Type 2 diabetes symptoms? How to correctly recognize if YOU are at high risk

However, now experts have announced a new approach - analyzing specific molecules in the body -  which could lead to a more accurate identification of people at high risk of the disease.

Researchers said the discoveries could help hold the global increase of type 2 diabetes which affect millions of people globally.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have discovered potential new predictors, or biological markers of diabetes in the form of proteins and molecules called micro-RNAs.

They said these could become new objectives for diabetes drug development to help treat losses.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition characterized by high blood sugar and serious long-term complications including eye, kidney, nerve and heart disease, reducing life expectancy if it is not well managed.

“But a other exact means of expecting those at greatest risk is an important part of that effort.”

He said the project would use ‘cutting-edge’ technology to tackle an important public health issue and would be able to help treat individuals.

But by the time diabetes develops, the cells are no longer able to make enough insulin to process and store food.

The scientists looked at the proteins found in the blood samples of people studied three years before they developed type 2 diabetes and compared these with samples from people of similar age and weight who maintained normal blood sugar.

Experts found both approaches selected a sequence of molecules in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition pathway - a series of changes in b-cells which could reflect a form of stress as they lose 

their insulin-producing properties due to overwork.

The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Dr Emily Burns, Head of Research Communications at Diabetes UK, said: “Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to devastating complications, such as eye and kidney damage, heart disease and amputations.

"That’s why it’s important that we find more efficient ways of identifying those at high risk and prevent more people from developing the condition.

“This study has detected new signs in the body which are linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes. But there isn’t enough evidence that testing for these signs could help identify people at high risk.

A Healthy Diabetes Diet: Start Your Day Off Right

A healthy breakfast is key in your diabetes diet. Find out why the "most important meal of the day" is even more important when you're managing type 2 diabetes.

Mornings can be a hectic, and skipping breakfast may seem like an easy way to save time. But when you're managing type 2 diabetes, there are several reasons why having a healthy breakfast is essential. “Eating breakfast helps to regulate blood sugar levels for the rest of the day; it helps to prevent overeating at meals and snacks, which can help prevent consuming too much carbohydrate at one sitting; and it has been found to be beneficial in promoting healthy weight maintenance,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies and a representative for the Academy of Nourishment and Dietetics.

Need more convincing? According to a study published in the February 2014 issue of the journal Chronobiology International, skipping breakfast can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, as evidenced by higher levels of A1C, the blood test that can indicate how well you're managing your diabetes over time. Not eating breakfast is especially problematic for those who like to go to bed late and wake up late.

People with type 2 diabetes are already at risk for coronary heart disease, and regularly skipping breakfast may increase that risk even more, according to a study published in the July 2013 issue of Circulation.

If you have type 2 diabetes, make having a healthy breakfast a daily priority. These tips can get you headed in the right direction.

Fill Your Plate Thoughtfully

There's no one-size-fits-all diabetes diet, but there are smart rules that apply to almost everyone. Grabbing a bagel or a doughnut isn't a healthy breakfast choice because the carbohydrates in these foods can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, Palinski-Wade says. Getting the right balance of nutrients is key. People with the best blood sugar control not only have breakfast on a regular basis but also tend to plan out their morning meals in advance, she adds.

For a filling breakfast that promotes healthy blood sugar levels and boosts energy, Palinski-Wade suggests a combination of 10 to 15 grams of protein along with 15 grams of carbohydrates from a whole grain and one serving of fruit or vegetables. “The fiber from the whole grain and the protein will help to slow digestion, allowing you to feel satisfied for hours and preventing spikes — and drops — in blood sugar levels," she says.

Know What Foods to Avoid

Being mindful of how much sugar you eat is always essential with diabetes, and it’s especially important to watch at breakfast. “Many individuals are most insulin-resistant in the morning, so even small amounts of added sugar may impact blood sugar levels more at breakfast than at other times of day,” Palinski-Wade says. Doughnuts, pastries, cold cereal, and other foods high in sugar may give you a temporary sugar high, but it can wear off quickly and lead to a blood sugar crash.

Your morning beverage matters, too. Skip that sugary mochaccino and sip on black coffee with low-fat milk and a dash of cinnamon for flavor. Avoid soda and limit your intake of fruit juices, as well. If you’re craving something sweet, try a serving of fruit with your breakfast instead.

