Log Book For Diabetes

What is a Diabetes Log Book?

Accurately keeping track of your health is very important when it comes to the successful management of diabetes. By recording your daily blood glucose readings as well as other parameters such as medication, food, sickness, exercise, and sleep in a diabetes logbook, you and your healthcare provider will be able to identify patterns more easily and customize your treatment plan and goals.

There are various types of blood sugar log books that make it easy to record your daily levels by the time of day, as well as any other relevant notes.

What is the importance of tracking your blood glucose in a logbook?

Diabetes log booksData collection and logbooks are a critical part of ensuring your diabetes remains under control. Writing down the numbers makes it easier to see blood glucose patterns and easily know whether you are within your target levels or not.

For most diabetes patients, remembering multiple blood glucose numbers as well as what was happening at that particular time the blood sugar test was done is often difficult and may be inaccurate.

Moreover, depending upon your condition and type of treatment your healthcare provider may recommend checking your blood sugar level multiple times per day or once every few days.

For patients whose blood sugar levels are under control and are treated with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, they may need to check their levels once every few days. However, for people whose blood sugar levels are not well controlled and who are on medication, they should check multiple times per day.

When you are taking insulin, you also need to keep a record of your insulin dose, activity level, food, and carbs intake. Consult your doctor about blood glucose levels and diabetes logbook recommendations ideal for your specific condition.

Types of Diabetes Log Records

Log book for DiabetesThere are three main ways diabetics usually fill out logbooks:

Log book for diabetes

  1. Simple method

Simple logs track blood sugar levels at different times of the day on different days. It is ideal for people whose treatment doesn’t change. If your treatment changes, it can put you at risk of low blood sugar.

  1. Comprehensive method

Comprehensive logs include blood sugar levels at different times of the day on different days, and typically include notations about medication dosages, food (carbohydrates), and exercise. Use the comprehensive log when you want to keep track of your blood sugar’s response to different activities, medications, and foods.

  1. Intensive method

This is the most complex as well as an intensive diabetic log book. It is designed to capture the vital variables that affect blood sugar levels, including:

  • Blood sugar level
  • Time of day
  • Food diary
  • Amount of sugar or carbs eaten
  • Dose and type of insulin and medications
  • Duration and type of exercise
  • Unusual events such as stresses or medications

Intensive diabetes logbooks are ideal for patients who are using an insulin pump or taking several doses of insulin in a day.

Using a log book for diabetes to keep your blood sugar level within your target range helps prevent diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular damage, eye problems, foot problems, and kidney damage.

Log Book for Diabetes

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Can I Go Tanning With Diabetes?

During the longer and sunnier summer days, it would be nice to suntan at the beach or on the porch. However, for people with diabetes, certain concerns may arise making it necessary to understand whether it’s safe to go tanning with diabetes. For instance, some studies show that some diabetes symptoms such as hypoglycemia, heat exhaustion, and dehydration may occur while tanning, especially if you ignore the precautions recommended by your physician.

Tanning and Diabetes

Can I go tanning with diabetesPeople who are under treatment for diabetes and lupus or those who are prone to cold sores should understand that exposure to UV radiation from natural sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning devices can aggravate these conditions. Also, if you take medications such as antihistamines, your skin might be more sensitive to sunlight or artificial light.

For diabetes patients, dehydration is one of the most common issues that can come from tanning. Tanning or hot weather increases the risk of hyperglycemia, especially for people who are taking medication for lowering blood glucose levels.

Furthermore, people with diabetes have a higher risk of experiencing heat exhaustion during or after tanning. The main symptoms of exhaustion include dizziness, racing heart rate, cramping muscles, clammy skin, headaches, and sweating.

It is recommended that you check with your healthcare provider before exposing your skin to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from extreme sunlight or tanning salons.

Some tanning salons keep a record of information on their client’s medical history, treatments, and medications. Be sure to keep the file at your tanning salon up to date.

