Being diagnosed with diabetes shouldn't stop you from enjoying life. Although having diabetes presents some travel challenges, travel to exciting locations is still possible. Remaining safe while traveling with diabetes involves a few strategic decisions.
Instructions
Step1
Pack quick snacks for easy access during your trip. Items like cheese cubes and crackers can provide nourishment in between meals.
Include items like orange juice and hard candy for a quick sugar boosts. Bring double the amount of food you think you'll need to account for travel delays. Use insulated containers to ensure al foods are kept at appropriate temperatures.
Step2
Schedule plenty of rest and assessment periods during your trip. Traveling can make you unusually tired or excited. Stick to a regular schedule of insulin checks to stay on top of your situation. Rest your feet whenever possible to prevent injury and relieve stress.
Over-exerting yourself could lead to nausea, dizziness, or even more serious complications like loss of consciousness.
Step3
Explain your condition when possible. Travel with a companion who's well-versed on your condition and treatment regimen. Wear medical bracelets and tags that can alert others to your condition in case you become unable to speak. Carry a water-proof folder with detailed insurance and contact information for emergency use.
Step4
Consult to a diagnostic check up before your trip begins. Get applicable tests to ensure your diabetes is being controlled by your current treatment regimen.
Adjust medications and habits to reflect test findings and doctor recommendations. Fill needed prescriptions prior to your trip to ensure you have access to appropriate medications.
step5
a crush-proof container to ensure their safety. Take along extra batteries for your blood glucose meter. Use plastic storage bags to prevent spills.
Tips & Warnings
Keep track of mealtimes when traveling to prevent low blood sugar. Store used insulin syringes in the approved manner.
Never skip taking your diabetes medicine or testing your glucose level while traveling. Remember to account for changes in time zones when planning your schedule
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Symptoms of Diabetes in Babies
Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes in babies may be slightly challenging due to the fact that most babies cannot tell you what symptoms they are experiencing. However, there are three definite signs you may want to watch out for in your baby and if symptomatic, take your baby to see the pediatrician.
Symptoms of diabetes in babies include excessive drinking (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and weight loss while eating normally.
The slow healing of sores may be present, along with itchy and dry skin. Blurry eyesight in your baby may not be immediately obvious, however, your baby may display symptoms of fatigue and hunger.
In some babies suspected of having diabetes, a dark, velvety rash may be present on the neck. Tingling in the feet may also be a symptom.
Time Frame
Simple blood and urine tests will determine your baby's diabetes diagnosis. These tests are fairly fast and you should get results between a few minutes and a few days. Your pediatrician may then treat your baby for his disease.
Types
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differ in that Type 1 is usually diagnosed in babies and children. With this type of diabetes the beta cells of the pancreas do not make insulin because the body's immune system has turned against and destroyed them. Daily insulin injections will be part of the treatment.
Type 2 diabetes affects mostly adults although it can strike in early childhood. Type 2 diabetes, is an insulin resistance that affects the fat, muscle and liver in the form of being unable to process insulin effectively. Over a period of time, the pancreas is no longer able to keep up with the body's insulin release needs when meals are eaten.
Benefits
Victims diagnosed with diabetes may benefit from more exercise, watching sugar and calorie intake, daily checking of blood sugar levels, taking medicines on schedule, daily aspirin dosage, blood pressure checks and cholesterol control.
Warning
Type 1 diabetes may develop very quickly in your baby or small child. Watch for changes in thirst, urine output and soggy diapers and unexplained weight loss. All these symptoms should be checked out by your child's pediatrician who, on diagnosis, will provide you with information on how best to manage your baby's disease.
Symptoms of diabetes in babies include excessive drinking (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and weight loss while eating normally.
The slow healing of sores may be present, along with itchy and dry skin. Blurry eyesight in your baby may not be immediately obvious, however, your baby may display symptoms of fatigue and hunger.
In some babies suspected of having diabetes, a dark, velvety rash may be present on the neck. Tingling in the feet may also be a symptom.
