News and Features Related to Diabetes
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Nicotine and Blood Sugar a Dangerous Combo
March 28, 2011 (Anaheim, Calif.) -- Nicotine appears to be the main culprit responsible for high blood sugar levels in smokers with diabetes, according to new research presented here at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society. Those constantly high blood sugar levels, in turn, increase t
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Overcoming Objections to Injections
There was a time when doctors couldn't get anywhere near Sherri Buffington with a needle. "I was deathly afraid of needles," recalls the 44-year-old senior legal secretary from Sicklerville, N.J. "I've been petrified of needles since I was a little kid." Then in 2004, Buffington was diagnosed with d
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Cocoa Rich in Health Benefits
March 23, 2011 -- Cocoa, used throughout history as a folk medicine, may actually have significant health benefits, according to a new study by Harvard researchers. Their analysis of 21 studies with 2,575 participants shows that cocoa consumption is associated with decreased blood pressure, improved
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Diabetes Drug Actos May Also Help Prediabetes
March 23, 2011 -- The diabetes drug Actos, which increases insulin sensitivity, appears to dramatically lower diabetes risk in people with prediabetes, according to a new study. People with prediabetes who took the drug had a 72% reduction in diabetes risk, compared to patients who did not take it,
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Blood Test May Predict Risk of Diabetes
March 20, 2011 -- Elevated levels of a group of five amino acids may predict the development of diabetes years before any noticeable symptoms occur, according to a new study. Researchers found that blood tests that screened for these amino acids accurately predicted risk of type 2 diabetes in otherw
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Depression Risk Factors for People With Diabetes
March 14, 2011 -- Experiencing negative life events and being overweight may raise the risk of depression in people with type 2 diabetes, according to new research. People with type 2 diabetes are 52% more likely to become depressed than people without the condition, according to background informat
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Metformin Gets Highest Marks in Diabetes Study
March 14, 2011 -- The drug metformin should be considered as a first choice for blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use its own insulin effectively to maintain blood sugar within normal levels. Medication is usually needed
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Long-Acting Insulin May Help Control Blood Sugar
March 9, 2011 -- An experimental, ultra-long-acting insulin given just three times a week proved as effective as daily insulin for controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, researchers say. Results from phase II trials of the drug degludec, funded by its manufacturer Novo Nordisk, are
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384,000 J&J Animas Insulin Pump Cartridges Recalled
March 9, 2011 -- Johnson & Johnson has recalled about 384,000 of its Animas Insulin Pump cartridges in the U.S. and France. According to Reuters, J&J has received 22 injury reports so far. The cartridges may leak at the plunger side of the cartridge. If this happens, users may receive too little ins
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Southern States Make Up Much of ‘Diabetes Belt’
March 7, 2011 -- The CDC says the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are in a “diabetes belt” in 15 mostly Southern states. Researchers say the diabetes belt is similar to a “stroke belt” identified in earlier studies. The diabetes belt includes 644 counties in portions of Alabama, Arkansa
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Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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