How is vitamin D produced in the body?

Vitamin D is produced by the body subcutaneously when the body is exposed to the sun or UVB (ultraviolet B radiation) or devices such as tanning beds.

You may be surprised to learn that vitamin D is also stored in adipose tissue and gradually released when production or intake is limited, such as during the winter months.  Studies show that depending on seasonal changes, exposing your legs and arms for 5 to 30 minutes during mid-day is enough to stimulate vitamin D activity.

For people with fat malabsorption, which tends to reduce vitamin D availability, exposure to ultraviolet B radiation while adhering to recommended therapeutic guidelines has been shown to help treat vitamin D deficiency.

However, according to recent studies, in individuals aged 65 and above, exposure to the sun does not affect the inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and percent body fat. This shows that increased exposure to the sun, especially in obese people, may be ineffective and might put increase their risk of developing other health complications.

How can you protect yourself?

The only way of protecting yourself from getting these symptoms is by limiting your exposure. Moreover, if you want to use a tanning device, enquire about the recommended exposure limit for your specific condition and skin type.

The salon staff or the manufacturer can help with this kind of information. The device should have a timer that alerts the staff or automatically turns off the light once you reach your exposure limit.

Be sure to stay well-hydrated throughout the entire tanning process. Monitor your blood glucose levels by taking accurate measurements before, during, and after tanning. Moreover, you can also keep a fast-acting source of carbohydrates on hand.

Glucose tablets are an excellent source of fast-acting carbohydrates. Lastly, ensure that your diabetes supplies including insulin and glucose test strips are stored in a cool place while you’re tanning.

It’s important to know your tanning lotion if you have diabetes

There’s a wide variety of tanning products whose ingredients do not include sunscreen. Remember, sunscreen is an essential component that plays an important role in sun tanning by blocking UVA as well as UVB. You should keep in mind that all it takes is a few serious sunburns to raise complications and damage the skin.

The FDA has cautioned consumers against using sun-tanning products that lack sunscreen and advises consumers to read labels and ensure that the product offers SFP protection.

Sunscreen is considered an OTC (over-the-counter) item. Choose sun-tanning products with anCan I go tanning with diabetes SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Products with higher SPF offer higher protection against potentially harmful UV rays.

Apply sunscreen liberally to the skin for about 30 minutes before going out in the sun. You can apply sunscreen every 2 hours after the initial application.Sun and diabetes

Safe tanning with diabetes

Sun and diabetes

It is recommended that you learn more about tanning, especially with conditions such as diabetes. Another safe alternative is to self-tan using sunless tanning lotion. The lotion gives you a great tan without the dangerous effects that come with exposing the skin to harmful UVA and UVB.

Ever thought of Sunless Tanning For Diabetics?

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Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A foot ulcer forms when skin tissue anywhere on the foot or toes breaks down exposing inner layers. It can involve the entire thickness of your skin, including deep structures such as tendons or bones. On the other hand, it can be redness or a shallow sore that involves only the skin surface.

People with poor circulation and diabetes patients in particular, are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. In people with diabetes, foot ulcers can be difficult largely because even small foot ulcers can easily become infected, especially if it is not treated properly.

Sometimes you may not know you have foot ulcers until you notice wetness or drainage on some parts of your socks. Drainage can be red, brown, or yellow and it may also contain blood or pus.

If a foot ulcer becomes infected and if not treated promptly, it can gradually develop into:diabetic foot ulcer treatment

  • A pocket of pus (an abscess)
  • Cellulitis (a spreading infection of underlying fat as well as the skin)
  • Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
  • Gangrene (an area of dead body tissue as a result of poor blood flow)

In uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes severe foot infections may eventually require some part of the lower leg, foot or toe to be amputated usually start as a foot ulcer.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

  • Poor blood flowPrevent diabetic foot ulcers
  • Numbness and nerve damage in the feet
  • Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
  • Corns or calluses on your toes or feet
  • Foot deformities such as hammertoe or bunion
  • Poor vision that causes you to trip on objects in your waydiabetes circulation
  • Alcohol use or cigarette smoking
  • Being overweight

Is coconut oil good for Diabetic feet?

