Diabetes

Diabetes questions and answers

Q: What happens if someone with bad diabetes refuses to amputate a dead foot?
If someone that has sugar diabetes does not amputate a bad foot... Can it kill them? They are saying his heart rate is only 20% and is too weak to preform an amputation.

A: I am afraid they are all correct. There may be the possibility of doing the amputation under an epidural injection (like for having a baby). This is a lot less stress on the heart than a general anesthetic but isn't free of risks either. It is also very stressful for the patient as they can hear the saws etc.

Q: What happens when you get tested for diabetes?
Is it a blood test? Also what type is more common 1 or 2? And lastly i heard people who have diabetes can not have children because it is very risky.

A: it is a blood test to check how ur blood glucose levels are. type 1 is from childhood type 2 is generally adults... most likely if u r overweight n u can have children... most mothers get diabetes whilst the r pregnant as a matter of fact but as soon as they have given birth they go bak to normal!! good luck. im supposed to b tested 4 type 1... but i refuse to get a blood test LOL.. mum is gonna make me go this weekend :( if u get thirsty like all the time, u feel really energetic in little bursts n really down typa thing then get tested!

Q: How does a person get diagnosed with diabetes?
Obviously a person needs to go to the doctor, but what kind of tests or procedures do they do to test you and diagnose a person with diabetes or low blood sugar? Thanks!

A: Just a blood test. They do a fasting blood sugar which tells what your blood sugar is after you haven't eaten anything for 12 hours. Or they can do a blood test 2 hours after you eat which tells how your body is handling the food. There is also a blood test they do that can tell what your blood sugar has been averaging for the last 3 monthes. So there are lots of tests, they all require a blood test.

Q: How can you check if you have diabetes without seeing a doctor?
I'm 19, I'm worried I may have diabetes and I don't have health coverage/insurance so I can't go see a doctor. Is there a cheap way to check if you have it without having to go see a doctor? Thanks for the tips guys but I don't know anyone close to me who has diabetes, none of my friends got it. I don't think anyone in my family has it so I can't go to them for help. I'm not overweight either.

A: No Money? Go to the county health department. Or call your local diabetes foundation and ask them where free diabetes testing is going on in your area. Usually one is going on near you. Good luck . Hope you have a false alarm. Diabetes is a real pain in the you know where.

Q: What are the risks of glucosamine causing diabetes, especially with the long term use 4 arthritis?
I have just been warned off this product by my Dr due to the concerns of causing diabetes. He has suggested shark cartlidge and high dosage of fish oil instead...... Well, ... I'm confused. Does anyone know more about a possible link between taking glucosamine etc for arthuritis and an increase in the aging population of diabetics ? Is there a connection ?

A: I could not find any relationship between the two.

Q: Is diabetes a contributing factor if someone is having a hard time swallowing?
I know someone that occasionally has problems swallowing when he is eating. It makes him feel like he is about to choke, as the food doesn't go down. He is a diabetic. Is diabetes a contributing factor if someone is having a hard time swallowing?

A: It could be....Diabetes either type 1 or 2 will effect body systems and organs depending on the individual depending on how that particular system or organ is susceptible to increased sugar, ....when it comes to diabetes it may be very serious or very mild but it is a progressive disease......It is known to damage the esophagus of many diabetics, (though not common).

Q: What is the difference between type A and type B diabetes?
I know some people can control their diabetes through diet, but I don't know what that classifies as. Also is Hypoglycemic in the same category of diabetes?

A: Hi, I've never heard of Type A or Type B. The actual terms are Type I or Type II. Type I diabetics typically are required to take insulin. This is where the insulin is not made in the pancreas. Most Type II (Or adult-onset) diabetics can maintain their blood sugars with a combination of medication, changing eating patterns, and exercise. Type II's are usually resistant to insulin. Some Type II folks also have to take insulin. I guess you could call that Type III. Hypoglycemic is a term related to diabetes of where you have lower blood sugar than normal. Hyperglycemic would mean you have a higher blood sugar count than normal. For example, if normal blood readings are 80-120 and your readings are on average 180+ then you are hyper. If less than 80 then hypo. The issue when you have low sugar is this can cause some other issues you don't want.

Q: What activity could I do to entertain and inform my listeners about diabetes?
I am doing a presentation on diabetes and I need to keep my audience entertained and informed. What activity could I do to make a presentation about diabetes fun. I already have all the information that I need but it just seems boring especially for a bunch of 17-19 year olds. Can anyone help me? My presentation revolves around teen and adult diabetes if that helps.

