate correctly if it does not receive enough of these hormones. This can result in:
Diabetic individuals are prone to hypoglycemia. This could be developed by:
Hyperglycemia is defined as high blood glucose levels. This develops when the body has far too much sugar in the blood and hence does not produce enough insulin to disperse the necessary quantity of glucose in the blood.
Many diabetics suffer from hyperglycemia. It happens when a person with diabetes of type 1 is unable to create enough insulin via the pancreas. Because the body may be resistant to insulin, a person with type 2 diabetes isn’t producing enough natural insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. This is one of the contributing factors for diabetes dizziness.
If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to a variety of complications. Among the potential complications are:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause heart attacks, hemorrhage, and other consequences. In a condition of diabetes, it makes a person twice as likely to have high blood pressure. Furthermore, people with diabetes are four significantly more prone to develop heart disease than people who do not have diabetes. Approximately two-thirds of people with diabetes have high blood pressure and/or take prescription hypertension medication. High blood pressure symptoms include:
Diabetes patients can experience extreme thirst. This is caused to an overabundance of glucose, as well as the kidneys being strained inability to consume and process that glucose. If the kidneys are unable to do so properly, the additional glucose will be excreted in the urine. This will also cause dehydration by drawing fluids from other tissues and thus diabetics feel being dizzy. As a result, consuming more water leads to more urination. Dehydration is considered as one of the contributing factors to diabetes dizziness.
Since diabetics have been prescribed a variety of drugs. Some people have additional medical issues, and the medicine they take might be for a variety of reasons. If a diabetic patient is taking blood pressure or water retention medication, this might cause a reduction in both blood pressure and levels of potassium, resulting in diabetes dizziness. Other medicines, like anti-inflammatories, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics might produce dizziness.
Exercise offers several advantages. The problematic part for persons having diabetes of type 1 can drop blood sugar both short and long term. Exercise intensity, duration, and timing can all have an impact on the risk of falling low or dizziness in diabetes.
It is critical to communicate and cooperate with your healthcare professional when managing diabetes. Eat well, exercise regularly, and take your medicine as directed could help prevent many consequences including diabetes dizziness. Also, be aware that diabetes is linked to a number of illnesses due to which diabetic may feel dizzy. Other than the symptom of diabetes dizziness, loss in clarity of vision and depth perception may increase the risk and recurrence of falls in diabetics. Blood sugar monitoring, food, and eating behavior are all beneficial aspects. Discussions with your healthcare provider on a regular basis can help you manage your health in the best way possible.
See Also: Learning Diabetes Care and Factors Affecting Diabetic Wound Healing
While this is being emphasized how much it is still critical to follow your checkups and manage your illness via good lifestyle choices that may address diabetes dizziness effectively. Being healthy and eating a nutritious diet helps lower your chance of diabetic problems. When you begin taking insulin, you are likely to find that you gain weight. There are several causes for this, including the amount of insulin you take and the kind of food you consume. If you are worried about gaining weight or need help reducing weight, we are here to help you at Family Medicine Austin. Please contact or reach out to us for a tailored management plan by our healthcare experts.
Diabetes occurs when your body becomes unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that your body uses to convert glucose or sugar into energy. If your body experiences difficulty in metabolizing glucose, this may cause high blood sugar levels to take place. The condition is called Hyperglycaemia, which may further lead to lessening your body’s ability to heal diabetic wounds.
In the United States, approximately 30.3 million people have a type of diabetes, and most of these people suffer from complications caused by delayed diabetes wound healing and associated infections.
In diabetes, wounds heal slowly and develop more rapidly. So it’s critical to know about the factors contributing to wound healing and worsening in diabetes.
For people living their lives with diabetes, minor cuts, scars, and burns may become an uncontrollable yet unfortunate part of life. In several cases, these diabetic wounds tend to not heal completely, or never ever get healed. Due to this, an infection can occur at any time which can have serious consequences for diabetic patients. An infection may spread to nearby tissue and bone as well as other areas in the body. In some cases, and in the absence of immediate medical attention, an infection can be fatal or life-threatening.
