Diabetes damages the body’s small blood vessels. Diabetic blindness occurs when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to high blood sugar. The retina is the part of the eye responsible for sending images to the brain. You can lower your risk of diabetic retinopathy by keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range.
It is essential to keep in mind that diabetic retinopathy can cause poor vision or even blindness. However, it often gets worse over several years.
The small blood vessels of the eye get weak at first and this leads to blood seeping into the retina. This is known as nonproliferative retinopathy and is the most common form of retinopathy.
If your blood sugar stays high, retinopathy keeps getting worse. Moreover, new blood vessels growing in the retina will be weak and can easily break open. Once they break open, fluid leaks into the middle of the eye just in front of the retina and alter your vision.
Bleeding can also lead to the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue in the eye can pull on your retina and cause it to move from the wall of your eye. This is known as retinal detachment. Some people with proliferative retinopathy may have no symptoms at all until it is too late for effective treatment. That’s why it’s very important to have regular eye exams.
Diabetic retinopathy can also lead to swelling of the macula of your eye (macular edema). When this happens, it can worsen your vision and even lead to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy risk factors
Anyone with diabetes (type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes) can develop eye complications, including diabetic retinopathy. Having uncontrolled diabetes for long increases your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Other factors that increase your risk include:
Poor control of blood sugar levels
Tobacco use
Pregnancy
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Being Black, Native American, or Hispanic
Types of diabetic retinopathy
There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:
1. Early diabetic retinopathy (non-proliferative)
Early-stage retinopathy occurs when the small blood vessels in the retina weaken and form tiny pockets. While you may not be able to detect the tiny pouches, your eye doctor can. These tiny pockets can leak fluid, which can cause the macula in the retina to swell (macular edema), leading to vision distortion.
Macular edema is the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. About 50% of diabetes patients with retinopathy develop macular edema at some point.
2. Advanced diabetic retinopathy (proliferative)
New blood vessels begin to grow in the retina but these vessels are often weak and leak blood and other fluids into the vitreous (the gel between the retina and the lens). Minor bleeding may cause you to see dark spots floating in your vision. However, if the bleeding increases you may go blind.
The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can be noticed in the early stage. This is the main reason why you should undergo annual eye exams to catch any problems early enough when treatment is most effective.
Advanced-stage symptoms can include:
Floaters (dark shapes or spots in your vision)
Blurry vision
Trouble seeing colors
Empty or dark spots in your vision
Blindness (vision loss)
Complications
Complications of diabetic retinopathy (growth of weak small blood vessels in the retina):
1. Vitreous hemorrhage
The new small blood vessels bleed into the jellylike substance filling the center of the eye. A small amount of bleeding might only lead to a few small floaters (dark spots). However, in severe cases, fluid fills the vitreous cavity, leading to blindness (complete loss of vision).
Vitreous damage does not cause permanent blindness by itself. The fluid (including blood) clears from your eyes within a few days, weeks, or months. If your retina is not damaged, your vision will return to its previous state.
2. Retinal detachment
The weak small blood vessels associated with retinopathy can stimulate the development of scar tissue, which pulls the retina further away from the back of your eye. This often causes flashes of light, floaters in your vision, or even blindness (severe vision loss).
3. Glaucoma
New small blood vessels can develop in the iris (the front part of the eye) and obstruct the normal flow of blood and other fluid out of your eye, causing a build-up of pressure in the eye. This pressure damages the optic nerve (the nerve responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain).
4. Blindness
Glaucoma, macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, or a combination of these eye conditions can cause diabetes blindness, especially if they are poorly managed.
Prevention
While diabetic retinopathy can’t always be prevented, good management of your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, regular eye exams, and early detection and intervention can help prevent blindness.
If you have diabetes, you can reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by taking the following measures:
· Controlling your diabetes
Make physical activity and healthy eating part of your routine. It is recommended that you get 20 – 30 minutes of aerobic activity, such as swimming or walking, each day. Take insulin or medications as directed by your physician.
