Control of Type 2 diabetes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010
Q: My wife has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is taking medication for this condition. Is it a given that type 2 will lead to type 1? Can type 1 be reversed with diet, weight loss, and exercise?
A: Some people with late onset or Type 2 diabetes will eventually require insulin to control their disease. This does not happen to everyone, especially not those who lose weight, start exercising and watch what they eat. Usually people who need insulin to start with, Type 1 or insulin dependent diabetics, will not be able to control their diabetes with diet, weight loss and exercise.
Tags: Diabetes, Diabetes, diabetics, diet weight loss, insulin, medication, type 2 diabetesPreventing weight gain from medication
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 27 2010
Q: I take metformin and actos for type 2 diabetes but it makes me gain weight especially around my stomach. What can I do to prevent this?
A: It is important that you stay on your medicine for diabetes. There are only two ways to prevent the weight gain. You can either eat less or exercise more. A combination of less eating and more exercising is doubly effective. The calories you consume must be less than the calories you burn with daily activities for weight loss to occur. You might want to talk to your doctor about exercise and weight reduction diet recommendations.
Tags: Diabetes, Diabetes, diet, Diet & Exercise, diet recommendations, exercise, metformin, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, weight loss, weight reductionPeripheral neuropathy
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: Can you tell me if there is a cure for peripheral neuropathy - or can you tell me who I can contact that may know the answer?
A: Peripheral neuropathy is the result of nerve damage to nerves located away from the spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by many things. Diabetes, physical injury, and infections are examples of medical problems that can cause a peripheral neuropathy. Treating the cause of the neuropathy does not always result in a cure but may help with some of the symptoms. You might want to ask your primary care physician to refer you to a neurologist. This type of physician specializes in treating problems of the nervous system. To read more about peripheral neuropathy, click here.
Tags: Diabetes, Diabetes, Medical Conditions, nerve damage, nervous system, neurologist, peripheral neuropathyAtenolol and diabetes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 14 2009
Q: Have you heard that Atenolol for BP can cause diabetes? I have been diagnosed with diabetes after having taken Atenolol for many years and have read about this possible effect with the BP drug.
A: Use of Atenolol has been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. A review of studies on this topic was published in The American Journal of Cardiology - Volume 100, Issue 8 (October 2007) “A Meta-Analysis of 94,492 Patients With Hypertension Treated With Beta Blockers to Determine the Risk of New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus.” As a result, many doctors now use newer agents for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Tags: Atenolol, beta blockers, bp, cause diabetes, Diabetes, Diabetes, patients with hypertension, Taking BP Meds, treatment of high blood pressureUncontrolled hypertension and diabetes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009
Q: I am taking BP medicines Natrilix SR, cardiovas 12.5 mg and amlopress L and my BP is not stabilised. For diabetes I am taking diamicron MR 60 and glucomet-1gm twice daily and my blood sugar level is not controlled. My fasting blood sugar is about 200. What do you suggest?
A: It appears that you do not have your diabetes or high blood pressure in control. Make sure you are following all of your doctor’s instructions, including any recommended life style and dietary changes. Also, make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss additional interventions.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood sugar level, bp, Diabetes, Diabetes, dietary changes, fasting blood sugar, glucomet, high blood pressure, natrilix sr, uncontrolled hypertensionDiabetes and frequent urination
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 14 2009
Q: What type of diabetes makes one urinate frequently and uncontrollably, and what can I do to overcome this worrisome disease? I have totally abstained from sugary foods as advised by my doctor since my release from hospital 2 months ago.
A: All types of diabetes can cause frequent urination. Having to go often occurs when your blood sugar is too high. All diabetics are encouraged to check their blood sugar level on a regular basis so adjustments can be made to stay in control. Just avoiding sugary foods isn’t enough. To learn about diet planning and diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website.
Tags: american diabetes association, blood sugar, blood sugar level, Diabetes, Diabetes, diabetics, diet, Diet & Exercise, frequent urination, sugary foods, types of diabetes, urinateDiet for diabetes and high cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 06 2009
Q: I have type 2 diabetes, my bad cholesterol is high and my good cholesterol is low. I need some advice about my diet.
A: A diet that helps get your sugar in control will also help with your cholesterol. The national library of medicine provides excellent dietary guidelines and tasty recipes. Similar information from the American Diabetes Association is available.
Tags: american diabetes association, Diabetes, Diet & Exercise, dietary guidelines, Heart Health, high cholesterol, national library of medicine, tasty recipes, type 2 diabetesPrevening diabetic neuropathy
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 22 2009
Q: I have diabetes type II. I would like to know if there is anything out there for my diabetic neuropathy. I have it in my feet and am now really starting to feel it in my hands. I’ve tried simple solutions–applications of new ointments and such but I was wondering if you could recommend something besides seeing my doctor?
A: Maintaining good blood sugar control is the best thing you can do to help with diabetic neuropathy. Check your blood sugar frequently during the day to make sure you are staying in control. Regular exercise and having a normal weight help with blood sugar control.
Tags: blood sugar control, Diabetes, Diabetes, diabetes type ii, diabetic neuropathyARBs and diabetes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: Have there been any reports of lower extremity neuropathy linked to the use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)? I also have diabetes but I did not develop neuropathy until I was started on 2 different ARB medications. I quit taking the medications due to the pain and since then the pain has gradually decreased.
A: In general, angiotension receptor blockers are felt to be beneficial in diabetes. However, individual responses to drugs can vary. You should discuss your experience with your doctor.
Tags: angiotension, arb, arbs, Diabetes, Diabetes, drugs, lower extremity, medications, Taking BP MedsBP reduction for diabetics
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 11 2009
Q: How much drop in B.P. on average, can a person with type 2 diabetes expect? Currently my B.P. is 150/82. What would be the reasonable expectation?
A: An article was recently published showing the RESPeRATE is effective in lowering blood pressure in type 2 diabetics. On average the systolic blood pressure dropped 10 mm and diastolic pressure 3.6 mm. You can see the abstract of this important clinical study at the Journal of Human Hypertension.
Tags: Diabetes, diabetics, journal of human hypertension, RESPeRATE, systolic blood pressure, type 2 diabetes
