Diabetes Management
Diabetes Management
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference?
(k-e-k-u-l-e / pixabay) If you have someone in your life who has been diagnosed with diabetes, there is a chance you don’t know which type they have. Many people who do know what type they have don’t fully understand the difference between the two types of diabetes mellitus. We want to clear up your questions and confusion. What is diabetes? Why are there two types? When we are talking about diabetes, we usually mean diabetes mellitus, as opposed to another condition called diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose in your bloodstream is unusually high. The word “mellitus” means “sweet” and is related to the Latin word for honey, “mel.” In the days before medical testing, diabetes was detected by tasting urine. As the high blood sugar made the urine sweet, the condition was named after that honey-like sweetness. There are two types of diabetes mellitus, which we differentiate based on the underlying cause of high blood sugar. Both types also involve the hormone insulin, which is produced by certain cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows the body’s cells to absorb glucose out of the bloodstream. When the body is unable to use insulin to regulate blood sugar, significant problems arise. High blood sugars can cause nerve damage, damage to the body’s organs, blindness, and leave the body vulnerable to infections. In many cases, uncontrolled blood sugars can cause death. Because of this, it is of the utmost importance to appropriately manage diabetes, regardless of type. While people with diabetes can live long, productive lives, they must pay attention to their condition daily. Type 1 Type 1 diabetes is generally a genetic condition that develops in childhood or early adulthood. As a result, it is often called juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed or injured. Because the pancreas fails to function properly, the body lacks insulin to absorb blood sugar. This causes the blood sugar to rise uncontrollably, without a way to fix it. People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Without it, their blood sugar will continue to rise until they die. Because people with type 1 diabetes must pay close attention to their blood sugar, they frequently use CGMs or Continuous Glucose Monitors to measure their blood sugar in real-time. These sensors, such as the Freestyle Libre, Dexcom G6, or Guardian sensor, are connected to the user with tape or adhesive patches. They measure the user’s blood sugar at regular intervals and display it either on the device or on a smartphone. CGMs connected to insulin pumps will regulate the insulin released by the pump. Type 2 Type 2 diabetes is more often developed in adulthood. Unlike in type 1 diabetes, a person with type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin in their pancreas. Though they produce insulin, the body’s cells become less sensitive to the presence of insulin, which prevents the cells from absorbing glucose effectively. Because the cells do not absorb glucose from the bloodstream, the individual’s blood sugar rises. People with type 2 diabetes are frequently able to control their blood sugar with oral medication, though many people with type 2 diabetes may eventually become insulin-dependent as their condition progresses. In these cases, people with type 2 diabetes also rely on insulin to regulate their blood sugar and may become extremely sick without regular injections. While type 1 diabetes is primarily a genetic condition, type 2 diabetes is caused by an array of factors, including genetics, the environment, and lifestyle. What do both types have in common? Both types of diabetes are entirely manageable conditions. At Skin Grip, we believe that people with diabetes can live fearlessly by taking their diabetes management into their own hands. The first step is to understand the condition, then work with a physician to manage it daily. Both types of diabetics must monitor their blood sugar daily, control their diet, and exercise frequently. Additionally, both types of diabetics may suffer from similar complications, such as neuropathy, loss of sensation in periphery extremities, eye problems, skin infections, and hypo/hyperglycemia. Because the potential complications of both types of diabetes are severe, people with either type must be vigilant to maintain their long-term health. While people with diabetes are united in our struggles, we are also united by the bad-assery it takes to overcome the hassle and live an extraordinary life. Regardless of how our bodies work, we are still athletes, students, parents, warriors, and so much more. Diabetes is only a small aspect of who you are, which is why Skin Grip works tirelessly to make products that accommodate your unique lifestyle. Use our ultra-strong, waterproof tape to hold your diabetic sensor in place. Then move forward and put your full personality on display. Infographic Many people are diagnosed with diabetes. You probably know someone, but do you know what type of diabetes they have? Do you even know what diabetes is and that it has two kinds? If you want to support your loved ones with diabetes, the first step is to know the difference between the two. Read this infographic. Video