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Options

  1. Antibiotic cream for foot ulcers

Your diabetic healthcare provider may suggest applying antibiotic cream to help prevent infection and relieve the sore. Thereafter, it’s important to cover the area to avoid infection or further damage.

  1. Wound dressing of foot ulcers

A bandage or other types of dressing will be put on the ulcer and your doctor will give you instructions in the changing routine. The dressing may contain medication to help the ulcer heal faster and prevent growth of unhealthy tissue. If the sore is already infected, your doctor will give you antibiotics to fight the infection.

  1. Have dead tissue removed (debrided)

Removal of any dead tissue and skin around foot ulcers can help with healing and prevent infection.

  1. Manage your blood glucose levels and any other health problems

Health issues such as blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure need to be managed to help foot ulcers heal. Your doctor will help you create a plan to manage any health issues you may have.

  1. Take the pressure off your foot ulcer

In some cases, you may need special support shoes with braces, cushions, or insoles to offload the pressure off your foot ulcer. You may also be advised to use crutches or a wheelchair until your foot ulcers heal. These items help keep irritation and pressure off the area of the foot ulcer. Foot ulcers heal faster without irritation and pressure.

Read more about Diabetic foot sores HERE!

  1. Increase blood flow to your feet

prevent diabetic foot ulcersYour doctor may recommend negative pressure wound therapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy to increase blood flow to the lower extremities. You can consult your healthcare provider for more information about these treatment techniques.

Prevent diabetic foot ulcers

  1. Visit a specialist as directed

Your doctor may advise you to see a vascular surgeon, an orthopedic, or a podiatrist. These professionals can help you manage your specific condition and treatment regimen.

  1. Negative pressure wound therapy

This diabetic foot ulcer treatment option involves the use of a vacuum to remove extracellular waste and fluid from the wound. The administration of negative pressure wound therapy requires specialized skills for positive outcomes in treating wounds and ulcers.

  1. Extracellular matrix replacement therapy

A diabetic foot ulcer is primarily a complication of Type 2 Diabetes that needs timely intervention to avoid more serious outcomes such as amputation. Research shows that diabetic foot ulcers are responsible for about 84 percent of all lower leg amputations. Diabetic foot ulcers are considered to be a result of micro and macrovascular complications.

Slow healing or failure of sores and wounds to heal as a result of chronic diabetes can be treated with extracellular matrix replacement therapy. Diabetes foot ulcer treatment largely rests on techniques such as negative pressure wound therapy, skin substitute, and advanced moist wound therapy.

When it comes to treatment for foot ulcers, you should keep in mind that different treatment options and therapies have different benefits and side effects as well. Moreover, diabetic foot ulcer treatment can vary depending on the causes. Therefore, it’s important to discuss different options with your healthcare provider to determine the most suited therapy or treatment option.

Read more on Diabetes Foot Swelling Here!

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10 People You Need On Your Diabetes Care Team

So who is involved in diabetes care?

Diabetes affects every part of the body and there is no one provider who is skilled in offering resources to address all of those areas. Although it may feel daunting to have several professionals, it’s important to note that each of these providers offers a specific resource tailored to increasing the likelihood of overall success in managing diabetes.

Therefore, you should do the best to utilize the resources at your disposal, which includes time away from your normal schedule, money, and the ability to get to appointments via public transportation, your own car or virtually over your personal computer. With that in mind, here are the 10 people you need on your diabetes care team:

  1. Primary care physician (PCP)

Diabetes DoctorWhen it comes to type 2 diabetes, the primary care physician is the general health coordinator. This is the professional you’ll see for checkups, routine care, as well as concerns that are not linked to diabetes. That means they may recommend that you see other specialist for specific issues, follow up to understand what treatment plans you’ve been offered, and facilitate adherence to your care plan. They also keep an up-to-date list of all supplements and medications you are taking.

