Does Your Cat Have Feline Diabetic Neuropathy?

Feline diabetic neuropathy is the loss of nerves particularly in the legs due to hypoglycemia. This is from damage caused by high levels of glucose in the blood that damages nerves over time. The symptoms include weakness, pain, tingling, and paralysis.

These can be seen in a cats hind legs becoming weak or the cat not moving as much as before. The nerves in the legs become more and more damaged and this leads to numbness, tingliness, pain and weakness, even paralysis.

Often this is ignored by the owner as a symptom of an aging cat. The loss of the feeling (or the pain) in the legs will make the cat limp along, often not able to stand on his toes, so walks on his hocks (heels) taking frequent rests.  Jumping will be quite difficult and in time, impossible.

Feline Diabetic Neuropathy can be Reversed

Diabetic neuropathy in dogs is less common but does happen and is seen by the dog’s legs becoming weaker or becoming unusable. But the good news is, it can be reversed with the right treatment in the early stages of its attacks on the nerves. With the proper diet and exercise with methyl-b12 a cats diabetic symptoms can be reversed.

diabetes in catsThis condition destroys the nerves by blocking the capillaries that carry the nutrients to the nerve cells starving them to death.  The supplement methyl b-12 works by rebuilding the nerve cells in the nerves, restoring the signal between your cat’s brain and the weakened muscles.

Feline diabetes neuopathy

It is a very safe vitamin to give your cat,  it’s water soluble, which means your cat will pee out what they don’t need and it has no side effects.  Studies have shown that other B-12 vitamins don’t work as effectively.

Though feline diabetic neuropathy is reversible it must be caught in the early stages of its damage. The time usually that it takes is 6-12 months to fully reverse any damage done to the cells. If your cat begins to limp and never gets better, a trip to the vet is needed to protect your cat and improve its comfort and quality of life, giving you many more playful years with your favorite animal. Plenty of exercise and a healthy eating plan is best for you animals as well, to manage feline diabetes.

Liffeline diabetic neuropathye Expectancy of Cats with Diabetes

Every cat is different – but very often, your pet can have a happy and healthy life as there are treatment options for Diabetic cats. We have heard of lots of diabetic cats reaching the age of 18 years or more and are still happy and healthy!

Feline diabetic neuopathy

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Healthy Snacks for Diabetics

It’s a common belief that people with diabetes should snack regularly, but most people with type 2 diabetes don’t need snacks between meals. A snack quite often just means unnecessary kilojoules and weight gain.

If you are a diabetic and you like to have snacks, it’s best to choose a piece of fruit, a tub of yogurt or another healthy snack from you daily core food group. Healthy snacks can help you stay focused throughout the day and prevent uncontrollable hunger in the evenings.

Be aware that many ‘snacks’ provide as many kilojoules as a normal meal.

Snacks and Insulin

If you need insulin injections to manage your blood glucose levels, you may need to have a snack between meals or at supper to help keep your blood glucose levels under control and avoid the risk of hypoglycemia.

If your blood sugar levels are frequently low, your doctor may review your drug dose. In many cases it may be best to reduce your medication rather than snack all the time.

Healthy Snacks for Diabetics

Unless you are taking insulin, it is generally not essential to have snacks. If you prefer to do so, the healthiest snacks come from your core daily food allowances. Examples include fruit, reduced-fat yogurt, nuts, fruit toast or even a slice of wholegrain bread.

If you decide to snack on one of your indulgence foods, keep it to a very small amount. Visit your nearest Diabetic food store for some healthy snack ideas!

Some Tips for Snacking Sensibly

  • Identify if you need a snack or just want one
  • Keep your snacks to 500 kilojoules or less and monitor your weight
  • Beware of over-indulging in low-fat or low sugar foods – check the label for energy content.
  • Make a list of your daily snacks and place it on the fridge to remind you of your plan.
  • Place your planned snacks in reusable single-serving containers or resealable bags so that you only have in front of you what you want to eat.
  • Small quantities of nuts are a healthy and quick option – they contain monounsaturated fats which help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and are a good source of protein.
  • Snack on FREE list foods, like raw vegetables.
  • Blend a smoothie using foods from your daily core allowance – blend half a chopped banana, 75 grams mango, 100 grams of low-fat, plain or vanilla yogurt and a non-nutritive sweetener (if you must) with ice until smooth and then sip slowly.