A: Well.. I have type one diabetes and anyone who knows anyone about the disease (as I'm sure you do) knows it's not something 'fun'. But of course, you don't want to bore your audience to death. I cannot really think of any way to make if fun, but don't just throw facts at the audience. Use examples, tell stories, ect. I know what I'm much more interested in a more personal presentation than someone naming stupid statistics. Wish I could be more help. Feel free to message me if you need any info. ~Lindsey (:

Q: How can I get pregnant if I have diabetes and a very irregular cycle?
My husband and I would really like to start a family soon. I have a couple of health issues. For one, I have diabetes type II and I have polisystic overies which causes me to have a super irregular period. Would anyone have any suggestions on how we could get pregnant? Thanks!

A: I have the same things as you do. Firstly, see your MD! Start getting both of yourselves healthy, diet, excercise, lots of water, regular sleep. Your body needs to be as healthy as possible aside from those two things. Diabetes II is very controllable based off of those things. You may need to be put on such meds as Glucophage to help with the blood sugar levels. Yor husband will also need to have his sperm tested to make sure he can produce as well. Try testing for you when you ovulate. If you are still unable to concieve, you may consider fertility drugs. Best of luck and stay healthy!

Q: What can happen to someone with type one diabetes?
I'm doing some research for something about diabetes type one, and i was wondeing what are the things that can happen, and does it happen if you are using inselin and eating right? If you have any info or web sites that i can check out, please let me know. Thanks!

A: Go to dlife.com. A site for diabetics and full of info. But the first thing that comes to mind on your question is, are you looking at someone who is treating their diabetes or someone who doesn't follow guidelines and is out of control. Death is the major thing for someone who doesn't take care, amputations, blindness, lose of kidney function are just a few others.

Q: What are the signs of frequent Urination besides diabetes? I want to know what else causes it?
And please dont only say its diabetes, I know there is another answer to it.

A: Too many to name them all so see a doctor but some reasons are: diabetes pregnancy prostate issues interstitial cystitis (bladder inflamation) radiation therapy bladder cancer too much caffeine diuretics UTI (urinary tract infections) kidney disease cystocele ("fallen" bladder)

Q: How can I tell if my hamster has diabetes?
I have a male dwarf hamster. He is active he eats and drinks fine. I don't think he has diabetes I just want to know for future reference.

A: I don't think Hamster's can get diabetes but the vet would give you the best answer!

Q: What is diabetes and why do you need to avoid so many things and food?
I have heard that people with diabetes should not take cold, flu or pain medications. Why is this? Also, I have heard that they should avoid exposure to high heat and humidity? Why is this? I also would love to know what it is exactly, and why you need to watch what you eat and use a meter?

A: Over the counter medicines can alter a diabetic's blood sugar in negative ways, meaning that it can make their blood sugars higher. Some OTC meds can actually interfere with insulin and other diabetic medications in a very bad way too. Heat and humidity are good for diabetics, COLD is not! The cold slows down circulation in the extremities, which are already hampered by the damage caused by diabetes. Heat & humidity increase circulation and combat dry skin (common in diabetics). You watch what you eat because you are sensitive to carbohydrates, and especially all forms of sugar. Sugar raises the blood glucose levels very high and very quickly. The higher the blood sugar, the more diabetic complications that a person can get (more damage to their bodies, cumulative damage). The meter tells diabetics how they are reacting to the type and quantity of foods that they eat. If they are on medication, insulin for example, the meter can tell if they need more insulin or need to eat to avoid death by hypoglycemia. The goal is to keep blood sugars in the normal range as much as possible. Less risk of cardiovascular problems (AKA heart attack, stroke), and less damage to their eyes, kidneys, other organs, and extremities.

Q: How do you tell if a cat has diabetes without going to the vet?
Or can cats even have diabetes? How do you test a cat's blood sugar? I'm wondering because I have a cat that is overweight, and we think she may be peeing on the floor instead of the litterbox.

A: The only definitive way to tell is by a blood test or urinalysis. If she is urinating outside the litterbox, she could be too big to fit comfortably and is thus not using the box, or does not fit properly to "hit the spot" so to speak. Urinary tract infections, while more common in male cats, are not all that uncommon in female cats, as is also a likely culprit for inappropriate urination. If you have not changed anything about her litter box (placement, type of litter, box itself) and if things in your household are "normal" (ie. no unusual stressful situations), your best course of action is to visit the vet. Litterbox problems can bely a whole host of kitty health problems. A diabetic cat usually will drink more, urinate more frequently, and experience weight loss as they cannot process the food that they are eating. Please take her to the vet and get a proper diagnosis.

Q: How can I get out of taking that diabetes blood work test?
Im pregnant & the last test they want to do on me is the blood work to test for diabetes. I dont want to have that test taken, so I dont know what to do because she said every pregnant women has to take it. Can anyone help?

A: No you have to do it unfortunately