Help! My Dexcom Keeps Falling Off
If you are a person with Type I diabetes, there is a good chance you have been given a CGM or continuous glucose monitor. One of the most popular models is the Dexcom g6. These monitors use a sensor inserted in the back of the arm to measure your blood sugar at regular intervals. Typically, an applied sensor can stay on your arm and provide accurate readings for up to 10 days; however, they can sometimes present problems. The manufacturer recommends being gentle while performing activities around the sensor, such as showering, dressing, or playing sports. That may be well and good for most people, but some of us like a rough and tumble life. It’s hard to be gentle when playing rugby, rafting down whitewater, or rolling with our jujitsu partner. Because we live an active lifestyle, it’s nice to have some tips and tricks to keep our CGM where it should be. Clean Your Arm Yeah, nasty, you heard us. Maintaining a clean adhesion site will help the adhesive for the Dexcom sensor form a stronger bond with the skin. While you can use an alcohol pad for cleaning the sensor site, sometimes a single pad won’t cut it. Dirt, sweat, and debris can prevent your sensor from sticking. If you have been working or playing outside, try applying the sensor after a shower or after thoroughly washing your arm. Break Out the Razor This may come as a shock, but not everyone was blessed with the perfectly hairless body of a naked mole-rat. Some of us are cursed with an amount of body hair that our ancestors used to survive harsh winters. This body hair, like dirt and sweat, can prevent proper adhesion of your sensor. If your arm is on the hairier side, consider shaving the area around where you apply the Dexcom sensor. Creating better contact with the skin will help keep it steady throughout the 10 days of use. Apply Firmly and Smoothly As simple as it sounds, this one can be easy to miss. Make sure the adhesive is pressed firmly against the skin. Try to avoid wrinkles in your skin or in the adhesive. Additionally, be sure to keep the edges flat and fully applied. Wrinkles and turned-up edges can quickly peel away as they expose the skin to water and dirt. Some recommend using a dull, flat tool, such as a spoon, to flatten the adhesive edges. Wait to Get Wet Many adhesives require a curing time in order to bond to surfaces properly. For your Dexcom, you should avoid letting moisture interfere with the adhesive for at least one hour after you have applied the sensor. Avoiding showering and swimming is simple enough, but even sweat can interfere with proper adhesion, so wait before hitting the gym or running any marathons. Get Some Help Even following all of our tips, sometimes sensors just don't want to stick. Not to worry! There are some products that can help. Before applying the sensor, using an adhesive wipe like Skin Tac can help you achieve maximum adhesive strength. Using Skin Tac in combination with an adhesive tape for your Dexcom like Skin Grip can double your protection. Beyond that, you can ensure that your patch stays in place with a reliable adhesive like Skin Grip adhesive patches. These ultra-strong patches can hold your sensor in space for up to two weeks. Simply peel off four tabs from the back of the patch, place the adhesive onto your skin, peel off the remaining tabs and press it firmly against your skin. You can follow the tips above before for applying the Skin Grip patches, then sit back and enjoy living fearlessly with the only patch that’s as strong as you are. Whether you like to hike, swim, bike, surf, or shower, Skin Grip is keeping things right where they need to be. We're Giving Away Free Samples! Grab your free sample here!
Type 1 Diabetes Scholarship: 2023
There are a number of challenges that students with type 1 diabetes may face when it comes to paying for college, including the cost of insulin, diabetes devices and other supplies as well as the time and energy required to manage the condition. Skin Grip will be awarding a 2023 scholarship for students with diabetes to help ensure that they have financial support needed to succeed in college and pursue their goals.
How Do Doctors Test for Diabetes?