· Keep track of your blood sugar levels
Monitor and record your blood sugar levels as directed. You may need to do this several times a day if you are stressed or ill.
A hemoglobin A1C test, or glycosylated hemoglobin test, indicates your average blood sugar for the last 2 -3 months before the test. The goal for most diabetes patients is to be 7%.
· If you use tobacco, try to quit
Tobacco use increases your risk of diabetes complications, such as diabetic retinopathy.
· Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure under control
Exercising regularly, losing excess weight, and eating well can help. Some people with diabetes may also need medication.
· Pay attention to changes in your vision
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any sudden changes in your vision or if it becomes hazy, spotty, or blurry.
Keep in mind that diabetes does not necessarily lead to blindness. Proper diabetes management can help prevent or delay complications.
Traveling with Insulin or other medication can be complicated and requires some planning. However, it shouldn’t hinder you from achieving your travel goals and exploring the world.
However, for people with diabetes, traveling requires extra layers of planning beyond researching excursions, making hotel reservations, and booking flights. Whether you are cruising, flying, or driving, you need a plan to cover all your essential health needs.
Some of the most common challenges for diabetes patients involve changes in time zones, diet, environments, and activity levels, all of which may hinder proper blood glucose management. Therefore, whether you are taking an extended trip or just a quick getaway, proper planning is the key to a more enjoyable and safer journey.
Here are some important tips for traveling with insulin:
1. Pack more insulin and other diabetes supplies than needed.
Different places have different cultures and diets. As a result, you may find yourself eating more often and trying the local cuisine. For instance, you may eat more sugar (in drinks and sauces) and carbs (in foods such as rice and pasta) than intended.
Also, even if you’re keeping track of what you’re eating while traveling, other factors may necessitate a change in your insulin dose. According to the CDC, diabetes patients should bring at least double the amount they think they’ll need while traveling.
This helps ensure that you’ll not run out of insulin and other supplies due to unexpected events such as travel delays.
Be sure to keep spare insulin in different travel bags so you’ll always have a backup if you lose your luggage. Some of the supplies you need include:
Alcohol swabs for disinfecting the area where you’ll be injecting insulin
A lancing device, lancets, and diabetic test strips for testing your blood glucose
A blood glucose monitor for checking your blood sugar
Ketone test strips for warnings about DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)
A complete glucagon kit in the case of severely low blood glucose levels
Disposal container for your pen needles and syringes
2. Store insulin and other diabetes supplies correctly while traveling.
Unopened insulin should be stored in the fridge at temperatures between 36 ºF and 46 ºF. However, this might not always be possible, especially while traveling. You can store insulin in a cooler if you are traveling by car. Make sure it is not in direct contact with the ice to prevent the insulin from getting too cold.
There are many insulin storage options while flying. For instance, there are a wide variety of insulin travel cases available on the market designed to store insulin easily and conveniently.
In fact, many insulin travel cases are designed to store insulin safely for several hours or days. These cases are convenient alternatives to large coolers, and some are designed to fit into carry-on bags.
How does the VIVI Cap work?
Here are some important things to keep in mind when getting insulin through airport security checks:
Diabetes patients are exempt from the volume limit of 100 mL, or 3.4 oz.
Separate diabetes supplies such as insulin and test kits from your other luggage and notify the security personnel before your belongings undergo screening.
Consider acquiring a U.S. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) card before traveling. This discreetly notifies security personnel that you have a medical condition that requires special consideration during the screening process. You can also request a letter of medical necessity from your doctor.
X-ray machines may damage your CGM device or insulin pumps. Be sure to ask for a hand inspection when traveling with such items.
Avoid keeping extra insulin and supplies in your checked bag. This helps prevent the loss of essential supplies and damage due to rough handling.
