DIABETES TESTING

Regular blood glucose testing by people with diabetes is important to help control it, and also prevent long-term complications. Good control of blood glucose levels can prevent or reduce serious complications.

Frequent testing can show how changes in diet, exercise, medications or weight are having an effect on a patient’s diabetes.

Close monitoring of blood glucose levels allows control and timely intervention to prevent diabetic complications.

Why is testing important for diabetic patients?

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels (blood glucose) gives valuable information as to whether the level is within the normal range.

If kept in control, this can delay the onset or development of long term diabetic complications, which can even be life-threatening.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can monitor their blood sugar themselves, by using thumb prick blood tests which are available as home kits. Self-monitoring is very important for long-term health.

What are the routine tests that are followed?

Regular self testing, recording of blood glucose levels by thumb prick blood tests, laboratory test of HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) level a few times a year should be taken.

Other tests that should be performed routinely include: urine test to monitor kidney function; blood fat levels (cholesterol & triglyceride levels), and tests for kidney function.

Regular blood pressure measurement and treatment if needed.

Examination of the feet is also necessary, as the patient may not be aware of loss of sensation from early nerve damage.

Also, get eyes tested every 1 to 2 years, depending on test results.

How is diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following test are the normal tests whoich are used for diagnosis:

1. Fasting plasma glucose test –

This measures the blood glucose with a minimum gap of at least 8 hours without eating. It is best done on an empty stomach in the morning. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

If a person’s fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that one is quite likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one is diabetic.

99 mg/dL and below – normal, not diabetic

100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL – pre diabetic

126 mg/dL and above – diabetic.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) –

This measures the blood glucose after one has not eaten for least 8 hours, and then 2 hours after drinking 75 grams glucose-containing beverage. This test is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

This test is more sensitive than the fasting plasma glucose test for diagnosing pre-diabetes.

If 2 hours after drinking the liquid, the blood glucose level of a person is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, then it a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that one is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

Glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one has diabetes.

139 mg/dL and below – not diabetic, normal

140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL – pre diabetes

200 mg/dL and above – diabetic

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If the blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, then the person has gestational diabetes.

3. Random plasma glucose test –

This measures blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not pre-diabetes.

A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, alongwith presence of the following symptoms, can suggest that one has diabetes:

· increased urination

· increased thirst

· unexplained weight loss

Other associated symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased appetite, and sores that do not heal.

Test results are confirmed only after repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

What is HbA1c or the glycosylated haemoglobin test?

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) gets collected in red blood cells when they are produced. This gives a clue about the blood sugar levels over a couple of months – the average lifespan of a red blood cell. Thus, this test shows the average blood glucose level over time, as compared to the thumb prick test, which indicates blood glucose at the time of testing.

If the HbA1c level is above 7%, consult a doctor for a better diabetes management plan.

If the HbA1c level is above 8%, the doctor may change medication or a more intensive insulin regime be used.

The combination of HbA1c test and thumb prick test results give a better indication of variations in blood glucose levels than either test alone.

How often should blood sugar testing be done?

Diabetic patients who are taking insulin injections should self test 3-4 times everyday, especially before retiring to bed. Type 2 diabetic patients on medicines should self test around a few times every week.

It is best to check glucose levels first thing in the morning; and before and after meals. Keep changing daily test times to get a better idea of the changes to blood glucose levels.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Diabetes affects over 18 million people, another 15 million may not yet be diagnosed, and that is in the United States alone! Currently diabetes is the 3rd leading cause of death in America. The truth about diabetes is that the body does not produce, or properly use, the insulin necessary for the body to absorb glucose (sugar). The glucose then accumulates in the bloodstream until levels get dangerously high. This condition then leads to diabetes symptoms like: lack of energy, unusual weight gain, restless sleep, blurred vision, and tingling sensations in the affected individual.

Millions have gone to their family doctor with symptoms of diabetes, only to find they are prescribed diabetes medication, told to begin a diabetes diet, and change their lifestyle for the rest of their lives. Suddenly, controlling diabetes becomes their entire life. The great news is; diabetes management can be attained with less diabetes medicine for people diagnosed with type one diabetes and especially, type 2 diabetes. There are certain herbs for diabetes treatment that alleviate many of diabetes symptoms. These herbs are:

Banaba; well known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels and transport glucose in the bloodstream (referred to by some as “botanical insulin”).

Bitter Melon; known to improve glucose tolerance and for its regulative abilities (considered the best for diabetes management by the Philippines Dept. of Health).

Cinnamon; proven to reduce the amount of insulin necessary for glucose metabolism by USDA research.

Gymnema Sylvestre; can lower blood sugar levels in both type one diabetes and diabetes type 2, as indicated in a Harvard Study.

Huckleberry; strengthens the immune system, balances digestion, and improves blood circulation in the hands and feet.

Chromium; shown to help cells respond to naturally produced insulin since the 1960’s (currently it is estimated 90% of Americans are deficient in this vital nutrient).

Zinc; contributes many factors to diabetes control. Zinc is essential for the pancreas to produce insulin. When zinc levels are low, diabetes treatments are hindered due to the pancreas’ inability to produce the body’s own insulin and insulin receptor cells may become damaged.

