5 questions about diabetes that I face during  clinical consultation

Why do I no longer feel the warning signs of low blood sugar?

Many people who have had diabetes for more than five years lose some of the symptoms of low blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness.

The usual feelings of hunger, sweatness, anxiety, and increased heart rate may fade and escape your attention. Sometimes you may just feel sleepy as your blood sugar level drops. The reasons for this are complex but are related to a loss of adrenaline release in your body when your blood sugar is low. If you are unaware of low blood sugars, try not to let your blood level drop below 100 mg/dl. You may need to monitor your blood-sugar levels more often, especially before you drive.

Why do I yawn when I have low blood sugar?

 Probably because low blood sugar makes you feel tired. The classic signs and symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, hunger, nervousness, and agitation. However, some people experience no symptoms at all. 

Other people have unusual symptoms of low blood sugar, including a change in personality, so that they become hostile and combative. Some people simply look glassy-eyed, “spacey,” or are mildly confused. It is very important to know what your low blood-sugar symptoms are so that your friends and family will know when to help you

How does the health of my teeth affect my blood sugar?

People with diabetes often have chronic gum disease, which may affect blood sugar levels. You should make an appointment with a dentist for a comprehensive gum examination and have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year because gum disease is more severe in people with diabetes than people without diabetes.

Gum disease results from the formation of plaque underneath the gum line after eating. Plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and gradually erodes the underlying bone that holds the teeth in place. Thus, gum disease can lead to the need for dentures. Daily dental care can prevent gum disease from starting.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle brush and floss daily. Flossing removes food from between the teeth, and plaque from the gum line.

How does being overweight affect my ability to obtain normal blood sugars?

Being overweight causes resistance to insulin. This means that any insulin your body makes (or that you inject) will have a hard time lowering your blood sugar.This makes good blood-sugar control difficult. In addition, being overweight may raise your blood pressure, which makes you prone to kidney disease and stroke.

Often high blood-fat levels, which contribute to heart disease, also are associated with being overweight. All things considered, reducing your weight will improve your blood-sugar levels and your health.

How can I eat in a healthy way?

 Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian (RD) who can design a meal plan tailored to your food likes and dislikes and your cooking ability. Try these tips:

• Eat more fresh (or frozen) vegetables and fruit daily.
• Eat more greens, like romaine, watercress, spinach, and arugula every day.
• Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day.
• Eat breakfast (try oatmeal).
• Eat an egg. It’s a perfect food.
• For healthy fat, use olive oil to cook and add nuts to your oatmeal.
• Stop eating processed foods. (Read the ingredients—partially-hydrogenated oil is an unhealthy fat).
• Measure your servings with a measuring cup or food scale.
• Use herbs and spices instead of salt and fat.
• Buy a healthy cookbook.
• Stop smoking to improve your sense of taste and smell.

Think about the energy the food brings you and what you intend to do with the energy. Participate in the dance of life.