Category Archives: Diabetes

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) In this weeksTechTuesday, were taking a look at thetechnology used to help the more than 10% of Americans with diabetes may also help the rest of us.

ABCs Becky Worley tried out a new app and device that says it can give you near-real time reports on how the food you eat impacts your body.

Medical experts advise steady blood sugar levels generally keep the body in a state of using food as fuel. but this is important, big spikes in blood sugar can stimulate your body to store fat, increase your risk of heart disease and spur chronic inflammation.

Dr. Aaron Neinstein prescribes continuous glucose monitors to his patients with diabetes.

What makes them so effective is that they empower people to learn about their health in a way that wasnt possible before by seeing the impacts right away?

When youre exercising, your body is able to bring glucose or sugar into the cells without insulin. And so it is a very effective tool, said Dr. Neinstein.

Now, all of these apps say they are not a substitute for medical care and not for people with diabetes. a glucose monitor used by many of these apps is made by Abbott who tell us it is currently only for use with a doctors prescription.

Abbott is not affiliated with these companies that promote off-label use.

The Levels app telling Good Morning America that while their software isnt FDA regulated, doctors routinely prescribe drugs and devices intended for other uses that they think can help patients.

Their terms of service says we do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable.

The bottom line?

Much more research is needed to help us understand what the risks and benefits might be for people who dont have diabetes.

Read more from the original source:
Tech Tuesday: Diabetes tech may be able to help those without diabetes - WLNS

Published: Oct. 27, 2021 at 7:30 AM CDT|Updated: 18 hours ago

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Healogics, the nation's leading provider of world-class wound care services, is proud to announce the eighth annual Diabetes Awareness Campaign throughout the month of November, which is National Diabetes Awareness Month. The Healogics wound care specialists, at the more than 600 Healogics Wound Care Centers nationwide, will be raising awareness of the importance of early intervention and specialized care for diabetes-related chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a leading cause of lower-limb amputations and according to the American Diabetes Association, an average of 10 Americans will undergo an amputation due to diabetes every hour. Of the 34.2 million Americans currently living with diabetes, up to 25% may develop a diabetic foot ulcer.These hard-to-heal wounds often go undetected due to the lack of feeling in the lower extremities due to nerve damage caused by diabetes.

The 2021 Diabetes Awareness Infographic provides important statistics about diabetes, foot wounds and amputations. It shares the hypothetical story of a person living with diabetes who discovers a wound on her foot and seeks specialized care. Research shows that specialized wound care increases healing rates while decreasing the potential of an amputation.

The Healogics Diabetes Awareness Campaign is part of the year-long 2021 The Year of Healing program, dedicated to empowering both patients and healthcare providers with resources to help improve health, heal wounds and prevent amputations. The 2021 Diabetes Awareness Toolkit includes patient-education resources, including foot check guidelines and clinical research regarding advanced treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, including studies reviewing the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Visit the DiabetesWoundAwareness.com webpage to learn more.

About Healogics

Healogics is the nation's wound healing expert. Last year over 300,000 patients received advanced wound care through a network of over 600 Wound Care Centers. Healogics also partners with over 300 skilled nursing facilities to care for patients with chronic wounds and provides inpatient consults at more than 60 partner hospitals. Healogics has the largest repository of chronic wound-specific patient data in the country. The Healogics Wound Science Initiative offers peer-reviewed research for better outcomes and a better way to provide care.

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SOURCE Healogics, LLC

The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.

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Healogics 8th Annual Diabetes Awareness Campaign, Chronic Wound Healing through Specialized Care - KSNB Local 4

Diabetes is a condition characterised by unruly blood sugar levels, that set the stage for a host of complications if left untreated. Another key pathology in the condition is failure to respond to insulin, a hormone that facilitates the absorption of blood sugar. There is increasing evidence, however, that certain foods can help lower glucose. One drink has proven effective at taming post-meal sugar spikes within 45 minutes of intake.

Lemon juice, which is packed with polyphenols, is often mixed with water to help flush toxins out of the body.