(jaytaix / pixabay) If you are showing symptoms of diabetes, are freshly diagnosed, or have a loved one who’s newly diagnosed with diabetes, you may be wondering how doctors know who has diabetes and who doesn’t. How do we know something is wrong with our body if we usually feel fine? With the necessary lifestyle changes, the cost of diabetes supplies and medications, and the doctor’s visits and tests, being diagnosed with diabetes can easily overwhelm us. One of Skin Grip’s mantras is “Live fearlessly.” We think knowledge empowers us to do just that, so let’s review what all these tests and numbers mean. Random Blood Sugar Test The first test you might experience is a simple blood glucose test. This test measures the amount of glucose, a sugar, in your blood. Food we eat is converted into glucose in the body, which is used to fuel our body’s processes. Our body also produces insulin, which the body uses to move glucose into our cells. People with Type I diabetes do not produce insulin, which means the glucose that should be absorbed by the body remains in the blood. In people with Type 2 diabetes, the body may produce insulin, but for some reason, the body can’t effectively use it, which leads to high blood sugar. A doctor or nurse will test your blood sugar by pricking your finger, then using a small drop of blood in a glucometer. A high reading might be above 125 mg/dL for people who have not eaten or above 200 mg/dL for someone who has eaten. High blood sugar is an indicator of diabetes. A1C: A Bigger Picture Another common test that might be performed is an A1C test. An A1C test measures your average blood sugar over two or three months. Your doctor or nurse will use a blood sample which is then analyzed. A normal A1C is under 5.7%. The chart below shows the relationship between your A1C number and the number you might see on a home glucometer. The higher your A1C is, the higher your average blood sugar. This test can show that your consistently high blood sugar is a sign of diabetes. While some conditions may lead to an abnormally high A1C that isn’t caused by diabetes, these test results give your doctor a more complete picture than a single blood glucose test. A1C% mg/dl 6 126 6.5 140 7 154 7.5 169 8 183 8.5 197 9 212 Depending on the results of your A1C test, your doctor may tell you that you are “pre-diabetic.” This means that your blood sugar is slightly higher than what doctors would consider normal. Depending on the cause, this condition may be reversible or prevented from progressing into Type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes like a healthier diet, exercise, and losing weight. They may also prescribe a medication to keep your blood sugars under control in the meantime. Individuals with pre-diabetes should plan on regular visits to the doctor to keep close watch on whether they need additional diabetes support. Glucose Tolerance Test Another test used to confirm that a person may have diabetes is a glucose tolerance test. You will be asked to avoid eating or drinking the night before the test. The next day your blood will be used to determine your fasting blood sugar. Then you will be given a drink that contains glucose, and your blood sugar will be measured in specific time intervals. Depending on how your blood sugar changes over the course of the test, it may indicate that you have diabetes. About two hours after you begin the test, a blood sugar below 140 mg/dL is considered normal. A reading above 140 mg/dL indicates that you may be at risk for diabetes or diabetic already. What do I do if my doctor thinks I have diabetes? Don’t panic. While diabetes may seem overwhelming at first, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are manageable conditions. We know firsthand at Skin Grip that people with diabetes can go anywhere and do anything. The most important first step is to receive education from medical professionals who can tell you what treatments you should receive. Depending on the type of diabetes you have, you may require very different care. People with Type 1 diabetes may require regular insulin administration to make up for the lack of insulin produced by the body. Additionally, blood sugar must be monitored frequently. Many people with Type 1 diabetes use continuous glucose monitors to measure their blood sugar multiple times per minute. If your doctor recommends this, Skin Grip may be able to help you live fearlessly by ensuring your CGM stays where it’s supposed to. Waterproof, adhesive patches for Dexcom G6, Medtronic, Guardian, and other popular brands can save on the cost of new monitors and prevent the hassle of fighting with insurance for replacements. Skin Grip keeps your CGM safe so you can sleep at night.
What Role Does DNA Play in Diabetes?