Biotin; important B Vitamin for processing insulin. A study has shown that Type 1 diabetics receiving 16 mgs. of Biotin for one week, cut their fasting glucose by 50%. A type 2 diabetes study showed similar results.

Conventional diabetes treatment will only help control diabetes and simply delay the devastating affects. Without a diabetes cure, complications from diabetes can lead to blindness, heart disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, limb amputations, and even death! And let’s not forget that diabetes prescriptions most often carry their own set of possible adverse side effects such as skin rash, weight gain, diarrhea, liver damage, respiratory infections, and headaches, just to name a few. To learn more about naturally and gently healing diabetes, visit GreatNewsHealth.com.

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If you suffer from diabetes, you need to take control of your health. At GreatNewsHealth.com you can find diabetes information and diabetes health articles. Basically, it offers a diabetes treatment and cure. Just mushing together a bunch of herbs will not effectively heal diabetes. Cheap, poor quality supplements are virtually useless as they have low effectiveness and will not improve your health. Visit http://GreatNewsHealth.com and discover how diabetics can lower blood sugar levels 50 points within 30 days, guaranteed.

Cosmetic dentistry could be considered a dental facelift, changing someone’s appearance so that they look better and feel better about themselves.

 

There are many techniques in cosmetic dentistry, from braces to porcelain veneers. More often than not, dentists use a combination of these techniques in order to achieve the best results.

 

Many dentists choose to provide a variety of procedures, while others focus on specific areas of treatment. Many times, cosmetic and restorative dentistry requires more than one dentist to achieve the best results. So, short listing suitable dentists who could provide you all the specific and related cosmetic dentistry support you need is a crucial part of the entire process.

 

The first and foremost requirement is to short-list at least 2-3 well- established cosmetic dentists. To begin with, it would be a good idea to try a dentist directory on the Internet

 

You can anticipate dental problems when your teeth begin to accumulate plaque. It causes tooth decay and gum disease. It is the first sign of gum problems. You can prevent gum disease by following seven simple steps.

 

Never treat dental problems lightly. They not only damage your gum and teeth but can lead to other serious health problems such as heart disease. Proper oral hygiene, good nutritional food, and regular dental visits can prevent dental problems from progressing into periodontitis.

 

Smile is the beauty of Face. Healthy teeth compliments healthy smile. For keeping teeth healthy proper care is very necessary. Nowadays because of unhealthy food and due to not taking proper care many dental problems are arising like bruxism,canker sore, teeth cavities, gum diseases, Periodontitis, Dysphasia, Gingivitis, Halitosis, dry mouth and many more.

 

Tips for Dental Care:

 

Brush your teeth correctly at least twice a day, Use your teeth for what they are intended for, Avoid smoking, drugs, tobacco etc, Avoid clinching or grinding teeth, Floss your teeth to remove food particles and bits that are trapped under the gums, Consume foods that will not damage your teeth, Know what you are taking and update your knowledge about the side effects of the se medications, Perform Exercises for your teeth like gum massage.

 

Visit the dentist once in every six months and clean the mouth after having the food to maintain good oral hygiene.

Hair loss can be defined as the lessening of hair on the scalp. The medical term of hair loss is alopecia, which can be temporary or permanent. Aside Androgenetic Alopecia, there are other forms of hair loss that includes Alopecia Areata (patches of baldness that usually grow back), Telogen Effluvium (fast shedding after childbirth, fever or abrupt weight loss) and Traction Alopecia (reduction from tight braids or ponytails). The problem of hair loss generally occurs with the age in both men and women, but it is normally more pronounced in men.

One of the best ways to reduce hair loss is stress reduction. Some of the drugs can also be the cause of hair loss on the scalp and other parts on the body. Apart from drugs and stress, there are other reasons for excessive hair loss. If your hair loss is due to certain medication, you need to consult a physician and ask him to recommend an alternative. These ways to remove hair loss can work for you, but the medical study has revealed the main reason for hair loss, at least 95 percent of the time, is either hormonal or genetic. Hair loss is not common in women, but seen some of the common types of hair loss in women that includes androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness.

Approximately 95 percent of all cases of hair loss in men are male pattern hair loss. It in necessary to know your specific needs then choose hair treatment which is suited for your hair. Due to hormonal changes linked with pregnancy or menopause can cause hair loss in female.
People who have hair loss problem are advised to take care of their hair. If one of the common hair loss problem, male pattern hair loss is treated at an early stage it would be very helpful. Apart from reducing hair fall, hair loss treatments involve aiding growth in hair. If internal parts of your body function well, then your hair would be silky and shiny. Illnesses also lead to hair fall, but vitamins and minerals help in hair growth.

There would be many factors for hair loss that includes aging, genetic, stress-related and environmental factors. Age related hair loss is one of the common factors of hair loss that takes place when the natural re-growth process slows or stops. Remember, everyone losses and average of 100 hair per day. Problem occurs when your hair growth slows and/or stops re-growing.

Aside these, perming, colouring and bleaching also can cause hair loss. Tight pony-tails or braids can cause hair loss as these can pull the hair from the roots. So, make an extensive search for getting hair loss treatments, solutions and products. Due to competition in the market, hair loss treatments, solutions and products can be availed at affordable rates.