The drink has been used as an antidote for years, thanks to its antibacterial compounds that carry a host of benefits for the body.

According to one Japanese study, lemon juice may also help lower untimely blood sugar spikes.

While the drink may not directly lower blood sugar levels, it may prevent levels from spiking after a meal.

READ MORE: Diabetes diet: Why drinking 8p tea every day can lower your blood sugar levels

Researchers probed the effects of lemon juice on blood sugar to assess whether it may reduce glycative stress - a precursor for premature ageing and diabetes.

The team found that intake of 100% lemon juice, with no additives may help stave off disease progressions.

The researchers hypothesised the effects may be down to the citric acid content of lemon juice.

To put these effects to the test, they recruited 12 subjects, all aged between 20 to 30 years, who were divided into three different groups.

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The first control group simply ate 200 grams of cooked rice, while a second group was given 15 grams of lemon juice, followed by 200 grams of cooked rice.

The third group of participants were given 30 grams of lemon juice followed by 200 grams of cooked rice.

Lemon juice was mixed with water, and all subjects were instructed to eat food within 10 minutes of drinking their beverage.

All participants had their blood sugar levels measured at zero, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after consumption.

Findings revealed that the group who drank the highest amounts of lemon juice had significantly lower blood glucose levels at 45 minutes, compared to the group who drank none.

Researchers also noted that participants who drank lower amounts of lemon juice has lower blood glucose than those who drank none.

The difference, however, was not significant.

According to the NHS, high blood sugar can affect people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

Read more here:
Diabetes: The cleansing drink that significantly lowers blood sugar spikes after 'minutes' - Express

Congress must pass bills that are stuck behind bureaucracys red tape to help those living with diabetes. Legislation would help 50,000 Tennesseans.

Tiffany Richardson| Guest Columnist

Tennessee Voices: A conversation with Dr. Shindana Feagins

Metro Hospitality Authority Chair Dr. Shindana Feagins spoke with Tennessean Opinion Editor David Plazas.

Nashville Tennessean

Do you remember all the uproar aboutskyrocketing insulin prices and the horrific impactthese prices had on those living with diabetes?

Well, for Michael Hague, a62-year-old man from East Tennessee, that problem still exists. He is still forced to ration his insulin because of its exorbitant cost.There hasnt been much improvement in increasing insulin affordability andaccessibility.

Today, I am asking you to stand behind the ideals you were elected upon:healthcare being a fundamental human right.

Michael needs you to support recent federal legislation proposing to prohibit co-payments for insulin under Medicaid and Medicare prescription drug benefits.

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This legislation entitled theInsulin Access for All Act of 2021would relieve financial and psychological burdens on more than 50,000 Tennesseansthat use insulin to treat their diabetes.

On average, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds. Diabetes rates are on the rise globally.Unfortunately,Tennessee isleading the charge in these diagnosis rates.

About 13%, or more than 650,000 Tennesseans, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Because of the unjustifiably rising costs of insulin. Some are forced to forgo essentials such as groceries for their families. Some have resulted in sellingthe roof over their heads in order to afford a life-saving drug thats needed on a daily basis.

Low-incomeand elderly populationsthat Medicare and Medicaid serve are at the greatest risk of beingaffected by these inexcusably surging prices.

Lets revisit Michaels story to better showcase the struggle these 650,000 Tennesseans face. Michael needsto inject insulin upwards of seventimes a day due to of his diabetes. He must make a conscious decision each time he starts to feel a little woozy from high blood sugar levels.

He asks himself whether or not this needs to be the time to ration his insulin because hes running low and cannot afford more for the month. Without insulin, Michael and many others would succumb to a painful, drawn-outand most importantlyunnecessary death.

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Last year,Tennessee legislators introduced a new billthat sought to put a $100 cap on the amount that would pay for a 30-day insulin supply. This legislation is still undergoing discussion and is not in effect.

Tennessee needs to follow theexample set by other statesthroughout the country and pass bills that are stuck behind bureaucracys red tape to help those living with diabetes.