Some Examples of Healthy Snacks for Diabetics.

Home made Tomato Soup

This is the perfect snack on a cold winter’s day, but it call also be served chilled during a hot summer. Serve with a slice of Low-GI bread for a satisfying lunch.

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oilHealthy snacks for diabetics
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 carrot finely sliced
  • 2 400 gram tins dice tomatoes
  • 3 cups of salt reduced chicken stock
  • ½ cup low-fat milk (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves to garnish

Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the onion, garlic, carrot and cook for 5 minutes or until starting to soften (while stirring). Add the tomatoes and stock and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Remove from the heat and puree roughly with a stick blender or transfer to a food processor and blend. Combine the puree and milk (if using) in the saucepan and gently heat through.

Season to taste with pepper and then serve garnished with basil leaves.

Golden Pikelets

This recipe may make more pikelets than you need but they freeze well and make good lunch box fillers. Extras can be frozen for up to 1 month and to defrost, thaw at room temperature and warm in the microwave.

  • ½ cup wholemeal flour
  • ½ cup plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder.
  • 3 tablespoons quick-cooking oats
  • 2 teaspoons powdered sweetener.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten.
  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Olive oil spray

Mix the flours, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and sweetener in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the egg, milk and vanilla and whisk to combine. Set aside to rest for about 10 minutes.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat and spray with olive oil. Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter per pikelet into the pan, tilt to spread slightly and cook for a bout 2 minutes until bubbles appear on top. Turn over and cook for 1 minute or until cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm while you repeat with the remaining batter to make about 16 pikelets.

See the practical food guideline from the American Diabetes Association HERE!

Normal blood glucose levels

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What are High Blood Sugar Numbers?

The question of “what is high blood sugar numbers?” is a valid one. A person who has diabetes, heart problems, hypoglycemia or some other medical condition should carefully monitor his or her blood sugar level. If a person’s blood sugar level is more or less than what it should be, this could cause serious heart problems.

What is an Average Blood Sugar Range?

Medical website lifeclinic.com notes that the average person should have a blood sugar level ranging from 70 mg/dl to 120 mg/dl most of the time. Blood sugar up to 140 mg/dl is acceptable right before bedtime. However, each person is different and some people do have a different “safe range” than the one noted above. This range can vary for reasons such as age, family history, eating patterns, daily sugar intake and even ethnic background.

Consulting a medical professional is the only way for a person to establish his or her safe blood sugar average.

What are High Blood Sugar Levels for the Morning?

high blood sugar numbersThe question of what’s considered high numbers for blood sugar in the morning, is difficult to answer across the board for everyone, but generally speaking a person should never have more than 200 mg/dl at this time.

It is interesting to note that even healthy people can expect to have high morning blood sugar numbers.

The reason for this is that your body produces extra blood sugar between three and eight in the morning. At the same time, hormones are released that lower your sensitivity to the high blood sugar level.

The fact that the body makes extra blood sugar for the morning is not bad; in fact, it helps to prepare the body for the day. However, if your blood sugar number is too high, it could indicate that he or she has out of control diabetes and/or needs to make some dietary changes.

High Blood Sugar Level Effects on the Heart and Lungs

high blood sugar levelAlong with the question of “What is high blood sugar numbers” you should also ask the question, “How does high blood sugar affect my heart?” Too much sugar in the blood will cause a person’s blood pressure to rise.

This can rehigh blood sugar levelsult in heart palpitations, an inflammation of the membranes around the heart or even cardiac arrest. Research has determined that having overly high blood sugar for an extended period of time can and does impair lung function. It can make it more difficult for a person to breathe and can exacerbate a lung condition known as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

What Happens if you Ignore High Blood Sugar Numbers?

If you leave high blood sugar untreated, it can cause the body to start shutting down, organs to start being overworked and a person’s body to go into shock. If a person starts having high blood sugar numbers and leave them untreated or does not administer the proper amounts of insulin when needed the person can start showing symptoms such as :

  • rapid heartbeat,
  • stroke,
  • dizziness
  • and even can go into a diabetic coma.

Generally a high blood sugar number is considered high if the number falls over 150-177 range, but due to body mass, age and heredity the numbers can vary from person to person.

