Help-Save Me This X-Mas !!!

I'm Completely Fed Up With My Diabetes! There're No Days Off! How Do I Cope?

Archive for December, 2009

Dec
31

Can a dog get diabetes?

Posted under 8) Diabetes Dog by admin

My dog is a beagle and is very over weight he is suposed to be about 25 pounds but he weighs 48 pounds. Can he get diabetes? if he can how can i help him?

Yes, your dog is a prime candidate for diabetes. It may already be too late. How can you help him? Get him on a diet immediately. Take him to the vet and decide on a course of action to get the weight off your dog. In addition to diabetes, you are risking heart disease and early arthritis as well.
You owe it to your friend to get him healthy-he is depending on you!

Dec
31

Gestational Diabetes?

Posted under 7) Gestational Diabetes Diet by admin

I was recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The doctor put me on a strict diabetes diet and I have to test my blood sugar 4 times a day. Does anyone know of any foods that will keep me full but still follow the diabetes diet? This diet is leaving me starving for most of the day. Im 29weeks and 5 days. Please help.

hi hun although i am not a dr but i have this as well,and i,m 33 weeks pregnant and they hadme on that same diet with my first son who came out at 4lbs and 7 ounces and i told the same dr he was full of shittt and i absolutly will not go on a diet with this one! they didn’t have this
GD crap 50 years ago and i for one am not for half the crap dr’s say now day’s but i just thought i would give you my opinion and keep in mind they say if you have GD the baby will come out bigger there for i will not go on a diet i,m 4′7 and 100lbs i,m sure you can understand the reason why i,m not going through with it my mother didn’t do it with me and i,m not doing it with my other baby.. but i say good luck to you!

Dec
31

What week are you tested for gestational diabetes?

Posted under 6) Gestational Diabetes Symptoms by admin

I’ll be 23 weeks on Monday and I have an appointment with my OB then. I thought she said I’d have to do the glucose test at that time, but she may have meant later. I wondered when you’re typically tested for gestational diabetes in pregnancy?

Also, I’ve noticed I am so thirsty lately. I know this can be a sign of diabetes. But I wondered if dry mouth/thirst is also just a symptom that some pregnant women deal with (who DON’T have diabetes)?

Thanks!

This is usually done between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

Dec
31

i have to make a case study on preeclampsia. below are the guidelines/examples.. pls help?

Posted under 3) Diabetes Treatment by admin

I.Patient’s Profile

General Data

NameF.B.
Age59 years old
SexMale
Civil StatusMarried
OccupationHousewife

History of Present Illness

The patient has a known case of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). Patient underwent Mitral Valve Repair (MVR) in 1999 and has been on Coumadin therapy with no regular follow up of bleeding parameters.
Six days prior to admission, patient experienced headache and dizziness, but no consult was made. Instead, patient self-medicated with Bonamine which afforded relief.
Three days prior to admission, headache persisted with increased severity, which prompted patient to seek medical assistance at FEU Hospital. Mobic and Iterax were given.
Few hours prior to admission, patient was noted to have changes in sensorium and relatives decided to seek consult at Philippine Heart Center.
Upon admission, patient was noted to be unresponsive, stuporous, and speechless, with GCS of 7 (E2V1M4).

Past Medical History

The patient has denies any history of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. As mentioned, she had a history of Rheumatic Heart Disease and had Mitral Valve Repair in 1999. She is a non-smoker and non alcoholic drinker.

Nursing Assessment (Problem-Based)

Neurologic:
LOC: drowsy to stuporous, 3-4 mm pupil size anisocoric, with brisk reaction to light; GCS – 9 (E4- Spontaneous eye opening V1- none/mechanical ventilation M4 – withdraws to pain) (+) doll’s eye reflex (+) babinski on right foot (-) corneal reflex, no visual threat

Respiratory
Patient is hooked to a mechanical ventilator through a tracheostomy. Ventilator set-up: 350/30/14/AC/5. (+) crackles on both lung fields. With equal breath sounds.

Cardiac
With atrial fibrillation; fine course, with occasional unifocal PVC’s. HR = 97 BP= 120’s-130’s/60’s-70’s.

Musculo-Skeletal
No contractures noted but there was stiffness noted at the right wrists and both ankle joints; with normal muscle tone and non-spontaneous movement; with severe weakness on both upper and lower extremities.

Hematologic
Latest PTPA: INR = 1.02 Act = 98%

II.Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain

Blood Supply of the Brain

The blood supply of the brain derives from the aortic arch via the right innominate, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. It includes the conducting and penetrating vessels.
The venous system draining the brain is divided into vertebral veins that receive blood from the cerebellum. The cerebral veins have no valves. All the veins of the brain terminate into dural sinuses.