You also want to skip processed meats such as sausage and bacon, which can increase heart disease risk and promote weight gain, Palinski-Wade says. Low-fat cottage cheese, eggs, and nut butters are healthier protein choices.

Snag This Menu

Stock your fridge and pantry with healthy staples — fruits, nuts, eggs, low-fat milk and cottage cheese, veggies, and a variety of whole grains — to make it easier to put together a good breakfast.

To get you started on morning menu planning, Palinski-Wade suggests these combos that fit the bill:

½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, ¾ cup blueberries, and six whole-grain crackers

Two scrambled eggs with one slice of 100 percent whole-grain toast and a medium apple

A breakfast smoothie made with 1 cup strawberries, ½ cup spinach, ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, ½ cup ice, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla

Make Smart Choices on the Run

How can you stick to your breakfast routine when you’re short on time? It’s still possible to enjoy a healthy breakfast when you're on the go and grabbing food at a restaurant or store is your only option. On the mornings you need to reach for something quick, the American DiabetesAssociation suggests these choices:

• ·    A small fruit and yogurt parfait with nuts
• ·         A breakfast sandwich or wrap of eggs and cheese; pile on the veggies if possible and skip the bacon or sausage
• ·         An order of oatmeal with a sprinkle of fruit (fresh or dried) and nuts
• ·         In a pinch, a package of nuts and a piece of fruit

If you’re traveling and your hotel room has a minibar, consider stocking it with some of the essentials you keep at home so that you’re ready to start each morning with a plan to keep your type 2 diabetes in check.

By keeping your kitchen stocked with healthy breakfast options and planning ahead for when you’re on the go, you can start every morning off with a balanced meal to help you manage your blood sugar and maintain energy throughout the day.

Swine flu may evidence deadly to diabetic patients by Mosquito borne diseases

According to statistics, mosquito borne diseases are prevalent in more than 100 countries. Mosquitoes infect about 300 to 500 million people and cause one million deaths every year around the world.

There are about forty million people suffering from mosquitoborne illnesses yearly in India alone. In addition to this, there has also been an increase in the number of people affected by swine flu in the country.

What is alarming is the information that all these illnesses have a larger bearing on people living with diabetes. It is important for people with existing complications to stay safe and take preventive measures to avoid becoming susceptible to mosquito borne illnesses or swine flu.

Talking about this, Dr Sanjay Kalra, Consultant Endocrinologist and Vice President - South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, said, "Our body's immune system is the first line of defense against any infection. When a disease, germs or organism attacks the body, the protected system coils into action to strainer out these germs and stop them before they can cause harm to the body. In societies with an underlying disorder such as diabetes, the immune system is suppressed and the organs are in an already compromised state."

Adding, "Mosquito borne illnesses and other diseases such as swine flu cause fever and increase the metabolic rate. This can chief to a fluctuation in blood sugar levels. Provided people rapid thru diabetes are check well, they stand the risk of developing serious complications."

Bleeding due to low platelet count does not stop in those living with diabetes. This can further lead to hypotension and resultant multi-organ failure.

In people with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, it becomes imperative to check urine ketones to see if the acid levels have increased in the body.

Adding further, Dr Kalra, said, "With such diseases on the rise in the country, it is imperative to regularly monitor anyone in the high-risk category. In selected cases, the infection can distress the apparition, cause brain inflammation, and make the body go into septic shock, or lead to multi-organ failure."

"Take precautions particularly if you fall in the high-risk category and have conditions like diabetes. Timely medical intervention and monitoring can help save lives. People alive with diabetes should appointment their doctor if they have fever that lasts for more than 24 hours. Dependent on the situation, the dosage of medications may need to be changed."

-Wear full-sleeved dress each time you go out and guarantee that you apply mosquito repellant adequately.

-Confirm that water does not fester in the regions surrounding your house as this can be an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

-Drink enough water to ensure that you stay hydrated. Those with dengue otherwise further such diseases should also drink plenty of water. This will make assured that the platelet count does not drop further and avert any bleeding complications.

-Do not self-medicate. If you have a fundamental medical ailment such as diabetes, consult a doctor immediately in case of a fever that does not subside.

