There are many aspects of diabetes that scientists and doctors have yet to understand, as well as emerging aspects of the disease that can be difficult to work on with current technology. For instance, there is still no known link between sleep apnea and diabetes, although sleep apnea can put people at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, as can diabetes. Diabetic foot pain is also common, and well documented. Certain correlations have yet to be established, and new complications arise as scientists observe more people suffering from this much dreaded disease.

A well-known symptom is gangrene of the feet, which can often lead to amputations. A new aspect of the disease is its genetic component, and both molecular biologists and diagnosticians are working to understand how people can get diabetes from their parents.

How Do You Get Diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes, but the three major forms come about because of the inability of the body's insulin-producing cells to excrete adequate levels of insulin. Insulin aids in breaking down whole sugars and carbohydrates into forms that the body can use for energy. Without insulin, sugar levels in the blood increase, translating into organ and tissue damage.

Type I diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Type II diabetes and gestational diabetes both involve resistance by the body's tissues to the effects of insulin; gestational, or pregnancy-related diabetes, however, will often subside after the baby is delivered.

Diabetes is not catching, and for people suffering from diabetes continuing education is necessary in order to inform them and their loved ones about treatment regimens, as well as information on what can cause diabetes. For instance, obesity is a large risk factor for Type II diabetes, so people who have a family history of diabetes must take care to eat a balanced diet that is low in sodium and saturated fats.

Fatty Abdomens

Understanding the causes of diabetes can help physicians design a treatment regimen that can help patients manage the disease better. Disease management for diabetes can include a strict diet, increased physical activity, and fitness techniques to lead to weight and fat loss. Research shows that abdominal fat is a great risk factor for diabetes, so people with fatty abdomens are often recommended a stricter fitness regimen, as well as regular checkups to see if diabetes type II has already developed.

Genetics, however, also plays a big part in this disease, so the real question in the scientific community now is: how is diabetes inherited? Type I and Type II diabetes can be inherited, and they can also be triggered by various stimuli such as stress, viral infections, or even drugs. Currently, scientists are studying what mutations are required for diabetes to completely set in, how these mutations are brought about, and if they can be passed from parent to child.

What is Diabetic Foot Pain?

Because diabetes can damage the nerves of the feet and impede blood circulation, foot pain can be common in people suffering from diabetes. In fact, there are special shoes for diabetics that are designed to deal with this pain. People who suffer from diabetes have stiff joints, and will often bleed because of the decreased clotting ability of the blood. This means that wounds can heal much slower, and with decreased nerve function in the feet, people with diabetes can often have foot wounds without knowing it.

With more damage to numb feet, a person suffering from diabetes might not be aware that he or she needs to take antibiotics or apply certain ointments in order to deal with diseases of the foot. And because circulation is impeded, wounds in the feet might not heal at all, resulting in foot ulcers or gangrene. At this point, amputation is the only cure.

Diabetic foot pain is only the start of one's worries, so deal with it before it gets out of hand. Always monitor your feet for wounds, and clean your feet every day with soap and warm water. Rinse your feet well and dry it carefully. If you find wounds, apply ointments immediately, or consult with your diabetic doctor about treatment regimens. You might also have to undergo physical therapy in order to keep the muscles of your feet active. Such therapy might be expensive, although some packages of health insurance for diabetics will include it.

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By Flor Serquina

For millions of people around the globe the need to perform a blood sugar test every day is a reality. These people suffer from diabetes and the utilization of blood tests is the only way to track the sugar levels in their blood, therefore, keeping them healthy. As if taking blood from yourself several times a day weren't enough, there are also special rules when it comes to the care and maintenance or the blood testing supplies. Below is an overview of what needs to be done when caring for these important medical devises.

1- The most important reason to learn how to take care of your blood sugar testing supplies is that the information that they provide to you will be used to determine your course of treatment. Any reading that is off because the equipment wasn't correctly taken care of could affect the information that is given, therefore affecting the care that you receive.

2- The most common blood sugar testing supplies that are used are the meters, lancets and strips. Every one of these items requires a different course of action in regards to its care and maintenance. The most important step is to carefully read the manufactures suggestions for care and use.

3- When you are learning to care for your meter, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Do not ever leave your meter in a car; these types of machines cannot be exposed to the hot or cold temperatures that are experienced in a closed car. Be sure to clean and change the batteries in your meter as suggested in the manual.

4- When you have used a lancet, it is important to dispose of it correctly in a timely manner. Lancets can be dangerous for other people as they can cause injury to adults and children alike. It is suggested that you place the used lancet in an empty plastic container that has a top, such as a laundry detergent bottle. When the bottle is approximately two-thirds to three-quarters full of the used lancet, tightly close the bottle and throw it away. NEVER throw a used lancet or any other blood sugar test supply in the trash without taking the necessary precautions listed.

5- The most important care tip for the testing strips is to keep them away from humidity. This type of exposure can cause them to be ineffective in your daily battle against diabetes. Also, make sure to replace the top of the bottle that the strips come in immediately upon removing one for testing.

6- When the doctor takes blood to run his tests, you should also run a blood sugar test using your equipment. If your numbers are the same as your doctor's, you know that your supplies are accurate.

7- As with any type of medical issue, it is very important to keep in close contact with your physician. If you have any questions as to the use or accuracy of your blood sugar testing supplies, give them a call.