External Brain Structures

The brain is grossly divided into three main areas: the cerebrum, the brain stem and the cerebellum.
The largest portion of the brain is the cerebrum. It consists of two hemispheres that are connected together at the corpus callosum. The cerebrum is often divided into five lobes that are responsible for different brain functions. The cerebrum’s surface—the neocortex—is convoluted into hundreds of folds. The neocortex is where all the higher brain functions take place.

The cerebellum lies in the posterior fossa, separated from the cerebrum by tentorium cerebelli. It exerts ipsilateral control. It has three principal lobes. The Flocculonodular lobe is part of the vestibular system. It controls muscle tone, equilibrium and body position. The Anterior lobe receives most of the proprioreceptive and interoceptive input from head and body. It controls automatic movements and coordination. The posterior lobe coordinates voluntary movement.

The ventricles

The ventricles are a complex series of spaces and tunnels through the center of the brain. They secrete cerebrospinal fluid, which suspends the brain in the skull. They also provide a route for chemical messengers that are widely distributed through the central nervous system.

Cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless liquid that bathes the brain and spine. It is formed within the ventricles of the brain, and it circulates throughout the central nervous system. It fills the ventricles and meninges, allowing the brain to “float” within the skull.

The Meninges

The meninges are layers of tissue that separate the skull and the brain.
The Dura mater is the tough and fibrous membrane. The Arachnoid membrane is the delicate membrane and contains subarachnoid fluid. Pia mater is the vascular membrane.
The subarachnoid space is fprmed by the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater.

Normal Flow of Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the Choroid plexuses of the ventricle. It flows from the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle passing through the interventricular foramen. Then it goes through the cerebral aqueduct to the fourth ventricle. From there fluid flows to the subarachnoid cisterns through the foramina of Magendie and Luschka to bathe the cerebral hemispheres. It exits through the saggital sinus to be absorbed by the arachnoid villi.

III.Pathophysiology of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)

The term subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) refers to extravasation of blood into the subarachnoid space between the pial and arachnoid membranes. SAH comprises half of spontaneous atraumatic intracranial hemorrhages, the other half consist of bleeding that occurs within the brain parenchyma. Intracranial hemorrhage as a whole comprises 20% of all strokes.
Nontraumatic SAH usually is the result of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm or AVM. Blood extravasation into the subarachnoid space has a detrimental effect on both local and global brain function and leads to high morbidity and mortality rates.
The classic clinical picture of SAH is marked by the onset of very severe headache, tagged as the “worst in life”. Other associated signs and symptoms are loss of consciousness, seizures, diplopia and focal neurologic signs.
The early complications of SAH are rebleeding and hydrocephalus. Other complications include vasospasm, neurologic deficits, hypothalamic dysfunction and hyponatremia. Vasospasm from arterial smooth muscle contraction is symptomatic in 36% of patients. Neurologic deficits from cerebral ischemia peak at days 4-12. Hypothalamic dysfunction causes excessive sympathetic stimulation, which may lead to myocardial ischemia or labile detrimental BP. Hyponatremia may result from cerebral salt wasting (SIADH). Nosocomial pneumonia and other complications of critical care may occur.

Pathophysiology Diagram

Pathological Cycle Resulting from Increased Intracranial Pressure

Surgical Treatment

Ventriculo-peritoneal Shunting

The ventriculo-peritoneal shunt diverts CSF from a lateral ventricle or the spinal subarachnoid space to the peritoneal cavity. A tube is passed from the lateral ventricle through an occipital burr-hole subcutaneously through the posterior aspect of neck and paraspinal region to the peritoneal cavity through a small incision in the right lower quadrant.

IV.Nursing Diagnoses

1.Ineffective Breathing Pattern r/t neuromuscular impairment
2.Ineffective airway clearance related totracheobronchial secretions
3.Altered Level of Consciousness r/t decreased cerebral perfusion
4.Impaired Physical Mobility r/t neuromuscular impairment
5.Risk for Injury r/t possible shunt malfunction
6.Risk for Infection r/t post-surgical wound

V.Discharge Care Plan (METHODS)

MEDICATION
•Reinforce importance of medication compliance to patient and her relatives; its time, frequency, duration dosage and route.
•Advice to report unusual manifestations and side effects of drugs to physician.
•Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of medication regimen.

ENVIRONMENT/ EXERCISE
•Instruct patients watcher to provide calm and non stressful environment to prevent stimuli that could lead to seizures and an increase in Intracranial Pressure
•Advice to limit visitors
•Provide environment within normal room and body temperature.
•Maintain safe environment.
•Institute seizure precaution.
•Initiate positional precaution to prevent increase in intracranial pressure.
•Teach patient’s relative to perform passive range of motion exercises on patient’s extremities.