Time Frame
Simple blood and urine tests will determine your baby's diabetes diagnosis. These tests are fairly fast and you should get results between a few minutes and a few days. Your pediatrician may then treat your baby for his disease.
Types
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differ in that Type 1 is usually diagnosed in babies and children. With this type of diabetes the beta cells of the pancreas do not make insulin because the body's immune system has turned against and destroyed them. Daily insulin injections will be part of the treatment.
Type 2 diabetes affects mostly adults although it can strike in early childhood. Type 2 diabetes, is an insulin resistance that affects the fat, muscle and liver in the form of being unable to process insulin effectively. Over a period of time, the pancreas is no longer able to keep up with the body's insulin release needs when meals are eaten.
Benefits
Victims diagnosed with diabetes may benefit from more exercise, watching sugar and calorie intake, daily checking of blood sugar levels, taking medicines on schedule, daily aspirin dosage, blood pressure checks and cholesterol control.
Warning
Type 1 diabetes may develop very quickly in your baby or small child. Watch for changes in thirst, urine output and soggy diapers and unexplained weight loss. All these symptoms should be checked out by your child's pediatrician who, on diagnosis, will provide you with information on how best to manage your baby's disease.
How to Treat Diabetes
Treatment of diabetes has improved considerably during the past few decades, especially in terms of self glucose monitoring. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), good glucose control reduces the complications of diabetes by about 60 percet.
Instructions
Step1
Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Adjustments in diet, medication and exercise can be made accordingly.
Step2
Stick to the monitoring protocol prescribed by your doctor. Generally, blood is monitored before meals and at bedtime.
Step3
Utilize blood testing. In the past, urine testing was more common, but blood is more accurate. New and improved ways to test blood are being developed all the time. Check with your doctor, your pharmacist or the company that manufactures your monitoring equipment.
Step4
Take your medication as prescribed, whether it is insulin or an oral drug.
Step5
Develop a personal meal plan that you will stick with. Speak with a nutritionist or a diabetic educator and be candid about your food likes and dislikes.
Step6
Stay on your meal plan. Explore new foods, but keep track of how they affect you.
Step7
Eat carbohydrates that supply plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as fresh vegetables and fruit. Save sugary foods for special occasions.
Step8
Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing weight can make a big difference in your treatment plan. Many people are able to eliminate or reduce the amount of medication needed - or avoid needing it in the first place - once they take the weight off.
Step9
Speak with your doctor if your program doesn't appear to be keeping your blood sugar under control. Modifications may be necessary.
Tips & Warnings
At this time, the only real cure for diabetes is to have a pancreas transplant. However, this is a procedure that is only done for insulin-dependent diabetics who are suffering from complications. For the majority of diabetics, the condition can only be controlled through medication, diet and exercise.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
Instructions
Step1
Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Adjustments in diet, medication and exercise can be made accordingly.
Step2
Stick to the monitoring protocol prescribed by your doctor. Generally, blood is monitored before meals and at bedtime.
Step3
Utilize blood testing. In the past, urine testing was more common, but blood is more accurate. New and improved ways to test blood are being developed all the time. Check with your doctor, your pharmacist or the company that manufactures your monitoring equipment.
Step4
Take your medication as prescribed, whether it is insulin or an oral drug.
Step5
Develop a personal meal plan that you will stick with. Speak with a nutritionist or a diabetic educator and be candid about your food likes and dislikes.
Step6
Stay on your meal plan. Explore new foods, but keep track of how they affect you.
Step7
Eat carbohydrates that supply plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as fresh vegetables and fruit. Save sugary foods for special occasions.
Step8
Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing weight can make a big difference in your treatment plan. Many people are able to eliminate or reduce the amount of medication needed - or avoid needing it in the first place - once they take the weight off.
Step9
Speak with your doctor if your program doesn't appear to be keeping your blood sugar under control. Modifications may be necessary.
Tips & Warnings
At this time, the only real cure for diabetes is to have a pancreas transplant. However, this is a procedure that is only done for insulin-dependent diabetics who are suffering from complications. For the majority of diabetics, the condition can only be controlled through medication, diet and exercise.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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