Connection Between Gastroparesis and Diabetes?

Many people with diabetes experience a familiar situation called diabetic neuropathy, which affects the nerves and causes numbness and tingling in the feet. Yet you might not know that a digestive disorder called gastroparesis is another form of neuropathy that can affect you when you have diabetes.

“Gastroparesis is a situation in which the standard emptying of the stomach is impaired, either slowing down or not emptying at all,” says Dr. Lorena Lewy-Alterbaum, an endocrinologist through Memorial Regional Hospital South and in private practice in india. In fact, it often goes undiagnosed until the patient must go to the hospital for uncontrolled vomiting, she explains

There are many other sign of gastroparesis, including nausea, reflux, bloating, upper abdominal pain, weight loss and feeling full early on when eating. It can be hard to control your blood sugar when you have gastroparesis.

Those with diabetes may be more lying face down to gastroparesis because they are more likely to have problems with their nervous system. “Nerves, which control muscle contractions of the stomach, can be affected, leading to gastroparesis,”  . If severe, it can lead to continuous vomiting, very erratic blood sugar control and repeated hospitalizations.”

The vomiting, nausea and stomach obstructions that are part of gastroparesis are caused by masses of food that harden in the stomach, according to indian Diabetesasia.

How a Certified Diabetes Educator Can Enhance Your Diabetes Care

These educators can help you better manage your diabetes with tips for eating, taking medications and more.

Gastroparesis is associated with Type 1 diabetes in particular, but those with Type 2 diabetes also can have it. Gastroparesis is often seen with frequent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, after meals, because the person injects insulin before a meal and eats, but the food is not advancing beyond the stomach to be digested.

However, gastroparesis can occur with other health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and scleroderma. Although the condition is not life-threatening, it can have a significant impact on the individual’s quality of life.

It also has other negative effects on the body. “There is evidence that gastroparesis, especially diabetic gastroparesis, is not reversible, can cause significant morbidity, increased ER visits and even increased mortality by making the complications of diabetes more severe.

If you suspect you have gastroparesis, talk to your primary care doctor or endocrinologist. He or she may refer you to a gastroenterologist to make a diagnosis. There are several tests used to to find out if you have gastroparesis. One common test is called a gastric emptying study, used to show how much food is left in the stomach after eating. Your doctor may also conduct a few tests, such as an upper endoscopy or ultrasound, to rule out problems other than gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis can be hard to treat. First, you’ll likely be seen by a dietitian who can share some suggestions regarding what or how you eat so you’ll have fewer symptoms. For example, you may eat several smaller meals a day and avoid high-fat and high-fiber foods that are slower to digest. You also may find it easier to eat softer pureed foods like soups. Often, patients will find that certain foods don’t sit well with them, and avoiding them can help avoid symptoms as well.

It’s important to address the way you eat when you have gastroparesis, as the condition can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and vitamin deficiency, Camilleri says. This can lead to the need for a feeding tube. In some patients with gastroparesis, a jejunostomy tube is inserted on the skin of the abdomen and connected to the intestine to provide nutrients and bypass the stomach.

There are several types of medications used for gastroparesis, including those to control nausea and vomiting. Certain antibiotics and certain medications for high blood pressure also appear to help those with gastroparesis when other treatments don’t work. Although there are a variety of other medications and interventions to treat gastroparesis, they all have limited evidence for their effectiveness.

In terms of diabetes management, you may have to use insulin after meals (not before), use insulin more often and check your blood sugar more often when you have gastroparesis.

The best way to avoid gastroparesis is by getting your diabetes under control. “People eat healthy and keep their glucose under control are less likely to suf

HbA1c Testing for Diagnosing and Monitoring Diabetes

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a common metabolic disease that is characterized by frequent sessions of uncontrolled high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia caused by poor insulin production or increased resistance to insulin. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that 8.5% of the global population was affected by diabetes in 2014, or roughly 422 million people.1

Diabetes is divided into two main types, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is manifested by complete deficiency of insulin production, which results in uncontrolled blood glucose levels, type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in early childhood so is often referred to as juvenile diabetes.