  1. Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist helps you with blood glucose management as well as other diseases related to the endocrine system. In addition to treating diabetes this doctor will also assess the need for blood-sugar-lowering medications and determine the best medications and right dose for you. Because diabetes is a life-long disease, your endocrinologist may have a close and long relationship with you.

  1. Dietitian nutritionist

An understanding of nutrition is a critical part of managing most health conditions, including diabetes. Building a diabetes-friendly diet involves knowing what you should eat and avoid while keeping your blood sugar level in check. A dietitian nutritionist will help with this and help you meet other goals such as improved blood pressure, weight loss, and improved cholesterol. Moreover, they can provide assistance in trying diet plans such as intermittent fasting or the ketogenic diet in a safe way.

  1. Pharmacist

This professional will help you understand your prescribed medications, how they work, and medication interactions. This is particularly important if you are taking several medications prescribed by different doctors. Pharmacists play an important role in type 2 diabetes care and can help reduce the number of low and high blood sugar episodes which benefits your health and helps you save money on your care.

  1. Diabetes care and education specialist

This healthcare professional helps you create a healthy lifestyle as well as put the diabetes management plan into practice. A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist usually spends more time with the diabetes patient compared to a Primary Care Physician.

This allows for specialized care so that patients can success in attaining their goals. Some Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are also trained behavioral psychology, which offers additional benefits for patients.

Such professionals act as accountability partners who can address various barriers, including adhering to medications and sticking with treatment. These are experts who understand their patients without judging them.

  1. Ophthalmologist

what is a diabetes doctor calledThis is an eye specialist who will help prevent eye diseases that are commonly caused by diabetes. An ophthalmologist will help you improve or maintain healthy vision by monitoring you for complications caused by uncontrolled or elevated blood glucose levels, including diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

  1. Podiatrist

This healthcare expert specializes in treating foot-related diabetes complications, and helps patients watch for and care for any complications in the lower extremities. Studies conducted by the American Podiatric association show that diabetes complications account for about 100,000 lower limb amputations annually. Scheduling regular appointments with a podiatrist to treat and monitor foot problems can decrease the risk of lower limb amputation by up to 85 percent.

  1. Dentist

Taking care of gums and teeth is important for everyone. However, monitoring gum health is particularly vital for people with diabetes because gum (periodontal) disease is a common complication of diabetes. Moreover, treating gum disease has been shown to improve blood glucose control.

  1. Your inner circle

Letting your close friends and family know what is going on and how they can help you goes a long way in supporting good habits as well as relieving the burden of the diagnosis. By offering positive support, your loved ones can help reduce the stress that comes with managing diabetes. In other words, your inner circle lets you know and feel that you are not alone.

  1. Support groups

Support groups connect you with other PWDs (people with diabetes) who understand the challenges and struggles and can offer strategies and tips for a healthy life.

Most support groups are virtual right now and they typically feature helpful forums for people with diabetes as well as their caregivers.

Diabetic Complications

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Can Low Level Laser Irradiation Help Diabetes?

LLLT (low level laser therapy) has been suggested for the treatment of a wide range of chronic pain disorders. Low level laser irradiation has been advocated for relief of many symptoms of inflammation, pain and is used in nerve regeneration and wound healing.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most disabling and progressive diseases. The prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes worldwide is about 371 million people.

People living with diabetes mellitus may experience insensitivity or numbness to temperature changes and pain, cramps or sharp pains, a tingling, pricking or burning sensation, loss of coordination and balance, and extreme sensitivity to touch.

What is Diabetic Foot Syndrome?

treatment for diabetic foot syndromeThe most complex diabetes-associated complication, is diabetic foot syndrome a condition which is mainly characterized by long-lasting or non-healing chronic skin ulcers in people living with diabetes.