(Pexels / pixabay) With the advent of DNA testing services like 23andme or AncestryDNA, more and more people are curious about what their genetics mean. Some DNA testing companies offer screening services that alert clients to potential genetic predispositions to conditions like cancer. People with diabetes may wonder if their condition was caused by genetics or lifestyle. While both certainly play a role, finding an exact “cause” for any one patient is tricky. How Do Genes Cause Medical Conditions? Our DNA carries pieces of information called genes. These genes determine the shape and function of our bodies. Genes can determine how tall we are or whether or not we can digest certain foods, like dairy. Parents combine their DNA during the reproductive process and pass their genes on to their children. If a parent is lactose intolerant, their children have a chance of being lactose intolerant as well. For many medical conditions, it is unclear whether the cause is genetic, the product of the environment, or random chance. Even when certain genes are associated with a medical condition, it’s often unclear how those genes may cause the condition they are associated with. Genetic research is ongoing and will produce new information for years to come. Is There a Gene for Diabetes? Yes! In fact, there are many genes that are associated with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study of genetics is difficult because of the variety of genes that may cause certain conditions. Additionally, the field of epigenetics has shown that behavior and environment can influence the way certain genes are expressed. As a result of this complexity, there is no definitive way to say that any one gene causes diabetes, as it isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Some genes may be responsible for a child developing Type 1 diabetes, while others may simply predispose an individual to develop diabetes as a result of age, lifestyle, or other factors. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes have a strong genetic link to the condition. People who have a parent with Type 1 diabetes have a greater risk of developing the condition themselves. Twin studies show that if one identical twin develops Type 1 diabetes, the chance of the other twin developing it is between 30% and 70%. While there is a definite link to genetics and Type 1 diabetes, other studies show there may be environmental factors, such as exposure to certain substances in the womb, the lifestyle of the mother, etc. This is demonstrated by the twin study above. While the twins have identical genes, there is only a chance that both twins will develop diabetes. Something in their environment either induces or prevents the occurrence of diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes also show a definitive genetic link, with dozens of genes that may predispose individuals to develop Type 2 diabetes. A family history of diabetes is often reason enough to monitor for signs of the condition, particularly if other risk factors apply. Other risk factors like obesity, smoking, diet, and taking certain medications can make the development of Type 2 diabetes more likely. As a result, doctors are likely to encourage clients to reduce their risk factors as much as they can, particularly if diabetes runs in the family. Is it My Fault? Do I Blame My Parents? Regardless of your particular genetic history or lifestyle choices, diabetes is not anyone’s fault. You and your parents are not to blame for the development of a medical condition. Genetics and lifestyle choices are not smoking guns that killed your pancreas or decreased your insulin sensitivity. Rather, genetics and lifestyle choices are patterns that carry small amounts of risk for each individual. Having a certain gene is no guarantee of developing diabetes. Can I Determine My Child’s Risk? According to the ADA, if you are a man with Type 1 diabetes, your child has a 5-6% chance of also being a person with Type 1 diabetes. For women, the chance varies between a 1-4% chance. Depending on other factors like the age at which you conceive, race, medical conditions, and the age at which you developed diabetes, the chance of having a child with diabetes can rise or fall. Services like TrialNet may allow you to participate in research that uses genetic screening to determine an individual’s risk for developing Type 1 diabetes. Regardless of risk factors, it’s important to remember that diabetes isn’t a condition that has to stop you from doing what you want. At Skin Grip, we believe that people with diabetes can still get out, kick ass, and live fearlessly. To help them do that, we’ve developed adhesive patches and tape for diabetic sensors. Our adhesive patches are compatible with the Freestyle Libre, Dexcom G6, Omnipod, and more. Our hypoallergenic, medical quality patches help keep diabetic medical devices on, no matter the environment. Infographic Are you curious about DNA screening tests? Many people are eager to learn more about their genetics, especially people with diabetes who want to determine if their condition is a product of their genetics or lifestyle choices. But first, you need to understand the roles of genes and what causes medical conditions to develop. Read on to know all the information in this infographic. VIDEO
What is Hypoglycemia, and How do I Avoid It?
