Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), often referred to as diabetes, is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and/or effectively utilize the insulin. Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the body's way of digesting food and converting it into energy). There are three forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that accounts for five- to 10-percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for 90- to 95-percent of all diagnosed cases. The third type of diabetes occurs in pregnancy and is referred to as gestational diabetes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health issues for pregnant women and their babies. People with diabetes can take preventive steps to control this disease and decrease the risk of further complications.
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- Q Who should not use glucose balance supplement?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyBecause the effects of glucose balance supplements on unborn babies is not known, pregnant women should not use them without the approval of a doctor. Diabetic individuals should also consult with a physician before using glucose balance... Full Answer
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- Q Should I let my doctor know that I am using a glucose balance supplement?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyIt is a good general practice to discuss all medications and supplements you are taking with a doctor. While glucose balance supplements are considered safe for most people, there is the possibility that some prescription medications could interact with... Full Answer
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- Q How should I use my glucose balance supplement?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyGlucose balance supplements should be used as directed on the enclosed instructions. In some cases, if you have consulted with a physician concerning the use of these supplements, he may recommend a slightly altered dosage. The advice of a doctor... Full Answer
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- Q What should I avoid while taking a glucose balance supplement?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThe most important thing to avoid while taking a glucose balance supplement is deviation from dosage instructions. If you are diabetic, pregnant or nursing, you should avoid using glucose balance supplements altogether without the permission of... Full Answer
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- Q Is glucose balance supplement safe for pregnant women?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyWhile glucose balance supplements contain only natural ingredients and are considered safe, no studies have determined the safety of this medication during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and want to take a glucose balance supplement, talk with... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent birth defects if I have diabetes?
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For women who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes before becoming pregnant, keeping blood glucose levels low even before pregnancy decreases the risk of birth defects. Birth defects occur early in pregnancy as the baby’s organs are being formed. But... Full Answer
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- Q Is increased hunger a sign of diabetes?
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If you aren't exercising more or eating less, but notice you're hungry a lot, it could be a sign of diabetes. Diabetes stops glucose from entering your cells, so your body can't convert the food you eat into energy. This, in turn, starves your... Full Answer
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- Q How can the A1C test help people with diabetes?
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People spend a lot of hours online these days looking up their medical problems and keeping up with the latest research. What’s missing, of course, is that the layman has no way of distinguishing the quality of the research and the importance of... Full Answer
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- Q What are the limitations of the A1C test for diabetes management?
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Although the A1C test is an important tool, it can't replace daily self-testing of blood glucose for those who need it. A1C tests don't measure your day-to-day control. You can't adjust your insulin on the basis of your A1C tests. That's why your blood... Full Answer
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- Q How does the A1C test help diagnose diabetes and prediabetes?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThe A1C test gives a broad picture of your blood sugar levels, because it provides an average of your levels over a 120-day span. The A1C test measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in your blood. Glycated hemoglobin is created when... Full Answer
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