Even if no infection develops in a wound, slow diabetes wound healing can have a negative impact on a patient’s overall health and wellbeing. Cuts or injuries to the feet or legs can make walking or exercise challenging or painful.
When you experience diabetes, several causes contribute towards damaging your body`s function to heal wounds quickly, like:
When your blood glucose levels get elevated than normal, it certainly is responsible for the below consequences that ultimately slow down the diabetes wound healing process.
On an estimate, 1 in every 4 people with diabetes will develop foot ulcers which are extremely painful wounds and may eventually lead to amputation of the foot.
Factors increasing the risk of infection:
As discussed above, people experiencing poor or slower diabetes wound healing are also prone to developing underlying problems with blood vessels and nerves. This may lead to other problems including heart disease, kidney problems, and impaired vision.
If an infection is present in the wound and is not treated, it may proceed to the stage of Gangrene. Gangrene is a major cause of amputations in diabetic patients who have lost limbs. Studies suggest that approximately 230 amputation surgeries are performed every day in the United States.
Foot care
Adequate foot care includes:
When to visit the doctor
If you are dealing with a diabetic wound, you should consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Below are a few recommendations you should consider to improve your immune system:
Diabetes patients can improve their glucose level by avoiding refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and junk foods which also aids in the consumption of fibers, vegetables, and fruits. Better nutrition provides your body with the adequate amount of nutrients it requires to overcome slow wound healing like vitamin C, zinc, and protein.
See Also: The Future Of Diabetes Management
At Family Medicine Austin, we provide standardized care to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment, management, and education for diabetes and wound care, along with diabetes-related risks. For proper examination, please visit our clinic or call for instant assistance.
10.5% of the U.S. population had diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. If this number continues to grow at the same rate, by 2040, it is predicted that diabetes will affect 642 million people globally.
Research shows that $1 out of every $4 in the U.S. healthcare system is spent on the care of someone with diabetes. There is an increasing demand for better and more modernized ways of managing this epidemic.
Diabetes is one of the major causes of blindness, kidney failure, stroke, and infarction around the world but despite its global impact, there is still no cure for the disease. However, science is still striving to find ways to better manage diabetes to limit the vast increase in its prevalence and the mounting healthcare costs associated with it.
Today, developments in the healthcare industry, especially the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), have revolutionized the future of diabetes treatment. As technology and research continue to progress, it shows clearly that the future of diabetes is now.
In this article, we take a peek at the future of diabetes research and try to understand what the future of diabetes treatment may look like in a decade or so.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by the body’s disability to produce sufficient insulin or respond normally to it. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
In Type 1 Diabetes, the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas rendering it incapable of producing enough insulin. Only about 5-10% of all people with diabetes are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas produces enough insulin but the body develops insulin resistance which means that the cells of your body do not respond normally to the hormone.
The management of both types requires constant monitoring and maintenance of the blood glucose level, usually via regular insulin intake. This part of the management of diabetes is dependent on technology which helps in monitoring your blood glucose, your blood pressure, your weight, following a diet plan, etc.
Fortunately, innovations in digital healthcare have completely changed the outlook of the future of diabetes treatment. New technologies such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion treatments and real-time continuous interstitial glucose monitoring have shaped the future of diabetes treatment in our society.
Additionally, electronic tools that allow the monitoring of therapeutic approaches, smart devices to create and monitor diet plans, automated bolus calculators for optimal insulin therapy, and advanced tools for the increased education of patients have also become widespread and play vital roles in the management of the disease.
After decades of research, scientists have been able to connect various diabetes devices and create a system that mimics what a healthy pancreas does. Better known as an ‘artificial pancreas’, this device ultimately will play a key role in the future of diabetes treatment. The device aims to automate blood glucose control by the programmed delivery of insulin directed by a sophisticated computer algorithm and supported by a continuous glucose monitor.
This way, the patient doesn’t have to constantly prick their finger to monitor their blood glucose and then calculate how much insulin to take based on the glucometer reading. This futuristic technology is changing the future of diabetes treatment and the lives of those who depend on it. To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved two AID systems but other companies are still working on more systems that may be commercially available in the future.
