Diabetes and Your Mouth

4 Signs You May Have a Problem

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs your ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:

• Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well

Control Diabetes to Keep Your Smile

Well-controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth. If you have poorly controlled or high blood sugar, your risk increases for dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, and fungal infections like thrush. Since infections can also make your blood sugar rise, your diabetes may become even harder to control. Keeping your mouth healthy can help you manage your blood sugar.

See Your Dentist Regularly

People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And your dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

Keep Plaque at Bay

Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack your tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse.

Brush Daily, Brush Right

Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid your mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point your bristles at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.

Floss Every Day

Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.

Take Care of Your Dentures

Loose-fitting or poorly maintained dentures can lead to gum irritation and infections. It's important to talk to your dentist about any changes in the fit of your dentures. When you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of fungal infections like thrush. And poorly maintained dentures can contribute to thrush, too. It's important to remove and clean your dentures daily to help reduce your risk of infection.

Toss the Tobacco

Tobacco products -- including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and pipes -- are bad for anyone's mouth. But if you have diabetes and you smoke, you are at even greater risk of developing gum disease. Tobacco can damage gum tissue and cause receding gums. It can also speed up bone and tissue loss, leading to lost teeth. Motivate yourself to quit. List your reasons for quitting, set a date, and get the support of family and friends.

Prepare for Oral Surgery

Well-controlled blood sugar reduces your risk of infection and speeds healing. If you need oral surgery, tell your dentist and surgeon you have diabetes beforehand. Your doctor may recommend that you wait to have surgery until your blood sugars are under control.

4 Steps to Protect Your Health

The same steps that ensure a healthy mouth also help you manage your diabetes.

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Don't smoke.
• Keep up with your diabetes medications.
• See your dentist regularly to reduce your risk of developing a serious problem.

Know the Warning Signs

Regular dental checkups are important because your dentist can spot gum disease even when you don't have any pain or symptoms. But you should examine your teeth and gums yourself for early signs of trouble. Infections can move fast. If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding, loose teeth, dry mouth, pain, or any other oral symptoms that worry you, talk to your dentist right away.

© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Difference in blood pressure between both arms 'reveal real health risk'

A difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm could indicate an increased risk of dying from heart disease, say doctors.

They discovered that a difference in systolic blood pressure of 15mm of mercury or more between the arms is linked to hardening of the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet.

Their findings come after they reviewed 28 papers looking at variations in systolic blood pressure between the arms.

A high blood pressure reading is one that exceeds 140/90mm of mercury. The first figure is called the systolic pressure.

The study, published online in The Lancet medical journal, found that a difference of 15mm of mercury or more was linked with a 2.5-fold extra risk of peripheral vascular disease.

PVD is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet.

The risk of cerebrovascular disease, which affects the blood supply to the brain and may lead to strokes, was increased 1.5 times. Study leader Dr Christopher Clark, of the Peninsula College of

Medicine and Dentistry at Exeter University, said it was likely one arm was giving a lower figure because of a reduction in blood flow, which could signal arterial disease.

He said it was also important routinely to check whether there was a significant difference between arms because the arm giving the highest figure was the ‘true’ reading.

Dr Clark called for GPs to take blood pressure in both arms and for people testing their blood pressure at home to do the same.

‘PVD is often diagnosed based on symptoms such as difficulty walking,’ he said.

‘By finding a difference in blood pressure between arms it is possible we could investigate potential problems at an earlier stage, even in patients who do not have high blood pressure.

‘This means we can do further tests to measure the blood pressure in the legs and where there is PVD give advice on stopping smoking and lifestyle, and if necessary blood thinning drugs or statins.’

By Daily Mail Reporter

Diabetes: 5 Steps to Total Body Care

If you have type 2 diabetes, you know that blood sugar control, a balanced diet, weight management, regular exercise, and checkups are vital to your health. Taking special care of every part of your body to avoid serious complications is just as critical.

