High blood sugar or glucose levels often lead to excessive thirst and urination, causing dehydration. Neuropathy can cause pain, tingling or numbness throughout the body and cause issues with the heart, stomach and other organs. Sleep apnea is common with diabetes, causing interrupted sleep with the potential for dangerous side effects. Diabetes can cause problems […]
Surprising things that can affect blood sugar
“First off, caffeine,” said Agostino. “Caffeine can cause a rise in the stress hormone cortisol, which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels.” Agostino also noted that many medications like steroids, decongestants, beta blockers, statins and certain antibiotics can affect blood sugar levels or even mask the symptoms of changes in blood sugar that […]
Diabetes vs. insulin resistance: What’s the difference?
“Insulin resistance isn’t the same thing as having diabetes,” said Schult. “Instead, it’s your body’s inability to use your insulin efficiently.” While insulin resistance can indeed be a precursor to developing diabetes, it often occurs years before a diagnosis of either prediabetes or diabetes itself. This condition may not show up on the more generalized […]
Gestational diabetes: What is it and how can it be safely managed during pregnancy?
Insulin resistance is higher during pregnancy, which in some cases can progress to a form of diabetes that is specifically related to the pregnancy itself. Gestational diabetes is more likely to occur in those who are obese at the beginning of the pregnancy, those who have a family history of Type 2 diabetes, a history […]
What does insulin do for the body?
“Insulin helps to carry glucose into our cells so that it can be used for energy,” said Maffett. People who are not producing enough naturally, or who cannot use it appropriately, may need to take it to keep their blood sugar balanced. Maffett noted that some people may resist taking insulin despite it being recommended […]
How to keep your blood sugar balanced
Maffett’s tips on how to keep your blood sugar balanced include: Maffett’s final tip on how to keep your blood sugar balanced? “My final advice would be monitoring your blood sugars regularly, taking all medications as prescribed by your health care provider, eating as healthy as possible, engaging in regular physical activity letting your doctor […]