How Often Should I Monitor Blood Sugar Readings?

When a person is first diagnosed as being a diabetic they are asked to monitor their blood glucose readings very closely normally 2-3 times a day because this will allow the doctor and patient to determine what a high blood sugar number as well as a low number for that specific patient.

If the patient’s blood glucose numbers fall within those categories then they need to contact their doctor or seek treatment immediately, don’t let the symptoms go untreated for long periods of time because if so you could be doing more damage to your body than you realize.

Read about normal sugar levels for diabetics and non-diabetics HERE!

Final Thoughts on Blood Sugar Numbers

So the answer to the question “what is high blood sugar numbers?”  is that any number over 120 mg/dl – 140 mg/dl is too high. However, a person who has just woken up should not be alarmed to find that he or she has very high blood sugar.

As with any medical diagnosis always listen to your doctor and follow his or her instructions, although it may be difficult, their advice can help save your life.

More on what is considered high blood sugar HERE

High blood sugar levels

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Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)?

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) is a dangerous and life threatening condition caused by extremely high blood glucose levels. HHNS, which is also known as Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS), can affect people suffering from various conditions, including both types of diabetics. However, it is particularly common among people suffering from type 2 diabetes. In most cases, HHNS is caused by an infection or illness.

Major warning signs of HHNS for people with diabetes.

Risk Factors of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

  • Diabetes and other conditions

Infection or periods of illness can raise blood sugar levels significantly, which can lead to Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) if medication does not lower blood sugar levels effectively.

Having blood sugar levels above 600 mg/dL (33 mmol/L) for an extended period of time increases the risk of HHNS occurring.

  • Infectious diseases

In kids and young adults with diabetes, HHNS can be caused by infectious diseases or disorders of the genitourinary, respiratory, and circulatory systems. Other factors that have led to a surge in the incidence of HHNS include incessant consumption of beverages that are rich in carbohydrates and obesity.

  • Medications

Some medications used for the treatment of other conditions and ailments in elderly people with type 2 diabetes can also trigger HHNS. Examples of such drugs are glucocorticoids, beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, and some antipsychotics.

  • Cardiovascular insult

Cardiovascular insults like myocardial infection, angina pectoris, stroke can trigger the release of counter-regulatory hormones. The body’s stress response can lead to increased blood sugar levels causing dehydration, osmotic diuresis with the result being HHNS.

  • Diet

what is hyperosmolarity in diabetes mellitusIn the United States, the increase of obesity which is attributed to the consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods in high amounts, there’s an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This trend may lead to an increase in the incidence of HHNS especially in children and young adults.

  • Ethnic background

There’s also a disproportionately high prevalence of HHNS among Hispanics, Native Americans, and African Americans. This may be related to the high incidence of type 2 diabetes in these population groups.

  • Age

Serious complications of chronic conditions such as HHNS usually present themselves amongst older folks. This is usually attributed to the fact that older people may be less aware of the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar levels and how they should be treated.

Diagnosis

Physical examination and the patient’s history are very critical in the diagnosis of HHNS. This is largely because in most cases there’s an overlap in the symptoms obderved in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS). In the initial diagnosis, the doctor pays particular attention to overconsumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, missed doses of the hypoglycemic agent, the insulin regimen, or use of drugs that can cause dehydration or hypoglycemia.

If HHNS is preceded by an infectious process, signs and symptoms include:

  • Malaise
  • Tachycardia
  • General weakness
  • Tachypnea
  • Fever

If HHNS is preceded by a vascular or cardiac condition, symptoms include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Chest tightness
  • Palpitation
  • Chest pain

What is the relationship between diabetes and HHNS?

When a person with diabetes develops Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS), blood glucose levels increase significantly and the body gets rid of the excess glucose through the urine. Initially, this causes frequent bathroom trips, and as the condition worsens, the color of urine also changes.

Other symptoms such as dehydration can also occur if the person does not drink liquids regularly. This can lead to other serious complications such as seizures, coma, and even death.

Therefore, when Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) occurs in people in diabetes, the condition is mainly accompanied by profound glycosuria and hyperglycemia without the classic acetone in the urine or kussmaul breathing observed in diabetic ketoacidosis. The condition was formerly known as hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma (HONK), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketotic syndrome, and non-ketotic hyperglycemic coma.