Among some of your biggest concerns with diabetes care are:

• Foot infections
• Chronic skin infections
• Gum disease and tooth loss
• Vision problems
• Heart disease and blood circulation problems

Diabetes Body Care: It's for Everyone

The need to take care of yourself isn't just for adults; with the epidemic of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes has also become more prevalent among children, teens, and young adults.
"In hospitals, we're seeing first-time patients in their late 20s and 30s who have uncontrolled blood sugar and severe skin infections that probably started as a boil or a spider bite," says Philip Orlander, MD, director of endocrinology at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
How can diabetes so dramatically damage the body? If blood sugar is uncontrolled, blood vessels and nerves become damaged, while the body becomes less able to fight infections.
Controlling blood sugar is the bottom line in preventing these problems, but personal care routines -- simple things you can do every day -- can dramatically reduce your risks, too.

5 Steps to Total Diabetes Body Care

Your feet, skin, eyes, heart, and teeth and gums need special attention if you have diabetes. Here are steps you can take to care for these parts of your body:

1. Foot Care and Diabetes
Common foot problems can cause many complications, including athlete's foot, fungal infections in nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, sores, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
While anyone can have these problems, they're more critical for people with diabetes because:

• If you have nerve damage, you may not feel small wounds that need treatment.
• Poor blood flow can slow wound healing.
• If you're immune suppressed, you may be more prone to infection.
• Damaged foot muscle nerves may prevent your foot from aligning properly, causing you to put more pressure on one area of the foot, leading to foot sores and pressure point ulcers.

Prevention tips: Make time for foot care daily. Wash, dry and examine the tops and bottoms of your feet. Check for cracked skin, cuts, scratches, wounds, blisters, redness, calluses, and other changes. Use antibiotic creams recommended by your doctor and apply sterile bandages to protect cuts. Prevent ingrown toenails by cutting toenails straight across; don't cut corners. Don't go barefoot and always protect your feet. Make sure you wear properly fitting footwear.
If you develop even minor foot problems, treat them right away or see a doctor. And see a foot doctor (podiatrist) every two or three months.
Checking your feet daily means you can catch small things and get them treated before they become serious. Make it part of your daily morning routine -- it doesn't take long.

2. Skin Care and Diabetes
Bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching are common skin problems anyone can develop, but they're especially problematic for people with diabetes because of poor blood flow and because the body may not be fighting infection well. Avoid extremely serious complications. Don't ignore these problems:

• Bacterial infections like boils (hair follicle infections) require antibiotic treatment.
• Fungal infections include the yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans, which often occurs in warm, moist folds of the skin: under the breasts, around the nails, between fingers and toes, and in the armpit and groin areas.
  • Jock itch(in the genitals and thighs), athlete's foot (between the toes), ringworm (on the feet, groin, chest, abdomen, scalp, and nails) and vaginal infections are very common when blood sugar isn't controlled. These may require treatment with prescription medications, though occasional over-the-counter antifungal treatments may work.
  • A fungal infection called mucormycosis (contracted from soil fungus and decaying plants) can become extremely serious, especially for those with out of control type 2 diabetes. It may start as a sinus infection that gets worse, and can spread to the lungs and brain. Symptoms are sinus infection, fever, eye swelling, skin redness over the sinus area; occasionally ulceration can occur with drainage. See a doctor immediately; this can be life-threatening.
• Itching caused by dry skin, a yeast infection, or poor blood flow (in the legs especially) is often a result of diabetes. Using lotion or creams can provide relief.

