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The Problem With Diabetes – Kidney Disease, African Americans, Hypertension and Related Diseases
February 9, 2009 by Justin Kaiser
Filed under Diabetes Basics
Diabetes is a potentially devastating disease that affects kidneys, nerves, heart, intestines and every other organ in the body. It is a disease in which the body is unable to properly use or produce insulin. Insulin, a hormone that is necessary for converting starches, sugar and other food into energy. The thing that leads to diabetes is unknown and there is no known cure. But, effective management may be achieved under a doctor’s care.
Endocrinologists are specialists that treat diabetes. They are easy to find in most areas. Here are some examples: David Alster, MD of Tucson AZ, Ralph N. M. Beddow, MD, FACP, FACE of Honolulu, HI, Franklin R. Bringhurst, MD in Walpole, MA, Nora Barsony, MD of Tucson AZ
In 2005, it was estimated that there were 20.8 million adults and children who are afflicted with the disease. That is pretty close to 7% of the population. Of that figure, 14.6 million people had been diagnosed, but 6.2 million people were estimated to have diabetes but were undiagnosed. Also, approximately fifty four million adults and children are pre-diabetic with 1 1/2 million new cases in people over the age of 20, showing up each year.
Diabetes is the number one cause of renal disease. For a fact, high blood pressure and diabetes are the two primary causes of kidney disease, leading to an estimated 70 percent of kidney failure cases with diabetes accounting of 44 percent of kidney failure cases. The early stages of kidney disease have virtually no symptoms . It quietly fights your body and by the time it is finally detected, the injury is so far advanced that it can be too involved to prevent kidney failure. Once your kidneys fail, you have two options: dialysis or kidney transplant. If you do not receive either of these, you will die.
How Diabetes causes Renal Disease
When both kidneys are working as they should, the glomeruli (tiny filters that are in the kidneys) keep proteins inside of your blood. Protein is critical for many operations inside of your body and are necessary to keep you healthy. Diabetes makes a high concentration of glucose in the blood which damages the glomeruli. The result is that they can’t maintain the protein in the body and it leaks into the urine from the kidneys.
When the kidneys are damaged they no longer function properly and do not clean our extra fluids as they should. When this occurs, the fluids and waste build up in the serum instead of being removed in the urine. The more this goes on, the worse the damage becomes until the kidneys eventually cease to function.
The Progression of Renal Disease
It takes years for kidney disease from diabetes to develop. Some experience hyperfiltration in the first few years of their having diabetes. This means that the glomeruli actually put out more urine than normal. Once the damage starts, though, it will continue to progress. As a person develops kidney disease, they will have a blood protein named albumin that finally begins to leak into the urine in small amounts. At that time, usually the glomeruli are really functioning normally.
The progression of the disease leads to more protein moving into the urine and the glomeruli begin to fail as the filtering function begins to drop. Waste is retained because of the filtration failure. As a result, the kidneys cease to function.
How to Prevent Kidney Problems if you have Diabetes
Having diabetes, you can normally prevent kidney problems. Use these steps to keep your kidneys healthy: * Control your blood sugar by eating well and a good exercise program * Take your medicine according to your doctors orders * Have your doctor test your blood and urine regularly for kidney problems * If the laboratory test shows that you do have kidney problems, consider medications such as ARBs and ACE inhibitors that can help keep your kidneys healthy.
A diagnosis of diabetes does not have to mean kidney disease. As long as you treat your condition, manage it well and follow your doctor’s orders, there is no reason that you can’t live a long, healthy, happy life – without kidney disease.
Other Recommended Reading From DiabetesLifeRadio.com
Kidney Failure – A Result of Diabetes
February 7, 2009 by Justin Kaiser
Filed under Diabetes Basics
Diabetes is a potentially devastating problem that affects kidneys, intestines, heart and every other organ in the body. It is a condition in which the body is unable to properly use or produce insulin. Insulin, a hormone that is necessary for converting starches, sugar and other food into energy. The factor leading to diabetes is unknown and there is no known cure although effective management may be achieved under a physician’s care.
Endocrinologists are specialists that treat diabetes. They are easy to find in most areas. Here are some examples: David Alster, MD of Tucson AZ, Dr Firouz Khamsi of Toronto, C. Kurt Alexander, MD, CDE, FACP, FACE of Muncie, IN, Amanda Megan Bell, MD of Washington, DC, Nora Barsony, MD of Tucson AZ, Catherine Lang Bain, MD, FACE of Indianapolis, IN, Stephen F. Brandt, MD at the Emory University Division of Endocrinology of Atlanta, GA
In 2005, it was estimated that there were 20.8 million people of all ages who are afflicted with the disease. That is approximately 7% of the population. Of that figure, 14.6 million people had been diagnosed, but 6.2 million people were estimated to have diabetes but they had not seen a doctor. Not only that but, about fifty four million folks are pre-diabetic with one and a half million new cases in people over the age of 20, found annually.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Indeed, high blood pressure and diabetes are the two leading causes of kidney disease. This leads to probably 70 percent of renal failure cases with diabetes accounting of 44 percent of kidney failure cases. The early stages of kidney disease have no symptoms . It makes war on your body and eventually when it is finally detected, the damage is so far advanced that it {often is|can be|might well be|quite often is] too involved to prevent failure of the kidneys. Once your kidneys fail, you have two options: {kidney transplant or dialysis|dialysis or kidney transplant]. If you do not receive one of these, you will die.