Type 2 diabetes is mainly associated with hyperglycemia, which occurs as a result of relative or absolute insulin deficiency. The main function of insulin in the body is to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood by promoting glycogenesis (uptake of blood glucose by the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue). Insulin also prevents lipolysis (breakdown of fat). However, this action is countered by other hormones such as catecholamines and glucagon.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases and it mostly occurs in people with obesity. As a result of the high body mass index (BMI) and obesity, resistance to the action of insulin occurs in the peripheral tissue.  Although beta cells continue to produce insulin, the amount is usually not enough to counter the effects of the resistance of end organs to its effects.

The mortality rate of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) is about 20%, which is 10 times higher than the mortality rate in diabetic ketoacidosis. Prognosis and clinical outcome in HHNS is determined by various factors such as the lack or presence of other comorbidities, age, and the degree of dehydration.

How can people with diabetes avoid HHNS?

If you keep your blood sugar levels within the recommended range, you can avoid HHNS. It’s recommended that people with diabetes check their blood sugar levels regularly and take appropriate action if their readings fall outside the target blood sugar range.

Your doctor or healthcare provider should advise you on the effective blood sugar range and what should be done if a reading falls outside of it.

If your blood sugar levels are high and you’re experiencing the signs and symptom of HHNS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome), keep yourself well hydrated and seek immediate medical attention.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome

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Benefits of Yoga for Diabetes

A large number of people suffering from diabetes are practicing regular yoga training in an effort to improve overall quality of life and keep their condition under control. Many health experts believe yoga can help lower blood pressure, enhance mobility, reduce levels of stress and improve overall wellbeing.

It is also well known that besides improving diabetes, yoga can also protect against other related complications such as heart disease. Moreover, people who undergo yoga training on a regular basis experience significant improvements in their physical and mental health.

The Benefits of Regular Yoga training include:

  • Reduced depression and anxietyBenefits of Yoga for diabetes
  • Relief from various chronic illnesses
  • Improved strength, flexibility and posture
  • Enhanced energy levels and concentration
  • Better sleep
  • Improved immunity, circulation and digestion.
  • Feelings of wellbeing
  • Enhanced efficiency of endocrine, neurological and respiratory organs.

How Does Yoga Treat Diabetes or Prevent it from Developing?

  1. Exercising the muscles

Yoga increases the uptake of glucose by muscular cells which helps improve circulation, lower blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases.

  1. Rejuvenating pancreatic cells

Yoga postures stretch the pancreas and aid relaxation which stimulates the production of beta cells which are responsible for producing insulin.

  1. Promoting weight loss

Regular yoga practice can improve weight control and help you reduce weight both of which are vital for protecting against various chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and type II diabetes, as well as the management of diabetes.

  1. Improving your mental attitude (makes you feel good)

Practicing yoga on a regular basis can help improve mental focus and create the right approach to dealing with conditions such as diabetes. Yoga stretches your muscles, helps you breathe more deeply, shifts your attitude and helps you feel better.

Yoga eases the body into recovery mode and helps to release chronic stress. Remember, breathing is both involuntary and voluntary. This basically means that we can choose to change the way we breathe but we don’t stop breathing if we stop paying attention to it. This is why most people who practice yoga consider it a vehicle between our body and mind. Calming your breath can help you calm your mind (it helps you shift from a fight or flight pattern to a more balanced pattern which facilitates complex reasoning).

Stress management (controlling mental stress) is one of the key factors of treatment of diabetes. Blood sugar levels increase when we’re stressed and high blood glucose levels increase the chances of developing various related complications including heart disease. This is one of the main reasons why it’s particularly important to practice yoga, controlled breathing techniques and other mindfulness-based techniques to invoke a relaxation response.

This relaxation response helps regulate stress hormones such as cortisol which increase blood sugar levels and blood pressure. It is essential to understand that both play a key role in the development of type II diabetes and other related complications.

Yoga is a cost-effective and promising option in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Data from several clinical studies suggest that mind-body therapies such as yoga can improve blood glucose control and reduce stress-related hyperglycemia. However, it is essential to consult with your physician and diabetes healthcare team before starting yoga classes.

Learn how low level laser irradiation can help with diabetes HERE!

Low level laser irradiation diabetes

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