Diabetes

Recently Answered

• QDoes type 2 diabetes run in families?

  4 Answers

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  Unlike some traits, diabetes does not seem to be inherited in a simple pattern. Yet clearly, some people are born more likely to get diabetes than others.

  Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes. Yet two factors are important in both. You inherit a predisposition to the disease then something in your environment triggers it.

  Genes alone are not enough. One proof of this is identical twins. Identical twins have identical genes. Yet when one twin has type 1 diabetes, the other gets the disease at most only half the time. When one twin has type 2 diabetes, the other's risk is at most 3 in 4.

  Type 2 diabetes has a stronger link to family history and lineage than type 1, although it too depends on environmental factors. Studies of twins have shown that genetics play a very strong role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle also influences the development of type 2 diabetes. Obesity tends to run in families, and families tend to have similar eating and exercise habits.

  If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, it may be difficult to figure out whether your diabetes is due to lifestyle factors or genetic susceptibility. Most likely it is due to both. However, don’t lose heart. Studies show that it is possible to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes by exercising and losing weight.

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• QWhat is the A1C test for diabetes?

  4 Answers

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  The A1C test is a test that measures a person's average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin is the part of a red blood cell that carries oxygen to the cells and sometimes joins with the glucose in the bloodstream. Also called hemoglobin A1C or glycosylated hemoglobin, the test shows the amount of glucose that sticks to the red blood cell, which is proportional to the amount of glucose in the blood.

  Hemoglobin A1C (A1C) test results reflect average glycemia over several months and correlate with mean plasma glucose levels. An estimated average glucose (eAG) is directly related to A1C and also provides an individual with an estimate of average blood glucose over a period of time, but it uses the same values and units that are observed when using a glucose meter or recording a fasting glucose value on a lab report.

  If you have diabetes, at least every 3 to 6 months, your doctor should order an A1C test, which may be reported as eAG. It is a different number than your blood glucose checks. The result will tell you your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months.

  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 sugar checks and your log of results are so important to staying in effective control.

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• QWhat are signs of a diabetic emergency?

  2 Answers

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  A Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center answered

  Sweating, nausea, vomiting, and confusion are symptoms of a diabetic situation that could merit medical attention.

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• QWhy are cases of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes becoming more common?

  2 Answers

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  A MountainView Hospital answered

  An increase in obesity has also caused an increase in diabetes. This and other reason why type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent.

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• QWhere is the treatment of diabetes going in the future?

  2 Answers

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  A Mercy Health answered

  

  Diabetes treatment research is leading to insulin that acts more like the insulin in your body. Watch as Michelle Lalick, RN, BSN, CDE, of Mercy Health, describes some advances in diabetes treatment as researchers continue searching for a cure.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  Where Is the Treatment of Diabetes Going in the Future?
  Buy DVD

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• QWhat are healthy snacks for people with diabetes?

  4 Answers

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  If you have diabetes, regardless of how many snacks your meal plan includes, portion sizes are the key to controlling your blood glucose and avoiding weight gain. So, resist those trips to the vending machine—plan ahead and pack a healthy snack! If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you eat foods with low carbohydrates. The following are healthy snacks that are low in carbohydrates:

  Snacks with less than 5 grams of carbohydrate:

  • 3 celery sticks + 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
  • 5 baby carrots
  • 5 cherry tomatoes + 1 tablespoon ranch
  • 1 hard-boiled egg
  • 1 cup cucumber slices + 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup of salad greens, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, and with vinegar and oil
  • 1 frozen sugar-free popsicle
  • 1 cup of light popcorn
  • 2 saltine crackers
  • 10 gold-fish crackers
  • 16 green olives
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free gelatin
  • 1 piece of string cheese stick
  • 2 Tablespoons pumpkin or sesame seeds
  • 1/4 of a whole avocado (4 g)

  About 10-20 grams of carbohydrate:

  • 1/2 cup almonds or other nuts
  • 1/4 cup dried fruit and nut mix
  • 1 cup chicken noodle, tomato (made with water), or vegetable soup
  • 1 small apple or orange
  • 3 cups light popcorn
  • 1/3 cup hummus + 1 cup raw fresh cut veggies (green peppers, carrots, broccoli, cucumber, celery, cauliflower or a combination of these)
  • 1/4 cup cottage cheese + 1/2 cup canned or fresh fruit
  • 1 cheese quesadilla (made with one 6-inch corn or whole wheat tortilla + 1 oz shredded cheese) + 1/4 cup salsa
  • 2 rice cakes (with a 4-inch diameter) + 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 5 whole wheat crackers (or 3/4 oz) + 1 piece of string cheese
  • 1/2 turkey sandwich (1 slice whole wheat bread + 2 oz turkey + mustard)
  • 1/2 cup tuna salad + 4 saltines

  About 30 grams of carbohydrate (good to eat before exercise):

  • 1/2 peanut butter sandwich (1 slice whole wheat bread + 1 Tablespoon peanut butter) + 1 cup milk
  • 6 oz light yogurt + 3/4 cup berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or a combination of these)
  • 1 English muffin + 1 teaspoon low-fat tub margarine
  • 3/4 cup whole grain, ready-to-eat cereal + 1/2 cup fat-free milk
  • 1 medium banana + 1 tablespoon peanut butter

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• QHow can I keep my blood sugar levels stable?

  6 Answers

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  You can make changes, a few at a time, to slowly lower your blood glucose levels if you have diabetes. Here are some things you may want to change:

  • how much food you eat
  • the kinds of food you eat
  • your activity level
  • how much insulin or medication you take

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• QCan low blood sugar be as dangerous as high blood sugar?

  2 Answers

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  A Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answered on behalf of Scripps Health

  Most patients with diabetes focus on preventing high blood sugar, but low blood sugar can be just as dangerous.

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• QWhat is a healthy blood sugar level?

  3 Answers

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  For people without diabetes, blood glucose levels rarely go over 120 mg/dl, even after eating a meal.

  People with diabetes need to take action to lower their blood glucose either by injecting insulin or compensating with food or insulin at the next mealtime. You may hear that keeping your blood glucose below 130 mg/dl is the magic number. In fact, your target range may be a little higher or lower depending on several factors such as your age, capabilities, and life situation.

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• QWhat are the symptoms of diabetes?

  9 Answers

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  The symptoms of diabetes include the following:

  Type 1 diabetes

  • Frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Excessive thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting

  Type 2 diabetes

  • Any of the type 1 symptoms
  • Recurring or hard-to-heal skin, gum, or bladder infections
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
  • Itching

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