How Diabetes causes Renal Disease
When your kidneys are working as they should, the glomeruli (tiny filters that are in the kidneys) keep the proteins inside of your body. Protein is vital for quite a few operations within your body and are necessary for keeping you healthy. Diabetes creates a high concentration of glucose in the blood which damages the glomeruli. This means that they can’t maintain the protein in the body and it seeps into the urine from the glomeruli.
When the kidneys are damaged they no longer work efficiently and do not cleanse our waste and extra fluids as they should. When this occurs, the fluids and waste build up in the blood instead of being expelled through urine. The more this goes on, the worse the damage becomes until the kidneys eventually cease to function.
The Progression of Renal Disease
It can require years for kidney disease from diabetes to develop. Some people experience hyperfiltration in the first few years of their having diabetes. This means that the glomeruli actually produce more urine than normal. Once the damage starts, though, it is progressive. As a person develops kidney disease, they will have a blood protein known as albumin that will start to leak into the urine in small amounts. At that time, usually the glomeruli are really working normally.
The progression of the disease will lead to more protein leaking into the urine and the glomeruli begin to eventually fail as the filtering function begins to drop. Waste is retained in the blood due to the filtration failure. Finally, the kidneys cease to function.
How to Prevent Kidney Problems if you have Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you can most often prevent kidney problems. Take these suggestions to protect yourself: * Control your blood sugar by eating well and a good exercise regimen * Take your medication as prescribed * Have your physician test your urine and blood regularly for kidney disease * If testing shows that you do have kidney disease, check into medicines such as angiotensin II receptor blockers that can help keep your kidneys healthy.
A diagnosis of diabetes does not have to automatically mean kidney disease. As long as you stay on top of your condition, manage it well and follow your doctor’s orders, there is no reason that you can’t live a long, healthy, happy life – without kidney disease.
Other Recommended Reading From DiabetesLifeRadio.com
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Introduction: The facts you should know
February 6, 2009 by Justin Kaiser
Filed under Diabetes Basics
Traditionally considered to be a fairly uncommon illness, Type I diabetes affects nearly one out of every 250 people, both kids and adults, living in the US today. Although “juvenile” has long been the appellation of this type of the disease, as in Type I juvenile onset diabetes, the disease process may actually occur at any age, and appears equally among both boys and girls.
There are thousands things that can go wrong with your body. Consider this short list:
11 beta hydroxylase deficiency – Congenital deafness – Anorchia – Acne – Deafness hypogonadism syndrome – Cortical degeneration of the cerebellum parenchymatous – Cholestasis, progressive familial intrahepatic
Fortunately, even most doctors have not heard of some of these. But even though it is considered fairly uncommon, you probably know someone with Juvenile Onset Diabetes.
Symptoms
While the signs of Type I diabetes tend to be subtle in most cases, if not treated, they will in time become really severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Blurry vision – Frequent urination – Dry mouth, even after drinking – Heavy or labored breathing for no apparent reason – Tingling in the hands or feet – Frequent skin, vaginal, or urinary tract infections – Increased thirst – Nausea
Several serious signs associated with Type I diabetes that demand an urgent need for medical attention include:
Abdominal pain Loss of consciousness, rarely in extreme cases Fruity or sweet smelling breath Rapid breathing and heart rate
Causes
Scientists still aren’t aware of all the factors causing one to have Type I diabetes, although they do know that a tendency to the condition may be genetic. Researchers have discovered that this form of diabetes may also be caused by environmental factors that causes the wrong reaction within the body’s immune system. However, they are not sure as to the exact origins of these possible triggers.
Diagnosis
For an accurate diagnosis of Type I diabetes, your family doctor must check for abnormally high glucose levels by performing a blood test, or also testing for the presence of sugar in the urine. With today’s knowledge, there is no way to test for impending Type I diabetes, or any method to prevent this type of diabetes.
Treatment
There are many people, of all ages, who enjoy long, quite healthy lives despite having Type I diabetes. It’s imperative to keep blood sugar levels under tight control, which may be achieved by eating a good diet, exercise, and having insulin therapy on a regular basis. Anyone with this disease is require to have insulin injections in order to properly maintain their glucose level, which will also have to be tested regularly.
Without treatment, Type I diabetes may presage several serious conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. Kidney damage is a fairly frequent problem in those with the disease with a condition known as nephropathy. Other possible complications include retinopathy, which causes a loss of vision, poor blood circulation, nerve damageand instestinal problems which may also result without medical treatment.