(StockSnap / pixabay) Most people with diabetes are aware of the dangers of high blood sugar. In fact, most diabetes interventions are meant to lower our blood sugar. Although high blood glucose gets the most attention, “hypoglycemia” or low blood sugar can be just as dangerous. While high blood sugar causes health complications over time, low blood sugar can cause acute issues, such as seizures, fainting, or even death. Recognizing the signs and symptoms in ourselves and others can save lives. What are the Warning Signs? The first signs of hypoglycemia will feel like fatigue, tiredness, shaking, or dizziness. Some people compare the feeling to an out-of-body experience, where they recognize they are unwell but can’t make effective judgments about how to fix it. Some may sense that they don’t feel well but try to fix the feeling by lying down or resting, leaving their blood sugar dangerously low. Many people report feeling hunger when their blood sugar drops, as their body gives a natural cue to try and raise blood glucose levels. Headache and nausea may also be present. Additionally, people may experience heightened emotions when their blood sugar has fallen. This can include sudden sadness or depression, excitement, or even anger. A person with extremely low blood sugar may even try to argue with the people trying to help raise their glucose to normal levels. Confusion is extremely common when blood glucose has dropped significantly, and people experiencing the drop may appear drunk. They may have difficulty speaking, moving, and become clumsy or disoriented. What Do I Do When Glucose Drops Too Low? When a person’s blood glucose has dropped to unsafe levels, raising their blood sugar is an immediate priority. Juice, sugary snacks, and candy are frequently recommended for boosting blood glucose. These can be effective in first aid situations but may be slow to take effect, as the body must digest them before absorbing the glucose. People with diabetes may want to prepare more specialized remedies to keep on hand in the home, car, or office. Glucose tablets are made of the simple sugar your body needs. Unlike candy, the body can absorb glucose directly without the body breaking it down first. Additionally, because glucose tablets come in measured doses, they offer better control over your blood sugar. Candy and juice can sometimes lead to a yo-yo effect, where blood sugar goes low, then high, then low again when patients try to fix the high. Glucose tablets make administering appropriate doses of glucose simple. A measured dose can be administered, then glucose levels checked before administering more. A doctor can guide specific practices for each patient, but the 15/15 rule is a standard you can use. Take 15 grams of glucose, wait 15 minutes before checking glucose levels. Repeat until blood glucose is back to normal. Some people may receive a glucagon injection kit. Glucagon is a hormone that forces the body to release stored glucose into the blood. It is used in diabetic emergencies to quickly raise blood sugar. Generally, a bystander such as a friend or family member will inject the medicine into a person who cannot eat or drink because they are disoriented, unconscious, or seizing. Training friends and loved ones to perform a glucagon injection is an important step if hypoglycemic attacks are a potential issue. Explain how to do it and practice, but don’t be afraid to have fun with it! Coworkers, family members, and kids love training to help in an emergency, and the information may be helpful in the future. How Can I Prevent Hypoglycemia? Regular monitoring of your blood sugar is key. Keeping snacks and supplies with you, particularly during strenuous activity, will help you stay on top of falling blood sugar the second you feel symptoms. Checking your blood sugar before starting a workout will help you evaluate whether you’re at risk for a hypoglycemic episode. Blood sugar at or below 100 mg/dL means exercise may cause your blood sugar to drop too low. If your glucose is above 100 mg/dL and below 250 mg/dL, you’re likely safe to exercise. If your blood sugar is above 250 mg/dL, you may be at risk for ketoacidosis and should not exercise. The key is to ensure your glucose levels are in the sweet spot about 15-30 minutes before you start exercising. Investing in a CGM or Continuous Glucose Monitor can help you monitor your blood sugar without constant finger sticking. Because a CGM will alert whenever blood sugar rises too high or low, you can avoid hypoglycemia before symptoms start. They are a great option for active people, though large amounts of sweat or water can affect their reliability. Skin Grip makes waterproof adhesive patches for the Dexcom G6 and the Freestyle Libre sensor for exactly this reason, so you can get out and get sweaty without worrying about your blood sugar.