3. Store insulin and other supplies correctly when you arrive at your destination.
Although unopened insulin should be ideally stored in the fridge, a range of insulin products can be stored out of the cooler or fridge for a specified period, depending on the product.
Cold insulin is safe to use, but it is painful to inject. You can prevent pain by letting it come to room temperature before use. After opening your insulin product, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper storage. Insulin products can be stored at room temperature for periods ranging between 10 and 56 days.
Opened insulin vials can be returned to the fridge after use. However, opened insulin pens should be stored at room temperature. The amount of time it can last at room temperature depends on the specific product. If your insulin pump and product have different directions about the length of time insulin should last in the pump, go with the instructions that recommend a shorter amount of time for changing the insulin product.
Keep in mind that insulin should not be stored in the freezer as this may change its quality, which may be dangerous.
4. Learn how to adjust your dose accordingly.
Talk to your doctor about how to adjust and administer insulin under different conditions, such as new time zones or different climates. Your healthcare provider may give you instructions for properly adjusting your dose if your blood glucose level gets too high while traveling.
Different time zones or climates that your body is used to may have an impact on your insulin dose. For example, you may need to adjust your insulin schedule if you are traveling through different time zones. Be sure to consult your doctor about whether and how to adjust your insulin dose and schedule before traveling.
5. Don’t expose insulin products to extreme temperatures.
Once you arrive at your destination, you might be on the move quite a bit. For instance, you may go skiing on snowy mountains or spend time on hot beaches. Therefore, it’s essential to learn some important tips on how to keep your insulin products safe in extreme weather conditions.
Insulin becomes less effective at very low or very high temperatures. It should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 77ºF to 88ºF, depending on the specific product. Avoid leaving your insulin sitting in a car or outside in the sun for too long. If the temperatures are too low, you can keep your insulin close to your body (like in the inside pockets of your jackets) to protect it from the cold.
6. Traveling with Insulin – Plan for the unexpected.
Traveling can be hectic sometimes, and things may go wrong at any time. For instance, you may experience delayed flights or lose your insulin and other supplies. In some cases, you may even need medical assistance. Here are some things to keep in mind in case you need medical assistance while traveling.
Research reliable healthcare pharmacies and healthcare providers around the places you’ll be traveling to.
Wear a legible medical ID that contains information about your medication allergies, medical conditions, and insulin usage.
Be sure to carry emergency contact details with you at all times.
Travel-related medical expenses are not covered by some insurance plans. Therefore, it is essential to check with your provider and buy travel insurance if it’s not covered.
Learn key phrases that may be helpful in the local dialect, such as knowing how to say, “I am a diabetes patient” or “Orange juice, kindly.” This might come in handy if you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during your travels.
Carry a copy of your written prescription for the medications you are taking, including insulin. Be sure to include the generic names of your current medications. This may be extremely helpful in case you lose your medications while traveling.
Conclusion
If you need to travel with insulin, it is essential to understand how to store it and the Vivi Cap – thermal insulin pen carrying case offers a practical and convenient solution.
Carrying double the amount of insulin you need is a great idea due to unexpected events such as canceled flights and other travel delays.
Moreover, you should consider that your insulin dose and schedule may need to be adjusted during travel. Your doctor may recommend administering less or more depending on the climate, diet, as well as physical activities you are engaging in.
Always consult your healthcare provider before traveling so you know how your insulin should be administered.
Type 2 diabetes is often a progressive disease that is preceded by a long period of elevated blood sugar. In fact, for most people who are finally diagnosed with diabetes, medical experts believe they have been on the path for 5 to 10 years. Therefore, most of them have already lost about half of their insulin-making capability.
Although it’s impossible to undo your lifestyle of the last decade, you can take some steps to stop the progression or even reverse diabetes. Recent studies show that losing weight can delay the onset of pre-diabetes or delay its progression to type 2 diabetes. The keys to prevention and management of diabetes or preventing its complications include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and creating an environment that fosters general healthy living.