Although a serious condition, juvenile onset diabetes is a condition that can still be successfully managed with the right medical care.
Other Recommended Reading From DiabetesLifeRadio.com
Diabetes and Weight Loss Blog – Snackisode #10 – 2nd Lowest Blood Sugar at Night
October 19, 2007 by Justin Kaiser
Filed under Podcast - Diabetes and Weight Loss
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
We’re making strides… well, Justin has after falling off the Weight Watchers tracking plan over the weekend and now Diana has fallen off of the plan today… but tomorrow’s a new day. Big accomplishments…
- Diana has a new friend tracking along online. Thanks Kristina
- Skim milk is 2 points per cup… we should know that
- Diana’s pot luck. Nacho cheesy beef dip
- Justin was dissapointed… takes insulin late. 2nd lowest blood sugar at night… morning was 202 and high though.
- Insulin at night 96.
- The most effective way to avoid drive through food is to have a broken drivers window
- November is Diabetes awareness month
Have a successful week!
Justin and Diana
Other Recommended Reading From DiabetesLifeRadio.com
The Diabetes and Weight Loss Podcast – Snackisode #2 – Weigh In Day
October 10, 2007 by Justin Kaiser
Filed under Podcast - Diabetes and Weight Loss
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Diabetes and Weight Loss Blog and Podcast is back with ”Snackisode” number 2. The show is coming together. We plan on doing a 3-5 minute show daily, and a longer 20 minute weigh-in version on Tuesdays.
We also recruited a new “member” to our weight loss community. Please welcome Kristin, who joins Justin and Diana with show number 2. Enjoy and please let us know what you think by submitting your feedback at http://www.DiabetesWeightLossBlog.com. A phone number for audio comments is coming soon.
We’re on babystep #2 and here are the highlights
- Justin was diagnosed with Diabetes in April of 2007
- We’ve been going to Weight Watchers since January of 2006
- Justin has to go to the hospital to weigh until he gets down to 440
- Diana lost about 35 pounds but has gained 1/2 of that back since January of 2006
- We’re trying to maintain the lifestyle
- Interesting discussion tonight at Weight Watchers but Diana didn’t assault anyone so we’re not in jail…
- Who’s your cheerleading section? We are!
- Weight Watchers topic Voyages – Columbus day… finding your way through weight loss
- We want your participation and we want you to track with us…
- Diana won’t announce her current weight…
- We have to be optimistic
- Celery with ranch dip and Lean Cuisine… how do you make celery good? T. Marzetti’s Light and Chunky Bleau Cheese. Light is 1 Weight Watchers point per serving
- What was the 1 good thing for today? Justin tracked today… not food but insulin for the first time since June. Morning 119 and evening 169
- Diana will commence beatings on Justin now.
- Justin is on 40 units on insulin twice a day and 2 Avandamets…
- Taking responsibility
- It’s YOUR fault that I’m fat!
- Diana is Voluptuous squared
- Diana doesn’t like it when Justin calls them MOOBS… manboobs
- Kristin joins us for the first time in the beginning of our weight loss endeavour
- Kristin will be here every Tuesday night for weigh-in
- What do you remember about growing up fat?
- Kristin was the tall girl
- Kristin’s first time… for Weight Watchers
- Celebrity Fit Club
- Diana’s first time… at Weight Watchers… Started at 310 in January of 2006. Lost 5 pounds the first week
- Justin’s first time… can’t fit on the scale… has to go to the hospital to use the laundry scale
- Justin has lost 100 pounds since we’ve been married… but doesn’t know what the highest weight was… He doesn’t agree
- It’s good to be on this journey together
- Round, over weight and worthless
- DIANA ANNOUNCES HER WEIGHT!!! Really?
- Diana has perfect eyebrows
- Morbidly Obese… I hate that word… What really is obese
- Kristin is crazy hot
- Grammy needs to lose weight… she’s 165…
- KRISTIN ANNOUNCES HER WEIGHT!!! Really?
- Fantasy for Diana 5 1 1/2″ 185lbs
- The big reveal isn’t so big anymore
- The big goals…. Justin – To get on the scale… 440 pounds… 36 pounds away. Diana – 275. Kristin – Not have 3 rolls of fat and to flatten the tummy.
- Need to start with something measurable
- Justin is now at 476, Diana – 291.4 Kristin – 185.4
- Goals for next week Kristin – 180 – Diana – 289.9 - Justin – Start tracking and show a loss
- Diana yells at Justin to track. She’s the queen of tracking Weight Watchers Points
- Justin is monitored everywhere with Diana at home and Kristin at work
- Diana puts it ALL out there… She’s the noisy one…
- Tera the Weight Watchers Leader… YAY TERA!
- How do you overcome your food cravings…
- We’re Weight Watchers Professionals
Have a Successful Week!
Justin, Diana, and Kristin