How to Help Someone in Diabetes Denial
(pyou93 / pixabay) A diabetes diagnosis is a shocking experience for many patients. Occasionally, a person who receives a diagnosis may feel unable to accept it. These cases are called diabetes denial. This reaction is displayed in a variety of ways. Some people may simply refuse to return to the doctor to avoid hearing any more about their condition. Others may accept that they have diabetes but refuse to manage it. Others may downplay its seriousness and do the bare minimum to manage the condition. For bystanders, watching a loved one refuse to take a proactive role in their treatment can be a source of stress and even strain in a relationship. Encouraging healthy coping and acceptance is often necessary to keep these relationships and patients healthy. While no method of coping is 100% effective, there are some common ways to find help. Seek Out a Professional Knowledge is power! Many hospitals and clinics may provide nurse educators and counselors for patients who are newly diagnosed. For patients with diabetes, these healthcare professionals can give one-on-one advice and guidance. In individual counseling sessions, educators can provide literature, answer questions, and explain how to best manage your diabetes. Many people may be initially unfamiliar with terms like A1C, CGM, or hypoglycemia. The barrage of jargon and medical orders can quickly become overwhelming, so finding a professional who can explain it all can make a big difference. When patients feel they understand their condition and the steps to manage it, making smart healthcare decisions is much easier. Find a Community Finding support from other people with diabetes is easier than ever with the advent of social media. Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms can connect patients with other people who can share tips, recipes, books, or a place to vent emotions. We use our Instagram to show people who live fearless, free lives. Seeing athletes, models, parents, and all kinds of people with the same condition shows that people are not defined by their medical conditions. With the right tape for diabetic sensors, people with Type 1 diabetes can still kayak, climb, run, and do every activity under the sun. How’s that for inspiration? (We also run promotions and announce sales through Instagram, so it doesn’t hurt to follow us for great deals on our adhesive tape and patches for CGM’s and insulin pumps.) If social media isn’t your thing, you may be able to find a diabetes support group near you. These groups are a great place to find other live people who can help you and your loved ones understand diabetes, its management, and how to cope with it over a lifetime. Searching the web or asking your healthcare provider may put you in touch with live support groups such as these. Get Educated Once you have spoken to professionals or others, it may be time to do some personal research. Finding books, videos, or other resources can help expand your understanding. For loved ones, doing this research can help them understand the changes people with diabetes may experience and how to best support them during their adjustment to a newly diagnosed condition. These resources can also help guide individuals to questions and concerns that they may not have time to cover during doctor’s visits or counseling sessions. This outside preparation will allow you to guide the focus of your medical appointments and tailor them to best help you. Work on Mental Health “Health” encompasses so much more than numbers on a chart. Mental and emotional health is essential to our overall well-being, especially when managing chronic conditions like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are approximately twice as likely to experience clinical depression. The commingling of these conditions can magnify the difficulty of managing both. Learning to pay attention to and respect mental and emotional health is a key component of managing both diabetes and depression. Combinations of medication and therapy can help patients take important steps in managing their health, including acknowledging their diagnosis and the lifestyle changes that need to occur to address it. Communicate For patients and the people in their life, communication is an important way to answer questions and resolve conflict. Patients may be afraid of the changes their diagnosis may engender. These fears may extend to financial anxiety, stress about the future, fear of changing their lifestyle, or any number of concerns. The friends and loved ones around a person diagnosed with diabetes may share these concerns. They may worry that a person they love is not taking their health seriously. Talking through these feelings offers a catharsis that allows both parties to vocalize their fears and work through them together. Communicating openly can resolve relationship strain and stress about the future. Make a Change. (No Matter How Small) The worst decision one can make after receiving a diagnosis is to ignore it. Particularly in the case of diabetes, ignoring the condition can result in disastrous damage to the body, which could be entirely averted with proper management. Unfortunately, putting our heads in the sand is a common response to stressful information. For people who choose to ignore their condition completely, it may be helpful to prompt a healthcare provider to explain what will happen if they choose to ignore diabetes completely. This “worst case scenario” can be sobering to anyone! Convincing someone to make a single, small change can help them gain confidence in their agency and ability to improve their daily living. This change can be as small as taking one medication, eliminating soft drinks, or going for a daily walk. Any progress is still progress! Be patient with your loved one who is grappling with their new diagnosis. As you show that you’re there for them no matter what, you’ll create a safe space for them to navigate their diabetes with greater hope and confidence.