For instance, losing a few pounds earlier on when your glucose levels start rising can greatly improve your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and more.
It is vital for people to get to their ideal weight especially if they have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Robert Huizenga, MD, an associate professor at the University of California says that people should be athletically fit and have no excess fat.
A diet of healthy eating and 90 minutes of exercise 6 days a week is the best way to manage type 2 diabetes even without medications.
For most people, this is easier said than done. However, with perseverance, commitment, and a positive attitude, you can achieve your ideal, healthy weight. You can set small and achievable goals first and add new goals gradually as you succeed in meeting the small goals.
Research studies recommend setting a small goal of losing about 5 to 7% of the weight you started with in order to improve your health and lower blood sugar, with the intention of keeping the pounds off.
What are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually develop very slowly and this is the main reason why most people may have it and not know it. Here are some of the symptoms you should look for:
Increased hunger: Since the body does not have enough insulin to move glucose into the cells, your organs and muscles will be depleted of energy thus triggering intense hunger.
Frequent urination and increased thirst: When excess sugar builds up in your bloodstream, your tissues lose excess fluid to the bloodstream. This is the main reason why you tend to feel thirsty and may urinate and drink more than usual.
Weight loss: Although most people with diabetes tend to eat more than usual in order to relieve intense hunger, they may also lose weight. Since the body does not have the ability to metabolize sugar, it uses the alternative energy stored in fat and muscles. You end up losing calories and excess sugar in your urine.
Blurred vision: In case your blood sugar level is too high the fluid in the lenses of your eyes may also be pulled off into the bloodstream. This affects your ability to see or focus.
Fatigue: Since your cells are deprived of glucose, you become easily irritable and tired.
Some darkened areas on the skin: If you have type 2 diabetes, you may have some patches of velvety, dark skin in the creases and folds of your body. This is quite common in the neck and armpits. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans and in most cases, it’s a sign of insulin resistance.
Frequent infections and slow-healing sores: Your ability to resist infections and heal wounds may be affected.
Tingling and numbness of the feet and hands
Impotence
Are there any Forms of Natural Treatment for Diabetes Available Today?
Figleaves
Due to its anti-diabetic properties, diabetics need less insulin when using fig leaf extract for treating diabetes. The extract should be taken first thing in the morning preferably with breakfast. Alternatively, your fig leaves can be boiled in freshly boiled water and taken as a tea.
Black seed
Nigella Sativa, also known as black seed has been used for over 2000 years to treat numerous diseases including diabetes, pancreatic cancers, acne, and more.
Diabetics should take 6 teaspoons of black seed oil per day for 7 days. Take black seed oil three different times. Then take 4 teaspoons per day for 4 days; 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. Follow by taking two teaspoons per day for two days.
Fenugreek
Take 10 to 30 grams of fenugreek with each meal per day. However, you should not take fenugreek at the same time as other medications. Wait at least one hour before taking it. Do not take more than 90 grams because it might cause nausea and stomach upset. Common side effects of fenugreek include gas and diarrhea.
Cinnamon
A study done by Khan and associates in 2003 reported cinnamon as a good natural treatment for diabetes. 60 diabetic people were tested and a third of them were given a placebo. The results were quite impressive with glucose down about 18% and the overall health of the group increased. The results also showed reduced levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Taking about a teaspoon of cinnamon per day is critical to softening your cell membranes. Cinnamon reduces your need for insulin because it actually mimics insulin.
Grape seed extract
Grape seed exact performed quite well in studies conducted in Toyama, Japan, Portsmouth, UK, and Romania in 2009. Grape seed extract is great for setting up strong defensive mechanisms against the reactive oxygen that is produced by hyperglycemic conditions and protecting the liver cells. Grape seed extract comes in 50 to 100 mg capsules but, do not take more than 300 mg per day.
