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Living With Diabetes
Tips from a Nutritionist
By Alison Gamble
In both types of diabetes, the impaired glucose uptake by the cells leads to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. This means the glucose remains in the bloodstream, rather than entering the cells. The symptoms of hyperglycemia are fatigue, acetone breath ("fruity" in smell), glucose in the urine, increased urination, intense thirst and weight loss. If hyperglycemia continues, the cells cannot get enough energy and the body begins to break down fatty acids for fuel. As a result, ketone bodies are made by the liver and accumulate in the blood. If too many ketones accumulate, a potentially fatal diabetic coma can result.
Meals and Snacks
A diabetic has to be sure to eat regular meals and snacks to maintain blood sugar levels. Otherwise, they can become hypoglycemic, or have low blood sugar levels. This occurs when meals are skipped, after heavy physical activity, when not enough food is eaten or from too much insulin. Signs that blood sugar is low are confusion, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, shakiness, shallow breathing and sweating. This is known in a person with IDDM as insulin reaction or insulin shock. The way to correct this is by consuming a food with easily absorbed glucose: juices or a piece of hard candy. Checking the blood sugar to see if it is back to within normal limits is extremely important. If not, eating additional carbohydrates will help restore blood sugar back to normal. Otherwise, if care is not taken to get the blood sugar back to normal, the person can go in to shock and die. Health Complications
There are many health complications that can result from diabetes if a person des not take proper preventative precautions. Atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, is common in people with diabetes. Diminished blood flow can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Combined with obesity and high blood pressure, the risk for heart attack or stroke increases greatly. The blocked arteries also can reduce circulation to the legs and feet. A loss of circulation to the limbs can cause tissue death and ulcers. If it is not caught and treated quickly, the limb may have to be amputated.