While type 2 diabetes, the maximum mutual type, is characterized by the under production of insulin or the body’s cells becoming resistant to the action of insulin as a result of environmental and genetic factors which often present in adult life, so this type of diabetes is often referred to as adult-onset diabetes.

FBG AND OGTT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING METHODS

Previously, the measurement of two-hour plasma glucose through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or fasting blood glucose (FBG) was the main diagnostic protocol for diabetes.2 To diagnose a patient as diabetic via FBG or OGTT, the diagnostic criteria are:

• FBG ≥7.0 mmol/l, or
• Two-hour plasma blood glucose concentration should be ≥11.1 mmol/l, two hours after injecting a 75g anhydrous glucose through an OGTT

While a good level of accuracy is afforded by both testing methods, these have their own limitations. For instance, the FBG test requires 8 hours of fasting as a minimum before the test can be administered. While, as part of a pre-test preparation for the OGTT patients are given a strict diet for three consecutive days as well as overnight fasting.
Standard glucose testing methods largely depend on fasting, which for some patients can hinder their compliance, especially for those already struggling with glycaemic control. In addition, some patients may consume beverages or food other than water within the period of fasting, assuming that the test results would not be affected by a small deviation, but in reality, this usually would mean that the test needs repeating.
With the OGTT, a patient’s must remember to not consume any food or beverages during the two-hour period and there is always a possibility that the patient may not return to the testing site in the correct time frame to get accurate results.

HBA1C TESTING                                                            

Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells (RBCs). It bonds with oxygen to carry it around the body and can also bond with glucose in the bloodstream, which results in glycatedhaemoglobin (HbA1c). In this state, HbA1c remains in the RBCs for 8 to 12 weeks, for the lifetime of the red blood cell, as the bond is irreversible.
If there is a high concentration of HbA1c in the blood, the patient is more likely to become diabetic or face an increased risk for developing the disease.
The onset of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes is often gradual, with blood glucose levels increasing slowly and in small amounts over time.3 In order to improve patient care, accurate and early diagnostic methods are very important.
Testing for glycatedhaemoglobin provides a better understanding of chronic hyperglycaemia, instead of simply testing glucose over a two-hour window or in a fasting state. This diagnostic tool instead tests the glycaemic index during the 120-day lifespan of the RBCs.4 Therefore, the HbA1c method may not only give a robust diabetes diagnosis but also stratify risk of developing the disease.
In 2009, the International Expert Committee proposed the diagnostic criteria of HbA1c be set at a threshold of ≥48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%).5 Both the American Diabetes Association and the WHO implemented the proposal of HbA1c for diabetes testing, citing that a 6.5% HbA1c is the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis.6
Further, the use of point-of-care-testing or POCT devices for HbA1c diagnostic methods was also approved by the WHO traceable to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) reference method.
For instance, Quo-Test® analyzer by EKF Diagnostics is a POCT analyser that can directly determine the HbA1c in minutes, requiring only a small amount of blood (4 μl) which can be obtained by pricking a finger.
Before the advent of POCT devices, HbA1c tests did not have a value or time advantage over standard diagnostic methods. However, with the use of systems like EKF Diagnostics’ Quo-Lab® A1c Analyzer investigators can quickly and easily obtain a better understanding of a patient’s risk for pre-diabetes and diabetes.
Rapid diagnosis allows for easier screening for diabetes and prediabetes, which in turn allows for earlier treatment, which could potentially lower long-term harmful effects, such as blood vessel damage and worsening glycaemic function.7
Since the HbA1c test involves minimal preparation, it can be used as a diagnostic marker for diabetes to ensure a higher rate of compliance in patients. This test requires only a single blood sample, provides accurate initial results, and removes the need for repeated testing.
In light of the fact that many individuals with prediabetes or diabetes remain undiagnosed, global morbidity associated with this metabolic disorder can be reduced with widespread POC HbA1c testing.10
However, there are a few patient groups who are not desirable candidates for HbA1c testing, including pregnant women, children, and patients with a history of acute pancreatic damage or pancreatic surgery.11

LEARN MORE ABOUT HBA1C TESTING

Read more about EKF Diagnostics’ approved POCT devices for Hba1c testing as well as their suite of glucose analyzers, including the Biosen C-Line glucose analyzer, Quo-Lab®A1c Analyzer, and Quo-Test® analyzer.