Olive oil
The University of Jaen has been researching the consumption of olive oil and preventing diabetes. They found that an olive oil-rich diet can help prevent diabetes. Olive oil can help reduce your blood sugar levels including triglycerides and LDL. Reducing your cholesterol levels can help prevent various diseases including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
It’s essential to keep in mind that, the prevention of diabetes actually begins with proper diet and weight management. The Mediterranean diet has proven to be very beneficial in the prevention and treatment of diabetes by using coconut oil and olive oil, which are rich in monounsaturated fats instead of saturated fats. Drink about ¼ cup of the oil. You can also mix one teaspoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of lecithin especially if you prefer using lecithin.
Bitter melon
Bitter melon contains insulin-like properties which is the main reason why it works well with diabetes treatment. The insulin-like properties help in lowering glucose levels in blood and urine. Juice bitter melon and take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. You can also grind the seeds into a powder and eat them or use the bitter melon to make tea.
Vitamin C
Studies show that using between 100mg and 600mg of vitamin C can help normalize your blood glucose levels in as little as 30 days. Diabetics have complications of too much sugar in the body which can eventually lead to nerve damage and eye problems.
How Can You Create the Right Diet for Diabetes?
The term “diabetes diet” in this context refers to the food that is eaten every day and is not simply a short-term solution to lose weight or treat diabetes temporarily. You should choose a diabetes diet plan you will adhere to for the rest of your life. Therefore, fad diets that eliminate several food groups are not recommended because they are unsustainable.
The best diabetes diet should be customized to your needs without focusing only on cutting calories but also on making the most of the calories you consume.
A healthy diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, heart-healthy oils, and whole grains. It should also encourage lowering your salt intake and healthy preparation of food such as broiling, roasting, grilling meats, and baking. Another essential element of a healthy diabetes diet is limiting saturated fats. Daily calories from saturated fats should be less than 7%. Also, you should avoid trans fats and limit your daily calorie intake to less than 200 milligrams.
Stick to a low-carbohydrate diet and choose lean proteins to keep you energized and full without too much fat. Some of the good sources of protein include poultry without skin and lean fish. If you prefer pork or beef, choose lean cuts, trim off the fat and avoid frying food. Stick to low-fat or non-fat dairy options for yogurt, cheese, milk, and other dairy products.
What are the Recommendations for a Healthy Diabetes Diet?
Eat 3 meals per day, and be sure to include healthy snacks as needed to help regulate blood glucose.
Eat appropriate proportions
Maintain a regular meal schedule by eating at the same time each day.
Sip low-calorie beverages or water throughout the day.
Eat more vegetables
What are some of the plant foods used for the Treatment of Diabetes?
There are numerous plans that can be used for diabetes treatment, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. These plants include:
Buckwheat
Coffee
Cloves
Brewer’s yeast
Sage
Peas
Broccoli
Okra
Most of these foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber which are vital for good health in diabetics. Some new studies show that plant foods such as coffee, cloves, and cinnamon may actually help insulin and aid in fighting inflammation.
Cinnamon extracts improve glucose metabolism which triggers insulin release and cholesterol metabolism. On the other hand, clove leaf extracts improve insulin function and also lower LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. Recent studies show that some compounds in coffee reduce the risk of developing diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.
What do High and Low GI mean?
The GI ranks food according to the rate at which they are broken down by the body to form glucose.
High GI foods are quickly converted into glucose. Examples of foods with a glycemic index include potatoes, oranges, sweetened drinks, and white bread.
A low Glycemic Index diet mainly incorporates foods that are slowly converted into energy and typical examples include beans, milk, berries, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain bread.
Since low GI foods are broken down more slowly, they don’t cause spies (sharp increases) in your blood sugar level compared to foods with a high glycemic index. Therefore, they are a good option for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Foods with a low glycemic index leave you feeling full over a longer period of time.
Can a low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet Prevent Diabetes?
