Archive for the ‘diabetes’ Category

The Stress Connection

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Stress is different for everyone. What is viewed as a productive work environment for one is chaotic negative stress for another. Stressors, or things that are perceived to cause stress, are difficult to categorize. In any case, the result of stress has measurable effects. From tension headaches to serious diseases, stress can bring on a number of complications. It can impact a person’s physical and emotional health. In addition, stress not only affects an individual, but those around him, too. In combating serious diseases, such as diabetes, it is important to understand the underlying factors that can trigger the onset of the disease. Stress in relation to diabetes has a strong influence on the body’s metabolic processes responsible for glucose conversion. Although difficult to define, stressors can leave their mark on an individual for a lifetime.

Type II refers to one of three forms of diabetes. It occurs when the body no longer regards insulin effectively. Sometimes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to lower blood sugar levels. In either situation, an individual’s blood glucose level is elevated. The pancreas releases large amounts of insulin to reduce the level quickly, yet abruptly. In response, adrenaline is sent out to balance the spike and sudden drop. In addition, glucose that cannot be converted to usable energy is stored as fat. The stored fat only contributes to an existing weight problem. Furthermore, the repeated cycle of spikes and drops causes damage to the systems in the body. Maintaining a lifestyle that indulges high fat, highly-processed foods or large quantities of food only aggravates the condition further.

Children with diabetes who experience frequent episode of severe low blood sugar or hypoglycemia particularly at an early age may have reduced long-term memory performance than diabetic children who experience severe hypoglycemia at a later age. A diabetic children’s spatial memory performance may be greatly affected by episodes of extreme low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood or low blood sugar.

Diabetes affects over 20 million Americans. There are three categories of diabetes, Gestational diabetes, Type I and Type II. Gestational diabetes is affects women during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, the mother’s body cannot effectively lower blood sugar level. Serious complications can arise if not monitored and treated properly. Type I refers to the body’s inability to produce insulin. Type II is the insulin resistant form of the disease. In some cases the body ignores insulin when blood sugar level is high. Sometimes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate levels. High levels of blood sugar cause insulin to be released in large amounts. As a result, there is a sudden drop in levels, or a crash. To balance things out, the body releases adrenaline. This rise and falling pattern over time can cause damage to the body’s systems and can lead to organ failure if not managed. Adults and children alike are at risk to develop Type II diabetes.

Children who experience insulin resistance may experience little or no thirst and no increase in urination. Nutrition is a key factor in children developing Type II diabetes. Children with diabetes whose blood sugar tends to drop below the normal levels of 70-100 mg/dl may experience long-term memory deficits Spatial memory performance may also be affected by low blood sugar. Currently, two million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 are diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetes like other serious diseases, must be diagnosed and monitored by a physician. Tests can be administered to determine if an individual is in pre-diabetic stages. If left uncared for, diabetes can cause serious complications in the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and circulatory system, ncluding damage to the kidneys. Proper detection can lead to the delay of diabetes and possibly reversal of conditions that accompany mild cases.

Besides watching for sign of high blood sugar, they also have to be aware of warning signs of blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Using blood glucose meter, a person who has diabetes can tell his/her sugar level is low. Normal fasting blood sugar is 70 to 100.

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