The Insulin Access for All Act of 2021 is needed to provide more accessible and affordable insulinfor Tennesseans. This new federal legislation is an essential and pressing solution to get a life-saving therapeutic into the hands of diabetes patients without the financial and psychological burdens Ive discussed here.

Roughly10 people were diagnosed with diabetes during the course of our discussion alone.

How many of those people are going to go without insulin today?Tenneseelawmakers need to support legislation for their constituencys diabetic needs.

Tiffany Richardson is a senior fifth-year Ph.D. candidate, diabetes researcher, and educator at Vanderbilt University and Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Original post:
The insulin cost crisis is still a crisis in Tennessee that Congress must fix | Opinion - Tennessean

CROWN POINT, Ind., October 26, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neurodon Corp. reported that a pharmaceutical industry veteran, who spearheaded the development of blockbuster diabetes drugs Januvia and Janumet for Merck, said at the companys 2nd annual Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meeting that he is even more enthusiastic about the diabetes therapy it is developing. In addition to controlling blood glucose, the expert said data indicates Neurodons investigational diabetes drug restored beta cell health in several models of the disease, something no other drug on the market can do.

Neurodons diabetes drug NDC-0009 has the potential to treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as pre-diabetes, said John Amatruda, M.D., former senior vice president for diabetes and obesity drug development at Merck. "The drug would be a gamechanger for patients," Dr Armatruda said.

Orally-available NDC-0009 is one of several first-in-class curative molecules Neurodon is developing for multiple diseases by targeting specific cellular stress pathways.

"Were gratified for the validation of our hypothesis from such a respected expert with a broad and deep understanding of diabetes drug development," said Neurodon CEO Russell Dahl, Ph.D. "We hope to continue our rapid-fire progress with positive results, enabling us to begin clinical trials in late 2022," Dahl said. The company plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application with the FDA in mid-2022.

Also at Neurodons SAB meeting, experts in Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases, as well as a specialist in cellular calcium regulation, presented their findings from early-stage research on the companys drugs.

"Ive been very excited to see new research that shows its possible to boost calcium handling since a disruption of calcium levels is such a widespread disease mechanism," said Seth Robia, Ph.D., a researcher at Loyola School of Medicine and member of Neurodons SAB. "It makes me very hopeful for our efforts to develop a therapeutic strategy based on restoring healthy calcium handling," Robia said.

Story continues

Research findings presented by SAB member and Alzheimers expert Ilya Bezprozvanny, Ph.D., from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, showed Neurodons compounds protect hippocampal neurons that are destroyed by the disease.

Additionally, D. James Surmeier, Ph.D., a Parkinsons researcher at Northwestern University and an SAB member, noted that by restoring calcium homeostasis the companys compounds can feasibly halt neuron loss and hence stop Parkinsons pathogenesis. This suggests that Neurodons candidate has the potential to be the first ever disease-modifying drug for Parkinsons.

"It is very exciting to see further validation of Neurodons unique approach to targeting ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress and calcium imbalance for a variety of disorders," said Bezprozvanny, the Alzheimers expert. "Discussions at the SAB meeting provided interesting mechanistic insights into the companys approach and helped to put Neurodons program in the context of the wider field of drug discovery."

About Neurodon

Neurodon is developing disease-modifying drugs for diabetes, neurodegeneration and other life-threatening conditions. Neurodon deploys its proprietary endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress -based technology platform to discover small molecules that can reduce the cellular dysfunction that is the root cause of many diseases.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211026005435/en/

Contacts

Terri SomersSomers Media+1 (760) 846-4339terri@somersmedia.com

Continued here:
Curative Potential for Diabetes, Alzheimers and Parkinsons Seen in Research Data Highlighted at Neurodons 2nd Annual Scientific Advisory Board Meeting...

Active Southern West Virginias next free Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Lifestyle Change course is open for registration

Class are schedule to begin in January, An upcoming information session will address the benefits of the class.

Prevent T2 Lifestyle Change is part of the National Diabetes prevention program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This class is proven to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Research shows that modest behavior changes, such as making better food choices and increasing physical activity reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in people at high risk for developing this disease.