Understanding Pregnancy and Diabetes
(MarjonBesteman / pixabay) Pregnancy can be a wonderful gift for many women but a source of worry for others. For people with chronic health issues, pregnancy presents an array of challenges for both mom and baby. We absolutely believe that diabetics can do anything with the right preparation, so here are some things to consider before putting a bun in the oven. What to Look Out For While diabetes is a very treatable condition, it can cause issues during pregnancy. As is often the case with diabetes, keeping careful control of your blood sugar is key to maintaining the health of mother and child throughout the pregnancy. Uncontrolled blood sugar can result in complications, such as premature delivery, difficult deliveries, and a slightly elevated chance of miscarriage. Because about 1 in 5 infants of mothers with type 1 diabetes are born prematurely, it’s important to be ready for potential challenges for the baby. The chances of premature delivery rise as A1C levels increase. Complications can include birth defects, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low blood iron, an enlarged heart, and poor lung and nervous system development. Because of these risks, it is important to manage your diabetes carefully during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you evaluate your health and the challenges you might face during your pregnancy. Manage Your Blood Sugar Many women with Type 1 diabetes choose to use an insulin pump during pregnancy. The pump ensures that blood glucose remains in an optimal range. Those who prefer to do their own injections may use a CGM or Continuous Glucose Monitor to keep track of their blood sugar. Modern devices can pair with smartphones or even smartwatches via Bluetooth to provide real-time data and alerts when glucose levels rise too high or drop too low. While finger-prick tests can be used, most prefer a CGM to pricking their fingers multiple times a day. The CGM, such as the Dexcom G6 or Freestyle Libre, is adhered to the back of the arm with an adhesive patch or tape. Once adhered to, many units will monitor blood sugar for up to 14 days. This ease of application is why many prefer the CGM over daily finger sticks. If blood glucose remains consistently high throughout the pregnancy, the infant may have an unusually high birth weight, which can result in complications during delivery. Because of this, C-sections are quite common among diabetic mothers. Using insulin and other medications to control blood sugar is an important step in preventing such complications. Manage Your Diet In addition to managing blood sugar via insulin, lifestyle can play a significant role. While some women may be able to eat a gallon of ice cream when the pregnant cravings strike, women with diabetes must be more regimented in their approach to food and cravings. Moderating food intake can allow cravings to be indulged without sacrificing a healthy diet. A small daily treat is a perfect way to feed the craving without going overboard. If your insurance permits, a dietitian can help you and your family find appropriate foods and meal plans that will support your health during pregnancy. Stay Active Regular exercise, for almost all people, is a key component to a healthy life. For women with diabetes, exercise can improve mood, moderate blood sugar, and improve some of the discomforts of pregnancy. While some believe exercise during pregnancy puts the baby at risk, this is generally not true. For nearly all women, moderate exercise is completely safe and will not harm the infant. For women with particular conditions, such as preeclampsia, anemia, or preterm labor, exercise may need to be avoided. Talking to your doctor about exercise throughout your pregnancy can help you determine how much and what kinds of activities are appropriate to perform. Pregnant women participate in marathons, CrossFit, and all sorts of other activities, so don’t feel like a pregnancy means lying in bed for nine months. Consult your doctor and get active! Talk to Your Doctor. A Lot! Lastly, establish a good relationship with your doctor as soon as possible. In addition to monitoring for complications and risk factors for you and the baby, doctors can give you advice or put you in contact with support groups that can help you remain as healthy and active as possible throughout your pregnancy. Asking questions during visits can help you evaluate your own behavior and lifestyle choices. As many people with diabetes are aware, one of the best ways to get better healthcare is to stay proactive in the provider-patient relationship. Asking as many questions as possible, and searching for as many resources as you can access, can help patients find solutions for the daily consequences of their particular health conditions. As diabetes and pregnancy are both incredibly complex to begin with, pregnant women with diabetes need to be particularly communicative with their healthcare providers to receive the best care possible, free from as many complications as possible. Video
Diabetes, Your Feet, and You