Other skin conditions are caused by poor blood supply and some by your body's resistance to using insulin.
Rashes, bumps, and blisters can also occur; some require treatment, some don't. You need to know which is which and get them treated when necessary.
For instance, eruptive xanthomatosis, a skin condition, is caused by high cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. It appears on the backs of arms, legs, and buttocks as firm, yellow, waxy, pea-like bumps which are typically itchy and surrounded by red halos. Medication to control fat levels in the blood help, as does controlling blood sugar.
Prevention tips: Boost your body's ability to fight infection, and help prevent dry skin, by controlling you blood sugar. Use talcum powder in areas prone to infections and use moisturizing lotions and soaps when needed. (Don't put lotions between toes; extra moisture there can trigger fungus growth.)
And remember, see your doctor for treatment of skin problems that won't go away -- especially foot problems and fungal infections. These can be very serious, and require treatment with prescription medication.

3. Eye Care and Diabetes
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to serious preventable problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy.

• With a cataract, the eye's lens becomes cloudy, blurring vision. While anyone can get cataracts, they may develop at an earlier age -- and progress more quickly -- if you have diabetes.
• Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds inside the eye due to fluid not draining properly. The pressure damages the eye's nerves and blood vessels, harming vision.
• Retinopathy is caused by blood vessel damage in the eyes, and if not diagnosed and treated early, can lead to blindness.

Prevention tips: Prevent these problems from becoming serious by making sure your blood sugar is under control and see an eye doctor for an annual exam.

4. Teeth and Gum Care with Diabetes
Most people develop gum problems during their lives but, if you have diabetes, your risks are higher for serious gum disease -- and for getting it at an earlier age.
That's because, with diabetes, your body is more vulnerable to bacteria and infection. High blood sugar levels can make gum disease worse, resulting in bleeding, tender gums, and gums that pull away from teeth. In time, you may need gum surgery to save your teeth.
Other mouth problems that are a risk:

• Gum inflammation
• Poor healing after dental treatment
• Dry mouth
• Burning mouth or tongue

Prevention tips: Brush after every meal, floss daily, and see your dentist twice a year. Be sure to tell your dentist you have diabetes and bring a list of the medications you take.
Discuss any mouth infections or difficulties in controlling blood sugar levels with your dentist, and make sure blood sugar is under control before routine dental procedures. If you're having dental surgery, your dentist should consult with your diabetes doctor about your medications and the need for an antibiotic.

5. Caring for Your Heart When You Have Diabetes
Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke are very serious concerns for anyone with diabetes, but they can also be prevented.
Buildup of cholesterol on blood vessel walls (hardening of the arteries) is the most common cause of heart disease and stroke. When blood sugar levels are higher than normal, this damaging process escalates - reducing blood flow to the heart and brain and increasing heart attack and stroke risks. The heart's pumping ability can also be affected, leading to heart failure.
Prevention tips: Follow your doctor's advice in keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.
If you have diabetes, your cholesterol and blood pressure levels must be lower than for the average person - so you must take your prescribed medications. Lose weight if you are obese, exercise regularly, and eat a heart-healthy diet low in fat and salt. Quit smoking and talk to your doctor about taking a daily aspirin.
And, finally, make sure you're getting good medical care for your diabetes. "If you're trying everything lifestyle changes, nutrition, medication but if blood sugar is not getting better, you may need a new doctor," says Orlander.

By Jeanie Lerche Davis

© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Ad is not a part of nor has it been approved by WebMD.

Visit GoldenEraMart for all of your diabetic body care solutions.

Fighting Diabetes with a Knife and Fork

While genetics play a role in diabetes, the amount and types of foods that you eat are major players in fighting the disease.  According to the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) latest position statement, your diet is key in not only managing diabetes and reducing the complications associated with it, such as kidney failure, heart disease, and blindness, but more importantly, in preventing diabetes.

Individuals develop diabetes because they aren’t producing enough of the hormone insulin and/or have developed a resistance to insulin, such that their cells do not respond to the hormone when it arrives.  Obesity increases the cell’s resistance to insulin.   In fact, according to the ADA, the current epidemic of diabetes among Americans has been climbing because our weight has also been climbing.

