Get A Handle On Your Health: Understand The HbA1c Test

 What is HbA1c test? Understand it. 

The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin test, is a laboratory test that measures the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 months. It is used to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatment and to diagnose type 2 diabetes.

 

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When glucose in the blood binds to hemoglobin, it forms a molecule called glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The higher the level of glucose in the blood, the more HbA1c is formed. Because red blood cells have a lifespan of about 3 months, the HbA1c test reflects the average level of glucose in the blood over that time period.

 

The HbA1c test is typically performed on a blood sample taken from a finger prick or from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The result is reported as a percentage of HbA1c in the blood.

 

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes have the HbA1c test at least twice a year. The test is used to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatment and to make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. A target HbA1c level of less than 7% is recommended for most people with diabetes. However, the target level may be different for each individual, depending on factors such as overall health and risk of complications.

 

The HbA1c test is also used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. A result of 6.5% or higher on two separate occasions is considered diagnostic of diabetes. The test may also be used to diagnose pre-diabetes, which is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

 

In addition to monitoring diabetes treatment and diagnosing diabetes, the HbA1c test has other uses. It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, that can affect blood sugar levels. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for people with hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell anemia, who may have abnormal hemoglobin that can interfere with the accuracy of other diabetes tests.

 

The HbA1c test is a reliable and convenient way to monitor the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 months. It is an important tool in the management of diabetes and in the early detection of pre-diabetes. However, it is important to note that the HbA1c test should not be used as the sole diagnostic tool for diabetes, as it may not be accurate in certain populations, such as people with certain hemoglobinopathies or those with a high red blood cell turnover.

 

In conclusion, the HbA1c test is a laboratory test that measures the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 months. It is used to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatment and to diagnose type 2 diabetes. It is a reliable and convenient test, but should not be used as the sole diagnostic tool for diabetes.

Good news for Type-2 diabetic patients- Artificial pancrease may soon be an option

An artificial pancreas, also known as a closed-loop insulin delivery system, is a medical device that automatically delivers insulin to a person with diabetes based on their blood sugar levels. The device is made up of three main components: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and a control algorithm that connects the two.

 

The CGM continuously measures the patient's blood sugar levels and sends that information to the control algorithm, which then calculates the appropriate insulin dose based on the patient's current blood sugar level and their insulin needs. The insulin pump then delivers the calculated dose of insulin to the patient.

 

The goal of an artificial pancreas is to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

 

There are two main types of artificial pancreas systems:

 

Open-loop systems: These systems are based on pre-programmed algorithms that deliver insulin according to set schedules or based on patient-entered information such as meal times and carbohydrate counts.

Closed-loop systems: These systems use real-time glucose measurements and sophisticated algorithms to adjust insulin delivery in real time.

Closed-loop systems are considered more advanced as they can respond to changes in the patient's blood sugar levels and adjust insulin delivery accordingly, thus providing more precise and effective control.

 

Artificial pancreas systems are still considered investigational and are not yet widely available for use. However, several companies and research groups are working on developing and testing these systems for use in patients with diabetes.

 

It should be noted that artificial pancreas is not a replacement for pancreas, it's just a way to control the insulin level using a device. Also, patients using these devices should still monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and work with their healthcare team to ensure the device is working properly and to make any necessary adjustments to their insulin regimen.

 

Overall, the development of artificial pancreas systems holds great promise for improving the management of diabetes and the quality of life for people living with the condition

Lower the Blood Pressure with Whole Grains

For those who have high blood pressure here is a tasty tip to lower the blood pressure. Eat oats; they are rich in fiber and a study found they are better than wheat grains. People who used oat to lower blood pressure had significant dip in their readings. Even some people's reading went low enough that they had to reduce the dose of their medication.
Also it helps to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Those are a lot of heart healthy benefits packed in one little grain.
For the most benefit aim for three quarter's cup a whole grain oatmeal at breakfast.
So a bowl of oat milk could be delicious addition to your blood pressure control plan. 

When blood sugar level gets low

When blood sugar levels gets low, it is called hypoglycemia. It may cause serious damage if not treated immediately. Diabetic patient must know about it and learn to manage it.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
If the sugar levels drops below 70 mg per deciliter (mg/dL) or lower, patient may experience any of the following symptoms.

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Feeling shaky
• Hunger
• Headaches 
• Irritability
• Pounding heart
• Racing pulse
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Fainting (loss of consciousness) 

 With out treatment the condition may get worse and may lead to

• Poor coordination
• Poor concentration
• Numbness in mouth and tongue
• Night mares or bad dreams
• Coma

What causes hypoglycemia
Diet
It may occur when a snack is missed or a full meal is not taken
After a meal that contain lot of simple sugars
If a meal is taken later than usual

Diabetic drugs that can cause hypoglycemia

Insulin can cause hypoglycemia. Oral hypoglycemic medicines can also cause hypoglycemia. These may include

• Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Glipizide
• Glibenclamide
• Gliclazide
• Tolbutamide

How to manage
Eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate such as

• Three or four glucose tablets
• 1/2 cup of fruit juice
• Few pieces of candy (not sugar free)
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup soft drink (not sugar free)
• 1 table spoon honey kept under the tongue so it gets absorbed quickly

After taking any of the above mentioned measure, recheck blood sugar level. If it is still low, repeat any one of the above mentioned measures.
What if fainting occurs
If fainting occurs someone should immediately inject the glucagon which is used to raise the blood sugar level in severe hypoglycemic conditions. It is important that family member and friend know how to give injection.