(HansMartinPaul / pixabay) You may have heard horror stories of people who have lost their feet due to complications from diabetes. The reports may be discouraging for those who are newly diagnosed, but regular care can prevent many of these complications. Complications with the feet are primarily due to diabetic neuropathy. This is a condition that causes the nerves in your body to become damaged over time by high blood sugar. As a result, your feet may become numbed or lose feeling altogether. The lack of sensation may allow for injuries or infections in the foot to go untreated, leading to more extensive injuries or infections than would otherwise be present. Symptoms may include numbness, burning, or tingling in the outer extremities such as your hands or toes. Some complications may also be due to a narrowing of the blood vessels called peripheral vascular disease. This complication is prevalent among smokers and people who are affected by heart disease in addition to diabetes. Symptoms include sores and injuries that do not heal, poor circulation, and diminishing feeling. What You Can Do For Your Feet The best way to protect your feet from complications is to keep your diabetes under control. Since neuropathy is a direct result of consistently high blood sugar, it can be prevented by closely monitoring your blood glucose levels, adjusting your diet, and taking medication to manage your blood sugar. Today, there are some amazing medical devices called CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) that attach to the skin and can be secured by diabetic sensor tape. The sensor continuously monitors your blood sugar, sending alerts to an external device or smartphone when it spikes too high or drops too low. These kinds of devices can help you closely monitor your blood glucose to keep it within a healthy range. Other practices can help you pay specific attention to your feet and keep them in good health. Feet are a frequently neglected part of health, so even people who aren’t affected by diabetes can benefit from these habits. Feet should be checked daily for injury, blisters, or growths such as corns or warts. Catching and treating these issues early can often prevent more significant injury. The more attention paid to your feet, the easier it will be to notice anything unusual that might be a problem. Avoid removing any growths yourself and, instead, make an appointment with your doctor. Paying attention to hot spots and blisters is particularly important for athletes and people enjoying the outdoors. Take regular breaks to rest and check your feet, wear properly fitted shoes and quality socks. Keeping products like moleskin or duct tape in your pack can help you prevent a hot spot from turning into a blister. Avoid walking barefoot outdoors, particularly if you suspect you may already show some loss of feeling in your feet. Thorns, sharp stones, and animals can cause injuries to the foot that can become severe if left untreated. Lastly, keep your feet clean and dry. Washing your feet daily in warm water can be a relaxing way to give your feet a little attention. If you suspect you may already suffer from neuropathy, use a thermometer to keep the water temperature from reaching unsafe levels. Diminished feeling may prevent you from detecting scalding water with your feet alone. After you have washed your feet, dry them thoroughly and apply talcum powder between your toes. Doing this prevents infection and fungus from taking root in the moist crevices between the toes and causing other complications. If you do show signs or symptoms of neuropathy or infection, contact a doctor immediately. While conditions can often be treated or controlled, the damage is not always reversible. The horror stories about people losing limbs are often the result of improper care, in which infections were allowed to become completely gangrenous before medical attention was sought. Instead of waiting for that infection to “clear up on its own,” make an appointment with a physician to examine it and provide treatment if necessary. Avoid Other Risks While diabetes is serious on its own, other factors can increase your risk of complications with your feet. Smoking can compound cardiovascular issues, such as atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disorder. These issues frequently affect the outer extremities, such as the hands and feet first. If you currently smoke, stop. Similarly, obesity, poor diet, and a lack of activity can increase the likelihood of these complications. In order to mitigate these risks, focus on living a healthy, active lifestyle. Exercising frequently and eating a heart-healthy diet can drastically improve your circulation and help you manage your diabetes. If you are worried about activity impacting your CGM device, Skin Grip provides waterproof adhesive patches that are compatible with the Freestyle Libre, Dexcom g6, Medtronic, and Guardian devices. These patches can keep your device secure so that you can live actively and fearlessly. Don’t Worry With proper care and management, you can keep your feet (and the rest of your body) healthy for your entire life. A few minutes of care a day, combined with maintaining a relationship with your doctor, can prevent complications and encourage healthy habits that keep your feet a-walkin’. Happy trails, friends. Video