Diabetic foot syndrome is the most prevalent cause of limb amputation in diabetic patients. This has a significant impact on diabetic patients’ quality of life and the national health system.

Diabetic foot ulcers are categorized according to severity as:

  • Severe (accompanied by metabolic perturbations or systemic signs),
  • Moderate (more extensive or deeper skin ulcers) or
  • Mild (superficial or limited in depth and size).

Conventional treatment methods of diabetic ulcers include various kinds of wound cleaning skin grafting debridement, vasodilators, pain management, antibiotics, and even the use of fly maggots. However, even in multidisciplinary therapeutic treatment methods for diabetic foot syndrome, treatment results are usually unsatisfactory and treatment is often difficult.

Is Low Level Laser Therapy Effective in Alleviating the Symptoms of Diabetic foot Syndrome?

Low level laser therapy equipment diabetesSince diabetic ulcers are often impossible or very difficult to treat using available conventional treatment methods, researchers are relentlessly looking for alternative treatment methods.

What is a normal bool sugar level

Low level laser irradiation, also known as soft laser is a treatment method that supplies bio-stimulative light energy to cells.

The laser energy is absorbed in order to stimulate atoms and molecules of cells without causing any significant changes in tissue temperature. LLLT (Low Level laser Therapy) is a pain-free, non-invasive treatment method with minimal side effects. There’s no single explanation of how laser therapy functions in the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome. However, there are several studies trying to examine various effects of low level laser therapy on tissue repair mechanisms.

Animal and cell studies conducted In vitro suggest that laser irradiation promote wound healing mainly as a result of improvement of various factors that play essential roles in tissue repair mechanisms. Moreover, histological and biometrical analysis show faster lesion contraction indicating reformed connective tissue and quicker re-epithelization with collagen fibers that are more organized in irradiated wounds.

Low level laser irradiation promotes proliferation of myofibroblasts and reduces inflammation in experimental cutaneous wounds. Growth of fibroblasts and an increase in cell division play a critical role especially in wound healing.

Researchers have tested different wavelengths of LILI (Low Intensity Laser Irradiation) on cellular proliferation, viability, and migration in both unwounded human skin and diabetic wounded fibroblast cells. Cells that were irradiated at 632,8 nm showed a significantly higher degree of ATP luminescence as well as migration and haptotaxis as compared to cells that were irradiated at 830 nm.

The results of this study show that diabetic wounded cells benefit more particularly in wound healing in the low level irradiation (visible range) than in the higher range (infrared). However, near infrared laser therapy might be beneficial for deep ulcers because it has a deeper penetration capacity compared to visible red light.

Both blue light laser (470 nm) and red light laser (630 nm) help improve perfusion by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, elevated keratin-10 mRNA level, and enhanced epithelialization. Blue light laser also facilitates the recovery of mitochondria that is inhibited by NO gas hence improving wound healing through the NO pathway. This also activates growth factors and increase keratin expression which induces endothelial cell migration.

The anti-inflammatory effects of low level laser irradiation can be explained by the inhibition of interleukin, cytokine, and prostaglandine in animal and cell models. Moreover, experiments with a low level laser (415nm) show an antibacterial effect on E.coli and S.aureus by induction of ROS.

Low level laser irradiation can also increase the blood flow velocity and diameter of the peripheral arterioles hence enhancing microcirculation. According to studies, LLLT showed positive results as a treatment method for diabetic foot ulcers.

Conclusion

Since most conventional therapies for treating diabetic foot syndrome are variable in their ability to offer complete healing, there’s need to develop alternative treatments that can accelerate or improve the healing process. Available studies show that LLLT is effective for most diabetes patients, easy to learn and cost effective. The studies give encouraging results and warrant further investigations in order to understand the exact mechanisms of low level laser irradiation effects particularly on diabetic ulcers.

Check out our article on the best lotions for circulation in diabetic feet!

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