The application of AI to diabetes treatment and management has been one of the key advancements that have molded the future of diabetes treatment in today’s time. Technological innovations powered by AI such as wearables, smartphones, and other gadgets play a critical role for patients today to help them constantly monitor and track their symptoms. AI-assisted care has also made it convenient for physicians and enhanced their efficiency when it comes to providing care to diabetes patients.
The FDA has also approved IDX-DR, the first autonomous AI-powered diagnostic system that is capable of the early detection of diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the retina is damaged due to high blood sugar levels.
Ultimately, such a diagnostic AI system can help diabetic patients receive timely treatment for this condition before it may cause further damage or worse, blindness.
While most diabetic treatments can help patients better manage their symptoms to an extent, there is still no definitive cure for any type of diabetes. However, the biotech industry has been working extensively to develop a cure and research has shown great promise for the future of diabetes treatment.
For Type 1 Diabetes, the biggest hope for a cure stems from cell therapy, the idea of which is to replace the destroyed insulin-producing cells with new cells that could recover normal insulin production. Despite a majority of the early attempts at such a therapy failing, research continues to look for ways to transplant pancreatic cells without causing immunological reactions.
Although in its early stages of research, the Diabetes Research Institute in the US has developed a bioengineered mini-organ consisting of insulin-producing cells encapsulated by a protective barrier to prevent immunological rejection. In 2016, the institute announced that the first patient treated with this mini-organ as a part of their trial no longer need insulin therapy anymore.
For Type 2 Diabetes, several drugs are in their developmental stages. Perhaps, the most popular prospect in this regard would be glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which induce insulin production while also suppressing the secretion of glucagon.
Another drug is being developed by the French company Poxel. The drug, which has shown great promise in its trial stages, simultaneously targets the liver, pancreas, and muscles to reduce blood glucose levels.
See Also: Diagnosis And Treatment Of Diabetic Foot Infections
The future of diabetes treatment is indeed promising and we can expect more and more innovations coming into existence. Scientists are already speculating about the involvement of nanotechnology in the future of diabetes research.
It is expected that this technology can diagnose diabetes before symptoms may arise or measure glucose and deliver insulin directly in the patients’ bloodstream. At this point, there’s little left to the imagination. But whatever the future of diabetes may bring, one thing is for certain that it will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives of millions of people around the globe.
Nevertheless, as much as the future of diabetes management looks encouraging, one cannot ignore the importance of preventive care, especially if you are at an increased risk owing to obesity, high cholesterol levels, or a family history of diabetes. Our diabetes specialist at Family Medicine Austin can help you understand what lifestyle changes you need to make to manage it and avoid serious health complications.
1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Diabetes leads to an array of other debilitating problems, such as neuropathy, heart disease, and above all, a weakened immune system.
As a result of neuropathy-related nerve damage, this condition can also lead to one of the most common problems for diabetics, diabetic foot infections. It means that there are diminished sensations in the legs and feet, so patients don’t feel blisters or ulcers developing in those regions until it becomes septic, and the infection progresses to an advanced stage.
One such infection is called diabetic cellulitis, which penetrates the deeper layers of the skin causing moderate to severe problems. Keep reading to learn more about diabetic cellulitis treatment and diagnosis, along with other common diabetic infections of the foot, and how you can prevent them.
As with other infections, diabetic foot infections occur when bacteria enter the body through a wound on the foot. Everyday things like scrapes and blisters can lead to diabetic ulcers. Bacteria enter the bloodstream through these ulcers and cause an infection. Non-diabetics can feel the blisters and treat them before they get infected while diabetics cannot, and the infection can spread causing serious damage like necrosis, sepsis, and can even lead to amputation.
Neuropathy is nerve damage, which is a common result of diabetes and sensory diabetic neuropathy is due to uncontrolled diabetes. It disturbs the sensations in the legs and feet of a diabetic patient. Hence, they may not feel blisters and other wounds on their feet if they get hurt or foreign materials such as pebbles enter their shoes. If they don’t remove the source of injury, it can lead to a laceration and allow bacteria to enter the wound.