A low GI diet can be effective for diabetics if they apply portion control to foods with high carbohydrate content. Foods with high glycemic index are broken down quickly causing blood sugar levels to rise very sharply. This is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes as the ability to control blood sugar levels is greatly reduced or almost non-existent.
What are the Advantages of a Low GI Diet?
Their nutritional value is higher compared to high GI food equivalents
Reduce the demand for insulin immediately after eating
Provide energy for prolonged periods and it’s unlikely that you’ll feel hungry before it’s time for the next meal
You can eat a varied diet
It’s easier to follow food choices with glycemic index charts
Do low GI diets have any disadvantages?
The main disadvantage of a low GI diet for diabetics comes if the carbohydrate content of a meal is too high for the body to cope with. For instance, bran-based cereal is typically low GI but it contains a high carbohydrate value.
The carbohydrate content of a large portion of bran-based cereal could be too high for people with diabetes which may cause their blood sugar levels to rise very high.
However, this should not be a problem if people with diabetes apply if portion control to foods that have a high carbohydrate content.
What low GI foods are suitable for people with diabetes?
Whole grains
Unsweetened dairy products
Lean meats
Non-starchy vegetables
Legumes
Care must be taken with vegetables and fruits because their GI value can vary significantly.
Low GI fruits include grape fruit, kiwi fruit, plums and berries.
High GI fruits include mangoes, pears, oranges, bananas, raisins and dates.
Low GI vegetables include cabbage, peppers, cauliflower and lettuce.
High GI vegetables include potatoes, sweet corn, beetroots, parsnips and carrots.
What is the Atkins diet?
The Atkins Diet is a low carbohydrate diet plan that was created by Robert C. Atkins in 1972. The diet emphasizes fats and protein while restricting carbohydrates. It has several phases for losing weight starting with a low carbohydrate diet.
Can the Atkins diet help control diabetes?
The Atkins Diet limits carbohydrates in order to change the metabolism of the body from metabolizing glucose for energy to converting fat for energy.
According to Dr. Atkins, the main reason why most low-fat diets fail is that dieters feel hungry and the Atkins diet is much easier because dieters generally feel satisfied when they eat adequate fiber, protein, and fat. Since the Atkins Diet emphasizes avoiding carbohydrates, it can certainly help diabetes.
Is alcohol bad for diabetics?
Beyond all the safety and health concerns about alcohol, people with diabetes need to be very cautious. The action of some diabetes medications and insulin is to lower blood sugar. Therefore, diabetics should not drink on an empty stomach or when their blood glucose is low.
Keep in mind that there is a risk of developing hypoglycemia up to 24 hours after drinking. Therefore, if you have diabetes and want to drink alcohol, you should always check your blood sugar level before drinking, eat before drinking and keep an eye on what and how much you are drinking.
You should also check your blood sugar level before retiring to bed and make sure it is within the safe level (100 to 140 mg/dl).
The symptoms of hyperglycemia and too much alcohol can be very similar; dizziness, disorientation, and sleepiness. Always wear a diabetes ID if you are hypoglycemic to ensure that nobody will confuse hypoglycemia for too much alcohol. This will ensure that you get proper assistance and treatment.
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre Pro System Receives FDA Approval For Medical Practitioners To Use With Diabetes Patients.
On 28th September 2016, Abbott announced that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) had approved the FreeStyle Libre Pro System, a bloodless glucose monitor for use by healthcare professionals on diabetes patients.
The system is designed to empower physicians to provide better management of diabetes. The system provides physicians with a clear visual snapshot of blood glucose data, commonly known as AGP (Ambulatory Glucose Profile). Besides giving a clear and simplified view of the blood glucose levels, healthcare providers can also see and analyze trends and patterns within those glucose levels.
This information has proven to be very valuable because it helps doctors make customized treatment plans for diabetes patients at a lower cost compared to other continuous glucose monitoring products available on the market today.