TREATMENT
•Teach patient’s relatives proper shunt care.
•Teach patient’s relatives how to suction properly.

HEALTH TEACHING ON DISEASE PROCESS
•Explain to patient’s relatives regarding patient’s neurological status and disease process, and its manifestations.
•Discuss possible complications of VP Shunt and its signs and symptoms

OUT PATIENT FOLLOW UP
•Inform relatives regarding importance of compliance on follow-up check up.
•In case of continued Coumadin therapy, stress the importance of regular PTPA monitoring.

Diet
•Refer to dietician for dietary instructions.

SPIRITUAL / SEXUAL
•Encourage patient’s relatives to seek spiritual support.
•Encourage patient’s husband on alternative ways on showing affections such as hugs and kisses.

XI.Bibliography

Nolte, J. The Human Brain: An Introduction to Its Functional Anatomy, Fifth Edition., Mosby, 2002. ISBN: 0-323-01320-1

Stoler, D. Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Avery Penguin Putnam, 1998. ISBN: 0895297914

Human Anatomy and Physiology, Fifth Edition., 2000. ISBN: 0805349898.

Zuccarello, M. and McMahon, N. “Subarachnoid Hemorrhage”. www.mayfield.com, June 2004.

Rinkel GJ, Prins NE, Algra A. “Outcome Of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage In Patients On Anticoagulant Treatment.” www.pubmed.gov, August 28, 2000.

Newton, Todd R., Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Emedicine from WebMD. www.emedicine.com., December 19, 2005.

Males do not ever get pre-eclampsia, and you’d be hard-pressed to find it in a 59 year old. It is a disease of pregnancy.

This question is unintelligible.

If you have a REAL question, you’ll get real help. You won’t find anyone here willing to do your assignment for you.

Dec
29

does anyone else have a dog with diabetes?

Posted under 8) Diabetes Dog by admin

what do you have to do to maintain your pet’s diabetes?

Check out this webpage. It has a lot of useful informatin about pet’s with diabetes.

http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/

Dec
29

Has anyone else had gestational diabetes and controled it through diet?

Posted under 7) Gestational Diabetes Diet by admin

I had it 6 years ago and was able to cut out bread, sugar/sweets, potatoes.
I have it again and need help with finding what I can eat. Any good websites or books that you know about? Experiences to share?

Hi – I had it with my recent pregnancy. The first thing I cut out was sweets. Then I stayed away from high carb foods like pasta and breads. I still ate fruit and whole wheat products. The best bet for me was to eat continuously throughout the day. Every two-three hours I was eating something. It kept my blood sugar constant.

Good luck!

Dec
28

My dog has diabetes and has been diagnosed with hypoglycemia today. Now she can’t even stand up?

Posted under 8) Diabetes Dog by admin

She can’t stand up and can barely move. She won’t eat or drink but I give her water with a dropper. Every hour or so she has a violent seizure that lasts for about 30 seconds. What should I do now? I’ve been giving her maple syrup every time she has a seizure.

CALL your vet NOW!!! This is nothing to mess with. Since you have been giving her syrup she could be going into diabetic shock which is too much blood sugar. Diabetic shock and insulin shock look very similar. She needs to have her sugar tested and be properly treated. CALL YOUR VET. Stop fooling around.

Dec
28

Gestational diabetes diet? what can my wife eat..please help, we are having issues with this?

Posted under 7) Gestational Diabetes Diet by admin

For ladies who have it..what have you eaten from breakfest, lunch, dinner and snacks to make sure you werent starving but kept your blood sugar level? Please help, we can not figure this out…

Try the South Beach diet, phase 2. Its reduced in carbs, but livable.

It will help her at least get on the right path.

Avoid white flour, sugar, white pasta, white bread, pastries, candy, regular pop, (avoid sugar free pop too, it will deplete her calcium, which is really bad for her, especially while pregnant), also avoid white rice.

For now, avoid all fruit. She can add it back in later on when she gets things under control.

When her blood sugar is under better control, the best fruits are the ones that are lowest in carbs: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Cherries aren’t too bad, and neither is pineapple, as long as they are fresh fruits and not canned.

She can have lots of salads, and low carb veggies like green string beans, yellow wax beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, zuchinni, mushrooms, asparagus, brocoli, cauliflower, celery, green and red peppers, etc.

She can also eat almonds (about 6 to 8 for a snack), peanuts, walnuts and pecans, all in limited quantities.

Fish is also good, but avoid the breaded types, as they have way too many carbs.

Chicken and beef are fine, as long as there is no breading and they aren’t fried. (Frying will give you heart burn when you are pregnant). Cut the skin off the chicken and cut the excess fat off any meat first, fatty foods cause digestion problems for pregnant women and aren’t good for you anyway. Look for extra lean cuts of meat.

