The US team discovered that volunteers who were roused whenever they were about to fall into the deepest sleep developed insulin resistance. This inability of the body to recognize normal insulin signals leads to high blood sugar levels, weight gain and, eventually, even type 2 diabetes.

Personally, I have been in trouble from the start. My kids are such horrible sleepers and my hubby and I have not slept through the night in 7 years. Not to mention that a pin drop wakes me at night! Ugh…

On to science… How would the researchers use this information for good you ask? Yes, it does indeed have some importance.

“The current evidence suggests that strategies to improve sleep duration and quality should be considered as a potential intervention to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes in at-risk populations.”

I know I already have diabetes but I worry that my lack of sleep could further my resistance to insulin. I need to get some serious zzz’s! And maybe it will make those dark circles go bye bye while I am at it!

via bbc.uk

Post from: Blisstree

Sleep Deprivation And Increased Risk Of Diabetes Strikes Again

Due to some new research and a report titled “Guideline for management of Postmeal Glucose” that was carried out for The International Diabetes Federation we may need to be pricking our fingers even more frequently. Oh boy, how fun!

Warwick Medical School researchers looked at a range of studies that examined in particular the two hour post meal peak in blood sugars and found a substantial body of evidence that reducing postmeal plasma glucose is as important, perhaps even more important for achieving overall optimum HbA1c levels.

The researchers firmly believe that these sudden and dramatic increases in post meal “highs” can be more dangerous then a more constant elevated blood glucose or A1c. I know one thing… this calls for more research to be done on continuous glucose monitoring devices. I will curious to see how far these new findings make into clinical teaching. I guess this is why living with a chronic disease like diabetes can be so frustrating, every few months there is a new and improved way to do what you have been doing all along. No one can ever say we’re not flexible…

Post from: Blisstree

Post Meal Sugar High Just As Important As Fasting Blood Glucose

“Anecdotal reports suggest that some dogs can perform early warning of hypoglycemia by using their sense of smell to sniff out if their owner’s blood sugar levels are dropping,” Dr Wells said.”

This is interesting enough if it proves to pan out. Just imagine if dogs could really be trained to have this type of powerful sniffer! That would be brilliant. You could have a k-9 companion and peace of mind.

A Side note: This photo is a picture of our 12 year old black lab that passed away last week. She was our first “baby”.

via BBC

Post from: Blisstree

Dogs Can Smell Diabetes

I have written previously about common sexual issues and dysfunctions among both diabetic women and men, but wanted to touch on another aspect of the horizontal hokie pokie? How does sexual relations specifically affect your blood sugars and emotions during the act?

“Some women put out an adrenaline response when they are having sexual intercourse. This is similar to low blood sugar-a loss of control, sweating and an erratic heartbeat,” says Walko. Some women question if they are experiencing a hypoglycemic episode or an orgasm. She suggests women check their blood sugar levels before having sex to clear up any misinterpretations.

Does this mean you have to put the brakes on in the throws of passion and prick your finger? Heck no! But you need to be in tune to what changes could be occurring in your body. So go ahead and enjoy yourself! But know that you need to be cognitive of your bodies reaction. Another consideration to help combat low blood sugars after nookie time…

“…should adjust her insulin downward in anticipation of the evening, or if the evening happens to be on the spur of the moment, she should compensate by eating something afterward,”

Now, I don’t know about you but I certainly don’t plan for sex throughout the day. It is usually something spontaneous. Well as spontaneous as it can be with having to shut and lock the doors and barricade them so little feet don’t come charging in during the ol’ “together time”. That is another story though. But I do know on a personal level that my blood sugars drop after sex and I make sure a little kitchen run is part of our “basking in the glow” routine.

What is the most important aspect of sex and diabetes? Communication. Sex is something that we share with that special someone. How can we enjoy it if we can’t let our bodies go? We all know that sex is both physical and emotional. It is so important to allow your partner to have their concerns and worries, and no matter how trivial they are to you, remember they are very real to them!

via Diabetes Health

Post from: Blisstree

Diabetes Affects The Emotional And Physical Aspects Of Sex

Merck hopes the combination version will make it easier for those diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.

This comes only 5 months after the drug Januvia was approved by the federal drug administration. Januvia is the first of its type on the market.

JANUVIA is a once-daily pill that helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. It’s a type of prescription diabetes medicine called a DPP-4 inhibitor (blocker). DPP-4 blockers enhance the body’s own ability to keep blood sugar levels balanced.

It is a no brainer for Merck and Co.. More than a third of all diabetic prescriptions are for metformin. Over 90% of patients with diabetes are type 2 diabetics. You do the math! And with each pill costing $3-$5, I venture to say Merck will make out just fine.

The medicine will help Merck compete for a bigger share of the $17 billion market for diabetes treatments, with Januvia and Janumet expected to have more than $2 billion in combined annual sales by 2010, analysts said

How will prescription plan providers cover the medication? Will Janumat become that “answer” for type 2 diabetics, or will it be just out of financial reach for most patients?

via Januvia

Bloomberg

Houston Chronicle

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Federal Approval For New Type 2 Diabetic Medication Janumet

Diabetes Support Tip number 1: Offer support, But Don’t Be The Diabetes Police

At first, when Weiss caught her husband sneaking junk food, she reminded him that it was off-limits. She asked him constantly about his blood sugar levels. “It took some time before I realized that diabetes had not just changed our lifestyle, it had changed me,” Weiss says. “I became a nagging spouse.”

While it’s tempting to hover, let your spouse decide what kind of help is welcome, Weiss says. Some people with diabetes will allow spouses ‘nagging rights’. Others won’t.

It’s also unrealistic to expect a spouse with diabetes to stay on top of the disease at all times. Says Weiss: “For Mike, it’s 24-7. He can’t take a break from this disease — ever. And I can.”

Find all six tips at WebMD.

Photo: tomdav

Post from: Blisstree

Support Tips For Spouses Of Diabetics