FreeStyle Libre Pro makes a massive transformation in the way healthcare providers assess diabetes patients especially when it comes to critical decisions around nutrition, medication, and insulin. This innovative technology provides a viable solution to the challenges that come with the need for dependable and complete blood glucose data. This data is vital for the doctor to help the patient achieve optimal health.
How does the FreeStyle Libre Pro System Work?
The FreeStyle Libre Pro system is applied to diabetes patients by healthcare practitioners in a hospital or clinic setting. The doctor applies a very small sensor on the back of the diabetes patient’s upper arm. The round water-resistant sensor is held firmly in place with an adhesive pad and remains on the patient’s arm for 14 days.
During this period, the device does not require any patient interaction or the need for patients to calibrate the sensor or draw blood via a fingerstick.
The sensor measures glucose continuously in interstitial fluid via a very small filament that is usually inserted just under the patient’s skin. This enables the sensor to record glucose in 15 minutes intervals capturing about 1,340 blood glucose results in the 14-day period.
The patient returns to the physician after 14 days where the physician will scan the sensor using a FreeStyle Libre Pro reader and download the glucose results stored in the patient’s sensor. The 14 days’ worth of blood glucose results can be scanned and downloaded in as little as 5 seconds.
Advantages of the FreeStyle Libre Pro System compared to other CGM systems
Provides reliable blood glucose data
Doctors receive 14 days’ worth of continuous blood glucose data that is based on the uninterrupted day-to-day routines of diabetes patients.
Convenient for patients and doctors
Since the FreeStyle Libre Prodoes not require any fingerstick calibrations, there is no need for diabetes patients to be trained on calibration. Once the sensor has been applied, there is no need for patients to interact with the system in any way.
Reduces equipment cost and time
Besides costing less than other CGM products, with the FreeStyle Libre Pro system the physician only needs to buy one specific reader for several patients without the need to spend on extra transmitters, receivers, and recorders, or devote time to disinfecting or recharging other components.
The Ambulatory Glucose Profile report
The system provides physicians and their patients with an AGP (Ambulatory Glucose Profile) report. The report was developed by the International Diabetes center and it is represented in a user-friendly chart that provides physicians with a complete glycemic view of the patient’s blood glucose trend for the past 14 days.
The Ambulatory Glucose Profile Report helps identify when patients are out of the ideal blood glucose range and provides hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic patterns and trends. These useful insights facilitate meaningful discussions between patients and doctors.
This is groundbreaking technology primarily because professional CGM systems have been long considered an expensive and cumbersome technology, particularly for Type 1 diabetes patients.
The new FreeStyle Libre Pro technology is here to change this paradigm because it’s not only unique but also because it does not require fingerstick calibration, it’s more affordable, easier to use, and more accessible to diabetes patients.
Abbott has also submitted the FreeStyle Libre Pro system consumer version for review by the FDA. The consumer version of the system is a CGM system that measures blood glucose levels through a very small sensor on the back of the patient’s upper arm for 14 days.
This monitor does not require fingerstick calibration and patients can self-monitor their blood glucose levels by simply scanning the reader over the small sensor to get a reading as often as desired.
One of the most common complications of diabetes is damage to the autonomic or peripheral nerves, commonly known as neuropathy. Besides causing losses in the motor and sensory function, diabetic neuropathy can also lead to foot ulcers and debilitating pain which may lead to amputation.
Although conventional treatment of neuropathy is limited to good nail and foot hygiene, early detection of ulcers, and the use of strong pain killers such as opioids and antiepileptics, studies have found that some nutritional supplements are capable of reversing diabetic neuropathy.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine – A Neuropathy Supplement
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a nutritional supplement that can bring relief to diabetic neuropathy sufferers. Studies show that patients who are treated with Acetyl-L-Carnitine show significant improvement in NCV (nerve conduction velocity), pain, and amplitude.
