Questions and Answers

With or without diabetes, when blood sugars are not in balance, fatigue, dizziness, “fuzzy” thinking, mood swings, and other symptoms may occur. With insulin-requiring diabetes, this can be an even greater challenge to maintain stable blood sugars but is very achievable with the right monitoring and support. Having a disease like diabetes does provide greater […] Read More

With blood sugars over 300, it is now the thought of many endocrinologists to start a person on insulin to detoxify the beta cells of the pancreas. This may only be for a short period if lifestyle changes are diligently made. Sometimes, it is a shift to oral medication or none at all. Over the […] Read More

Type 1 diabetes means that without taking insulin, a person cannot live. There are those who still produce some insulin, but not in sufficient amounts to control their blood sugars without taking insulin. This is referred to as type 1.5 diabetes. A physician can order a C-Peptide test, which can give you some idea of […] Read More

As a general rule, piercings/tattoos are not good ideas because they can lead to infection. It’s best to consult with a nurse in your physician’s practice. The conditions would have to be most sterile for any piercings – or pedicures for that matter. If the blood sugars are in control, and your medical team knows […] Read More

With most strips now, you can touch them with the first drop. It takes far less blood than it used to in order to get a good sample. One drop is all that is needed. Read More

In general, blood sugars are far better managed with a controlled, regular eating pattern. Erratic eating, such as fasting and then eating large amounts of food, is perceived by the body as “binge” eating. Diabetes is very well managed when one is living a healthy lifestyle. Weight loss is secondary to consistently good habits. Read More

It is not a given that the child will be with diabetes, though the genes may be present. The most important focus would be for a diabetic parent to get blood sugars under control and be in good health. Then, follow a healthy lifestyle as the child grows, to avoid some of the triggers that […] Read More

Diabetes is considered a cardiovascular disease, and smoking negatively affects the cardiovascular system. Smoking also depletes the body of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a major antioxidant – a cell protector – and can deposit lead and other unwanted chemicals into the fatty tissues of the body. This can definitely interfere with metabolism and good blood […] Read More

Yes, it can. A physician should be informed if you had breakfast before a fasting test. 110-120 one hour post-meal is what is followed by some of the more “tight control” oriented practitioners. If the level is higher, watch your carbohydrate intake, especially in the morning, but you should not have blood sugars this low […] Read More

It’s vital to be very active and learn as much as you can about healthy eating. Drink plenty of water and cut out “junk” foods. Such preventive measures can reduce the chance of developing diabetes. Read More