If she wants pasta, make sure its whole grain pasta, and try to find one with flax in it, which helps reduce the carbs and adds more fibre. She would have to eat a smaller serving, to keep her carbs down. If her sugar is up, avoid it.

Eggs and egg whites are fine. She can use one egg and some egg whites to make a nice omelet or scrammbled eggs, with whole grain toast. Limit the bread and toast, and use only whole grain breads.

Potatoes are ok in small quantities, if her blood sugar is under control. So is wild rice, and brown rice. If her blood sugar is not under control, she should avoid the starchy foods like bread, rice, potatoes and pasta for a while.

Try to avoid eating processed foods, and cook everything from scratch, with an emphasis on fresh veggies, especially the low carb ones listed above.

She should drink lots of water. It helps get your blood sugar down, and it also helps prevent early labor.

Good luck and congratulations on the pregnancy!

Dec
28

Gestational diabetes HELPPP really worried?

Posted under 6) Gestational Diabetes Symptoms by admin

Well two days ago i had my glucose test. Well my doctor called me today and left a message saying i need to call her back. Played phone tag and didnt end up talking to her. Well anyways it has to have something to do with the test because SHE never calls. Anyways what are some symptoms to gestational diabetes and what happens if you do have it. (so far i feel fine)

Most of the time gestational diabetics never "feel" anything. The symptoms of excessive thirst & urination are signs of diabetes in general, but they show up in someone who has had high blood sugars for a while. It’s a cumulative effect – you have to have had high blood sugars for a long time before you start showing that kind of symptom. Gestational diabetes comes on so quickly that it can start between one week of pregnancy and the next (week 28 is when it starts to show up) because of pregnancy hormones. So there’s usually not enough time to feel symptoms. Every now and then there’s someone who has the symptoms, but they’ve usually either had type 2 diabetes and didn’t know it, or they had a severe case (very high blood sugars) once it started.

Dec
28

Spme questions regarding Dibetes?

Posted under 3) Diabetes Treatment by admin

1.What is Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM)? What is the main difference?
2.What are the main risk factors for Type 2 DM?
3.What is the main treatment for DM?
4.Is there a cure?
5.Approximately how many people suffer from DM? Say whether your figures are for England, the UK or some other well-defined geographical area.
6.What is the main psychological burden of DM?

Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas makes little to no insulin. This person must take up to 6 injections of insulin each day. The pancreas may have been attacked by a virus at some point and damaged it. This is just a theory, they don’t know for sure why the pancreas stops making insulin. Type 1 can be diagnosed anywhere from birth all the way to about the age of 35.
Type 2 diabetes many times starts out with the person being insulin resistant. This is when the pancreas is making lots of insulin, but the body does not use it correctly. In some cases, the pancreas actually makes too much insulin and the body just does not know what to do with it all. Type 2 is usually treated with oral medications, insulin, or both. About 11% of those with type 2 can control their disease with diet and exercise for many years, but in time, later in life, the pancreas becomes tired and worn out, and no longer can do its job, and the person must now take some kind of medication to control it. Type 2 is normally diagnosed from around the age of 40 and up, although, it is not uncommon for it to be diagnosed at earlier ages. Both types of diabetics must watch their diets and limit the amount of carbs they eat and get some daily exercise. There is no cure for either kind of diabetes except a pancreas transplant. Regardless of what people think, type 2 cannot be cured any more than type 1. Although some type 2 diabetics can control with diet and exercise, it is not a cure, and is not reversed….only controlled. Eating too much sugar, or junk food, and not being active enough does NOT cause diabetes. It is a problem with the pancreas and how the body uses insulin. Most type 2 diabetics (62%) are not, or ever have been overweight. Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes itself, can cause some weight gain in those that are insulin resistant. Both types of diabetes are many times genetic, especially type 2. If one or more of your parents have diabetes, you are in a high risk category.
In the U.S. there are 120 million men, and 11.5 million women with diabetes. Of these 5 to 10% have type 1 and 90 to 95% have type 2.
Approximately 186,300 people under the age of 20 have type 1 and 2 diabetes. (U.S)
The main burden of diabetes of any kind is learning how to eat to keep your blood sugars in good range.

Here is a little more information I just got…
World wide, type 1 diabetes has been increasing at about 3% a year. Type 2 is increasing at a much faster rate. In Australia alone, ther has been a 300% increase in the last 20 years or so. China is another country where the % rate is climbing. Currently China and India are home to about 40 million people with diabetes…each. United States has about 24 million. (with type 1) Rates of type 1 diabetes are highest in Italy and Finland. Here the proportion of children under 15 who have type 1 60 times high as in some other countries. Populations experiencing the largest rise in type 2 diabetes are those of non-European descent, such as Asians Hispanics, blacks and indigenous populations