Active SWV offers regular Prevent T2 classes to the communities it serves at no cost.

The course, offered through Zoom, is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18th, at 6 p.m. and will meet weekly for 6 months, and then monthly for 6 months.

To register, go to https://activeswv.org/prevent-t2/. By registering, participants will also receive an email invite to attend the upcoming virtual informational session about the course scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.

More:
Active SWV offering course to prevent Type 2 diabetes - Beckley Register-Herald

Diabetes is the result of poor insulin production - a hormone that controls how much sugar circulates in the blood - in the pancreas. Many are able to manage their blood sugar by sticking to a restrictive diet, but those who don't could be putting themselves at risk of vision loss. Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at supersavers, explains that two signs in the eyes warrant immediate medical help.

As retinopathy develops, blood vessels can weaken, bulge or leak into the retina and be referred to as non-proliferative retinopathy, explained Edmonds.

However, if it worsens, some vessels can close off which causes new ones to grow or proliferate, on the surface of the retina.

This is known as proliferative retinopathy and can lead to problems with your vision and even sight loss.

As the blood vessels overgrow or start leaking and the retina becomes impaired, two notable signs may arise.

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The first signs of this damage could be signalled through floaters, which are spots in your vision that usually resemble black or grey specks.

These cobweb-looking shapes may become particularly apparent when you move your eyes.

Mr Edmonds explained Most people will experience floaters in their vision at some point in their life - particularly as we reach older age as the jelly-like substance in our eyes becomes more liquid.

If you notice more eye floaters than usual, a sudden onset of new ones, flashes of lights in the eye or darkness on any side of your vision, you must get it looked at immediately as in some cases it can be a symptom of diabetic retinopathy."

Blurred vision is another associated with a litany of conditions - and the majority of cases will be benign.

In diabetics, however, damage to the blood vessels in the eyes that sense light can result in vision becoming blurred.

Mr Edmonds added: Blurry vision can also be a symptom of diabetes which can resolve when blood sugars start to reduce after diagnosis and starting treatment.

It can also lead to dimmer vision as if youre wearing sunglasses or struggling to see when its dark, which are important signs not to ignore.

For those who are diabetic, getting dilated eye exams is imperative to protecting the eyes from sight loss.

Certain lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthy diet, could also stave off or delay vision loss.

A line of research has shown that keeping fit through regular exercise could also reduce your chances of getting diabetic retinopathy.

In fact, all the preventative measures recommended for diabetes, also hold promise for retinopathy.

Read more:
Diabetes: Two subtle warning signs signalling the condition has become sight-threatening - Express

We arent looking for you to solve our issues or do medical research. We just want your friendship, love, and compassion.

When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I carefully chose how to share this news. In a world where type 2 is looked at strictly as a lifestyle disease, sharing my diagnosis was not something I was looking forward to.

Once it became common knowledge, well-intentioned family and friends started offering unsolicited advice and sharing anecdotes that werent warmly received. What was supposed to come across as caring and interested came across as condescending and rude.

Now, in the age of social media, well-meaning strangers have joined the discussion.

Type 2 diabetes is a very individual and complicated chronic condition. The world tends to minimize diabetes management by focusing only on weight loss, diet, and exercise.

The reality is, so much more affects our numbers: stress, weather, medications, mental health, illness, sleep, and what color socks were wearing. (OK, that last one is a joke. But in all seriousness, it seems everything can impact our blood sugar levels.)

No matter the intentions behind your advice, please think twice before saying any of the following to a person living with type 2 diabetes.

If someone close to you confides in you about their diagnosis or medication side effects, listen with compassion without thinking about what youre going to say next and without trying to solve anything.

While weight loss can certainly help lower blood glucose in people with diabetes, it is not a cure.

Any sentence that starts with just trivializes the complex nature of glucose control. Just watch what you eat, just count carbs, and just exercise are other statements that fall into this category.

If it were just that easy, the millions of people living with type 2 diabetes would have done it already.