The greatest improvements in nerve conduction velocity are usually seen in the motor peroneal nerve, the sensory ulnar nerve, and in the sensory sural nerve. On the other hand, the greatest change in amplitude was in the mortal peroneal nerve. Besides improving nerve function, acetyl-l-carnitine also stimulates nerve fiber regeneration. Take 500 mg to 1000 mg per day.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
This extraordinary antioxidant has been shown to improve numbness, burning, diabetic pain, and other symptoms of neuropathy. Antioxidants have proven to be very important particularly because diabetes unleashes free-radical damage in the body which leads to nerve and vascular damage that underlines various diabetic complications. Take 600 mg to 1200 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid per day.
Biotin for Diabetic Nerve Pain Relief
High doses of biotin may improve the symptoms and complications of diabetic neuropathy within 5 to 8 weeks. This is attributable to enzyme pyruvate carboxylase which is biotin-dependent and it helps prevent the depletion of aspartate and the accumulation of pyruvate. Both play very important roles in nervous system function.
Exercise and Physical Therapy Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy
One of the best ways to manage diabetes symptoms is exercise because it helps patients maintain a healthy weight, control high blood pressure, and blood sugar symptoms, improve range of motion and increase strength in addition to other numerous benefits of regular exercise.
The Journal of Diabetes Complications published a study in 2012 that found that exercise increased intra-epidermal nerve fiber branching and also caused a significant reduction in pain and other diabetic neuropathic symptoms. You can work your way up gradually to exercising for about 30 to 60 minutes per day, doing different low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling.
This will lower blood glucose and help your body respond to exercise better. On the other hand, exercise helps protect nerves by lowering stress, reducing cholesterol, and improving circulation which can increase inflammation by raising your glucose levels.
Physical therapy is also very important in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy – because it improves daily functioning by increasing mobility and muscle strength. You can talk to your doctor or physical therapist about any pain you might be experiencing so they can recommend special orthopedic shoes and inserts, which will improve your ability to get around by reducing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin cream blocks pain signals by using ingredients found in hot pepper. However, you should keep in mind that capsaicin products can cause skin irritation in some patients. Capsaicin cream is also available as a patch, jelly, or lotion and you can simply apply the cream to areas where diabetic pain is strong in order to relieve pain.
You should talk to your physician before using any treatments based on capsaicin because some capsaicin products can cause dangerous side effects on sensitive or irritated skin and opens sores. The skin might also be more sensitive to different sources of heat including the sun. Therefore, it’s extremely important to avoid excessive exposure to heat or sunlight when using capsaicin lotions and creams.
Lower Diabetic Nerve Pain Naturally
In case you have already developed diabetic neuropathy and are looking for effective ways to improve daily function and lower pain, you’ll be very glad to learn that various natural ingredients can help. Several anti-oxidants and antioxidants lower pain and stop nerve damage from progression. These natural remedies include:
Evening primrose oil: This anti-inflammatory helps lower burning, tingling, and neuropathy numbness. You can take 360 milligrams of evening primrose oil daily.
Chromium picolinate: It improves insulin sensitivity. Patients should take 360 milligrams per day.
Cinnamon: Helps stabilize blood glucose. Try using cinnamon oil and add 1 or 2 teaspoons to your meals daily.
Vitamin B12: Most diabetes patients seem to be low in this vital nutrient, which worsens nerve damage.
These natural treatments for diabetic neuropathy have proven to be highly effective and reliable. However, it can take some time for diabetic neuropathy to see improvements. Therefore, it’s extremely essential to be patient and try various different combinations until you find true relief.
If your blood sugar stays high, retinopathy keeps getting worse. Moreover, new blood vessels growing in the retina will be weak and can easily break open. Once they break open, fluid leaks into the middle of the eye just in front of the retina and alter your vision.
While diabetic retinopathy can’t always be prevented, good management of your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, regular eye exams, and early detection and intervention can help prevent blindness.
If you need to travel with insulin, it is essential to understand how to store it and the 
Provides reliable blood glucose data