Diabetes weakens blood flow to parts of the body so, without sufficient blood flow, wounds or cuts may take longer to heal. People with diabetes are not aware of their injuries due to damaged nerves, and insufficient blood flow further slows down the healing. Thus, they are at a risk of ulcers and severe foot infections.
Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper skin layers, occurring almost anywhere in the body, however, the foot is the most vulnerable area for diabetics. It is due to Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria which exist symbiotically on the skin. However, if they enter the body through a cut, they can result in an infection.
Cellulitis ranges from mild to severe levels; mild cases mostly appear as redness in a localized area, while severe cases can lead to sepsis. The extent of the spread depends on the person’s immune system. In diabetics, high blood sugar levels weaken immunity, while neuropathy and impaired blood flow increase vulnerability to diabetic infections.
If you delay diabetes cellulitis treatment, it can lead to various complications. You may develop permanent swelling in the affected area, or the bacteria may spread to the bones, muscles, or even the heart. It can also lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. Sepsis symptoms include fever, low blood pressure, pale skin, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat.
It is best to seek professional help and let a physician examine the infected area and assess other symptoms. The infected area is usually red, swollen, tender, and warm. Lymph nodes may also swell up around the body, such as the groin if the leg or foot is infected.
The doctor may take a sample for biopsy to determine which bacteria are present. Identifying the correct bacteria helps prescribe an effective treatment for diabetes cellulitis.
Treatment for diabetes cellulitis depends on the severity of infection in each individual. If the infection is mild or in its initial stages, treatment is possible at home with oral antibiotics for one to two weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe a long-term, low-dose antibiotic as a preventive measure.
However, in severe cases, treatment for diabetes cellulitis incurs a hospital stay. Such patients usually experience high fever, vomiting, or persistent cellulitis. It is also necessary if the symptoms get progressively worse or if the patient is not responding to current treatment. In the hospital, they’ll receive a combination of antibiotics intravenously.
Diabetic foot infections are not limited to diabetic cellulitis. Other pathogens may also enter the wound, causing the following:
Myositis is an inflammation in the muscles due to disease or infection. Diabetics are more predisposed to myositis due to susceptibility to infection.
Staphylococcal bacteria are responsible for abscesses. White blood cells travel to the site of infection, which causes inflammation and tissue death. This creates a cavity that fills with pus to form an abscess.
Diabetes is associated with necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease. People with diabetes are susceptible to necrotizing fasciitis caused by polymicrobial infection or K. pneumoniae.
Septic arthritis is a joint infection caused by pathogens traveling to the joints from other parts of the body. In people with diabetes, germs entering from foot ulcers can travel to the joints to cause infection.
Osteomyelitis is a common complication in a diabetic patient’s foot. It’s the result of a soft tissue infection that spreads to the bone.
Other diabetic foot infections can be diagnosed by looking out for infected areas which become red, swollen, and tender. It may hurt, and the wound seeps pus. Once the infection develops, you may experience systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and shortness of breath.
People with diabetic foot infections may also develop gangrene around the ulcer or wound. The lack of blood flow causes the tissue to die and turn black. Not noticing the injury early only causes the infection to worsen, leading to amputation. Thus, it is critical for people with diabetes to examine their feet regularly for signs of infection.
The doctor will look for these signs and conduct a physical exam. They may also clean the wound, dress it in iodine or sulfadiazine cream, and remove necrotic tissue. In some cases, the doctor may order an X-ray if they suspect bone infection. Along with antibiotics, they may also prescribe anti-clotting medicines if your diabetic foot infection is severe. Some people have to undergo surgery to treat diabetic ulcers. In worst cases, amputation may be necessary to stop gangrenous tissue from spreading to other parts of the body.
You can take the following preventive steps to avoid diabetic foot infections:
It is possible to cure diabetic foot infections if you seek timely treatment. Delaying treatment can cause the infection or gangrenous tissue to spread to other parts of the body and may result in an amputation. If pathogens enter the blood, they can cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. Thus, you must regularly examine your feet for blisters and wounds and treat them immediately to prevent infection.
If you are seeking help for diabetes testing or in managing your glucose level, you may get in touch with our diabetes specialists at Family Medicine Austin