There are so many shakes, supplements, and magic potions specifically targeted to people with diabetes.

Someone once told me if I drank okra water daily, it would cure me. First, yuck, and second, if there was a miracle cure out there, the whole world would be talking about it.

We know that real progress is based on sustainable lifestyle changes. Please dont try to sell us on a quick fix you read about on social media.

First, every persons diabetes is different. So, your grandmothers diabetes is not my diabetes.

Most patients with a type 2 diagnosis are well aware of the complications that may arise as a result of the condition. Some may even use this knowledge as a motivator to eat well, take their medications as advised, and exercise more.

Hearing secondhand stories like this can take that motivation and turn it into fear, causing us to live in a constant state of anxiety. We know the realities that come with this disease and are trying our best to stay positive and control the things we can, like how we eat, how we move, how we think, and how we react to others.

This statement is harmful for so many reasons, and Im not even sure I understand the intent. Is it to make us feel better by comparing our chronic condition to someones cancer battle?

Its never OK to minimize a persons feelings by saying it can always be worse. This goes for pretty much any scenario in life, but medical conditions especially.

Theres a misconception that type 2 diabetes can be cured or reversed using a specific diet or by losing a significant amount of weight. Diabetes remission can be achieved by some, but not everyone is able to completely get off medication, even if they are doing everything right.

Implying that a loved one (or stranger) must not be trying hard enough because they need medication only serves a healthy helping of shame and guilt, emotions they may already feel due to the pressure they put on themselves.

I saved the best and most frustrating for last. Every person I know who is living with diabetes has had this sentence said to them.

Living with type 2 diabetes is a 24/7 job. We are always thinking about food and the way our bodies are going to react to our choices. But that doesnt mean we need policing.

Being a grown woman with type 2 diabetes does not mean I should never enjoy a tasty treat. Its likely if Im eating something indulgent, Ive planned for it, and am excited about it.

The food police comments may be made with genuine concern, but to the person living with type 2, they only serve as a vehicle to shame us for our choices under the guise of being worried about our health.

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis can be difficult to navigate. We want support from our friends and family without unsolicited advice.

When were sharing our frustrations and emotions, we need two things from you: a safe place and open ears.

We arent looking for you to solve our issues or do medical research. We just want your friendship, love, and compassion.

Remember, were given two ears and just one mouth for a reason so we can listen twice as much as we talk.

Mary Van Doorn lives in Georgia with her husband, their two kids, three dogs, and three cats. Shes a type 2 diabetes advocate and the founder of Sugar Mama Strong and Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support. When shes not taking care of the kids, the house, or the zoo, you can find her binge-watching her favorite shows: Greys Anatomy, This Is Us, and A Million Little Things.

Originally posted here:
6 Things That Aren't Helpful to Say to Someone with Type 2 Diabetes - Healthline

People with diabetes may experience dizziness, either as a symptom of the condition or as a result of dehydration or certain medications. A doctor can help determine the cause and how to manage or treat it.

Diabetes can cause low or high blood sugar, which can make people feel dizzy or lightheaded. High blood sugar can also lead to dehydration, as the body removes excess glucose from the blood through the urine, taking extra water with it.

Certain medications, including those that lower blood sugar, can also cause dizziness.

In this article, we look at the possible causes of dizziness in type 2 diabetes, other symptoms to be aware of, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur in a person with diabetes. Low blood sugar levels, or low glucose levels, are those that fall below the healthy range.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), low blood sugar levels are usually below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), although this may be different for each individual.

Research suggests that 1144% of people with diabetes experience dizziness as a symptom of low blood sugar.

Other signs of low blood sugar can include:

Learn more about the symptoms of low blood sugar here.

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can also cause dizziness. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body may not be able to use insulin effectively enough to control blood sugar, leading to hyperglycemia.

According to research from the United Kingdom, in people using insulin to treat diabetes, about 27% and 22% reported feeling lightheaded or dizzy, respectively, as a result of high blood sugar.

Other symptoms of high blood sugar include:

Learn more about the symptoms of high blood sugar here.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of dehydration due to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar causes the kidneys to remove excess glucose from the blood through urine.