Shoes and Diabetes

What's on your feet matters
When you have diabetes, it is important to take special care of feet. It is very important to check feet daily and choose the shoes wisely.
Shoes should be well-fitting and comfortable so that small problems like corn, blister or callus may not turn into severe ones. 
Shoes should be of right size. Don't wear tight shoes. Instead, shoes should be for comfortable support.
Choose shoes with a spacious "toe box" instead of choosing shoes with pointed toes.
Avoid high heel shoes, because they will put pressure on the ball of your foot. In the presence of nerve damage it might not be realised that area is getting sore or calluses.High heels may also cause balance issues especially in the presence of nerve damage.
Avoid using sandals, flip-flop or other open-toe shoes.Straps can put pressure on some part of foot.Open-toe shoes can make you prone to to injuries like cuts.It's also easier for gravel or small stones to get inside them.
Consider laced shoes instead of slip-ons. They are often more comfortable and provide more support. 
Try to buy two pair of shoes. Both of them will have different pressure point on feet. Use them alternatively. They will dry and air in them will be pushed out.
Try not to be bare-foot even around the house or pool area. A numb patient may walk on glass and even don't know it. 
Enjoy occasional fancy feet
Having diabetes doesn't mean you will have to wear sensible shoes for rest of your life. It depends upon stage of neuropathy and condition of circulation. If the neuropathy is not advanced and circulation is good, even high heels and pointy wing-tips can be worn for short periods of time.

Gestational Diabetes.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is the diabetes which develops during pregnancy.

What causes gestational diabetes?

During pregnancy some hormonal changes occur which put almost all women on some impaired blood sugar levels. These levels are not so high but in later part of pregnancy that is 3rd trimester it may lead to development of diabetes.
During pregnancy, placenta (organ that connects baby to uterus via umbilical cord), produce some hormones which help to shift nutrients from mother to developing fetus. Certain other hormones are also produced by placenta which prevent the blood sugar levels of mother to go down. They act by resisting the action of insulin.
Over the course of pregnancy, these hormones lead to progressive impaired glucose intolerance(high blood sugar levels). Body tries to decrease these elevated blood sugar levels by making increased amounts of insulin. Usually the mother's pancreas is able to produce three times more insulin to overcome the effects of these placental hormones. If however, pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels will rise, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Complications of gestational diabetes.

Diabetes can affect the developing fetus throughout the course of pregnancy. In early pregnancy, mother's diabetes can result in increased birth defects and increased chances of miscarriage. Many of the birth defect which occur usually affect major organs such as heart and brain.
During the second and third trimester, a mother's diabetes can lead to over-nutrition and excess growth of baby which will pose danger at the time of labor and delivery.
In addition, high level of insulin from mother may cause sudden fall in blood sugar levels of newborn at the time of birth as it won't get enough glucose. 

Who is at risk? 

• Over weight prior to get pregnant
• Having sugar in urine
• Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting sugar levels
• Family history of diabetes
• Previous history of giving birth to baby of weight more than 9 pounds
• Previous history of giving birth to a stillborn(dead at the time of birth) baby
• Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• Having too much of amniotic fluid(a condition called polyhydramnios)
• Many women who develop gestational diabetes don't have any risk factor

Diabetes and adopting a healthy life style

A balanced diet which is high in fiber, low in trans fats and saturated fats and low in salt, should be the aim of healthy eating. This way one can not only nourish his body well but can also maintain a good health. 
Use fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain bread and cereals. Avoid packaged and prepared food which are usually high in fat and sodium. 
Choose low-calorie, filling foods such as an apple, a handful of almond or fat free yogurt. Don't use sugar while preparing sweet dishes, instead use sugar substitute. 
Don't eat to fill the whole stomach. Stop eating while you are still having some hunger. 
Beverages and soft drinks are big source of sugar and calories and they don't do any good to our health. So avoid them. Diluted fruit juices are better alternative.
Physical activity on regular basis pays dividends. We may have a sunnier outlook of life, less stress, more energy, better sleep, decreased stiffness and pain, increased strength and flexibility, healthier heart and lungs and a boost in metabolism that can help with losing extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise and improved fitness can also lower risk of heart attack and stroke, certain type of cancers, and osteoporosis ( bone loss). 
Adults should have 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This may comprise of brisk waking, jogging or swimming.