As the kidneys filter glucose out of the blood, they also remove water. This increased urination means that people with high blood sugar can become dehydrated more easily.

Dehydration can cause dizziness. Other symptoms of dehydration include:

Learn more about the symptoms of dehydration here.

It is important that people seek treatment for dizziness resulting from type 2 diabetes. Severe dizziness may affect everyday tasks and quality of life, and it can lead to falls.

Without treatment, some causes of dizziness may progress to serious complications. In severe cases, uncontrolled blood sugar levels may lead to a loss of consciousness or ketoacidosis, which requires emergency medical care.

Severe dehydration can also lead to life threatening complications without treatment.

By following a treatment plan, people can learn how to control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and prevent dehydration and dizziness.

Anyone experiencing regular dizziness should contact a doctor. They may wish to consider keeping track of when they feel dizzy to help a doctor identify any patterns.

The doctor may carry out a physical examination and assess any other symptoms. They may check blood sugar levels and review the persons medications to determine the cause of the dizziness.

Treating or managing the underlying causes of dizziness in type 2 diabetes may help resolve dizziness.

Monitoring blood sugar can help people maintain levels within a healthy range. People can use a device called a blood glucose monitor, which measures blood glucose levels in a pinprick of blood from the fingertip.

Learn about glucose blood tests and healthy glucose levels here.

Doctors may recommend that people with low blood sugar follow the 15:15 rule. The ADA explains that a person can take 15 grams (g) of carbohydrates and then check their blood sugar levels 15 minutes afterward. If blood sugar is still low, they should take another 15 g.

People can repeat this until their levels are within a normal range. Examples of carbohydrates that can raise low blood sugar efficiently include:

It is important to avoid using complex carbohydrates to treat low blood sugar in an emergency, as these can slow down the time it takes for the body to absorb glucose. The same applies to carbohydrates with fat, such as chocolate.

Once blood sugar levels have returned to a healthy level, a person can eat a healthy snack to prevent their levels from dropping again.

Carbohydrate levels may vary for each individual, and children will need less than 15 g to treat low blood sugar. People can discuss a specific treatment strategy for low blood sugar with a doctor.

In severe cases of low blood sugar, when the 15:15 approach is insufficient, people may need glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that the pancreas produces to release stored glucose. A person can speak with their doctor to check whether they require prescription glucagon.

Learn more about how insulin and glucagon regulate blood sugar levels here.

People with high blood sugar may be able to lower their levels through exercise and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet with smaller portions.

If a persons blood sugar level is higher than 240 mg/dl, it may not be safe for them to exercise because ketones may be present in the urine. Ketones are waste products that the body creates when it uses fats as fuel instead of glucose.

Exercising with ketones in the urine may cause blood sugar levels to increase even further. A buildup of ketones can also lead to a life threatening condition called ketoacidosis.

A doctor can offer advice on a safe treatment plan for lowering blood sugar.

Learn some healthy meal plans for people with diabetes here.

Managing high blood sugar may also help treat dehydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help the body stay well-hydrated. For more severe cases of dehydration, people may need to replenish their electrolytes.

It is best to avoid sugary drinks or fruit juices, as these could increase blood sugar levels.

Learn about the 20 most hydrating foods here.

If medications are causing dizziness, a doctor may be able to alter the dosage or suggest an alternative. It is important that people do not stop taking any medication without speaking with a doctor.

Type 2 diabetes can cause low or high blood sugar and dehydration, all of which can cause people to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Certain medications, including those for diabetes, may also cause dizziness.

Anyone with type 2 diabetes who experiences frequent or severe dizziness should discuss this symptom with a doctor. Dizziness could be a sign of uncontrolled blood sugar or dehydration, both of which can cause severe complications without treatment.

Depending on the underlying cause, a doctor may suggest changing to an alternative medication or taking steps to manage blood sugar or avoid dehydration.

See the article here:
Type 2 diabetes and dizziness: Causes and treatment - Medical News Today

People with diabetes may be twice as likely to develop cataracts as those without diabetes. Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the cornea that blur vision.

Diabetes affects around 9.4% of the population of the United States.

A person with diabetes who develops cataracts may not notice their symptoms at first.

People can try several treatment options to reduce the severity of cataracts. The only treatment that can remove them completely is surgery.

This article explores the link between cataracts and diabetes and how cataract surgery can help improve vision.

Diabetes can cause cataracts for several reasons.

People with diabetes can experience damage to blood vessels in the eyes from high blood sugar and swelling in the liquid between the eyeball and cornea lens.

In people with diabetes, the body produces less insulin than it needs or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin moves sugar, or glucose, from the blood into the cells, where the body uses it as energy.

Without sufficient insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells. It then builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar.

When a person has high blood sugar over a long period, it can damage their blood vessels, including those in the eye. This can increase the likelihood of getting a cataract.

Another factor involved in cataracts involves the aqueous humor, which is the liquid that fills the space between the eyeball and the cornea lens.

When glucose levels are high in the aqueous humor, the lens can swell, contributing to blurred vision. A 2021 study on 37 people with diabetes and cataracts found high glucose levels in the aqueous humor. People who had the most difficulty controlling blood sugar had the highest glucose levels in the aqueous humor.

When blood sugar is high for long periods, enzymes in the lens of the cornea convert glucose to sorbitol, which can swell the lens and contribute to blurred vision.

Learn more about the link between diabetes and blurry vision here.

Cataracts form very slowly. A person can have an early-stage cataract without showing any symptoms.

The main signs and symptoms of a cataract include:

Most people with diabetes should see a doctor for a dilated eye exam once a year. A person might need more regular checkups depending on the type of diabetes in question and how long they have had it.

During an eye exam, a doctor will place drops in the persons eyes to widen their pupils. Using a magnifying lens, the doctor will examine the large area at the back of the eye. They will also test the persons vision and the pressure in their eyes. People usually have blurry vision for a few hours after a dilated exam.

If a person notices sudden vision changes, including flashes of light, floaters, or obscured vision, they should call a doctor right away.

There is no way to prevent cataracts from forming, but people with diabetes may lower their risk of developing cataracts by controlling their blood sugar.

Preventative steps include:

Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts. However, for less severe cataracts, it might help a person to:

People with less severe cataracts should monitor changes in their vision and follow a regular eye exam schedule.

When cataracts get in the way of doing daily tasks, a doctor will usually recommend surgery.

Cataract surgery is a relatively safe procedure done under local anesthetic. It can take around 1 hour, although some operations may take less time. People can usually go home the same day.

During surgery, a doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial one. The artificial lens, or intraocular lens, requires no care and can significantly restore the eyes ability to focus. Once a doctor has removed the cataract, it will not grow back.

A doctor can perform two types of surgery to remove a cataract.

The doctor makes a small incision in the side of the cornea and inserts a tiny probe, the same thickness as a human hair. This probe emits ultrasound waves that break up the lens so the doctor can suction it out.

The doctor makes a slightly larger incision in the cornea to remove the lens core in one piece. They then put the artificial lens in place.

Learn more about what to expect during cataract surgery here.

Following cataract surgery, it can take a few days for a persons vision to return fully. They will probably have to wear an eye patch for a day or two after surgery. They may also have to use eye drops to reduce inflammation and the chance of infection.

The presence of other eye diseases such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy might affect a persons chances of recovering full vision following surgery.

After surgery, a person may experience temporary, typical symptoms, such as:

After 46 weeks, these side effects should have disappeared.

According to the National Eye Institute, 90% of people can see better after having cataract surgery.

High blood sugar in people with diabetes makes cataracts more likely to form. Older people, those who have difficulty with glycemic control, and people who have had diabetes for a long time are more likely to develop cataracts.

Surgery to replace a cloudy cataract lens with an artificial lens is simple, has a great success rate, and dramatically improves vision for most people.

More here:
Cataracts and diabetes: Relationship, symptoms, treatment - Medical News Today