Insulin’s job in the body is to direct glucose, the most abundant sugar in foods, into the cells to be used as immediate energy or stored in another form for later use.  With diabetes, insulin may be available in the blood but the cells’ decreased sensitivity to it interferes with its ability to work properly in the body.   The bloodstream ends up becoming flooded with glucose that can’t enter the cells for its use.   Because of this, many individuals have to take medication to help the insulin work properly and/or inject themselves with insulin to manage their blood glucose levels.

Over 25 million American adults—about 8 percent of the population—have diabetes.   Type 2 diabetes, which is the type both celebrity chef Paula Deen and American Idol judge Randy Jackson have, accounts for 90 to 95% of diabetes among adults.  Even more serious, it is estimated that 35 percent of Americans adults have prediabetes.  Those with prediabetes do not have blood glucose levels high enough to be classified as full-fledged diabetes but are on the road to developing it in the future.

According to the ADA, studies show that those with prediabetes who lose weight and increase their physical activity can either prevent diabetes by having their blood glucose levels return to normal, or at least, delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.  The ADA also recommends meeting with a registered dietitian for dietary guidance in both managing and preventing diabetes.  Click here to find a dietitian in your area.

Since diet and lifestyle are so important, here are 5 key recommendations from the ADA to fight diabetes and prediabetes with a knife and fork:

1.    Lose Some Excess Weight.  Research suggests that even a modest weight loss (approximately 5- 7% of your body weight) can reduce the cell’s resistance to insulin so that glucose will be taken up by the cells, and thus, improve blood glucose levels.

2.    Move at Least 2½ Hours Weekly.  Physical activity has been shown to improve the cells sensitivity to insulin and lower blood glucose levels.

3.   Choose Your Carbohydrates Wisely.  A well-balanced diet that contains carbohydrate-rich foods including fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes and low fat dairy, along with some lean protein and healthy oils, is the diet of choice in the fight against diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke.  Cut back on the calories from the less nutritious, carbohydrate-rich sweets and treats to lose weight.

4.   Beef Up the Fiber In Your Diet.  According to research, dietary fiber, as well as whole grains, has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity, or the use of insulin by the cells.  While the current recommendation is to consume about 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily, Americans, on average, are consuming about 15 grams daily.  Choose whole grains (whole wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn) over refined grains and beef up the whole fruits and vegetables in your diet.

5.   Watch the Alcohol.  While some studies suggest that moderate enjoyment of alcohol, one to three drinks daily, is associated with a decreased risk of diabetes, more than three drinks daily will increase the risk.

Posted by Joan Salge Blake January 17, 2012 01:32 PM

Originally published on the blog Nutrition and You!.

High-Normal Blood Pressure Raises Heart Risks in Men

Earlier Study Showed Same Thing in Women

Jan. 17, 2012 -- Having high blood pressure in middle age is a major risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation later in life, and now new research links high-normal-range blood pressure with an increase in risk.

More than 2 million mostly older Americans have the heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation, which greatly increases their risk for stroke, heart failure, and death.

Researchers followed about 2,000 Norwegian men for an average of 30 years, during which time 270 developed atrial fibrillation.

Men whose systolic blood pressure (the upper number) was in the high-normal range at the start of the study were 50% more likely than men with normal blood pressure to develop the heart rhythm condition.

An earlier study in women who were followed for an average of 14 years also showed high-normal blood pressure to be associated with a higher risk for atrial fibrillation.

Prehypertension and Atrial Fibrillation

In the United States, high blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading of 140 or higher and a diastolic reading of 90 or more.

High-normal blood pressure, also known as prehypertension, is generally defined as having a systolic reading of between 120 and 139 and/or a diastolic reading of 80 to 89.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular -- and sometimes rapid -- heartbeat resulting when the two upper chambers and two lower chambers of the heart are not contracting in sync.

Symptoms can include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, general weakness, or no symptoms at all.
In an effort to determine if the earlier findings in women also applied to men, researcher Irene Grundvold, MD, and colleagues from Norway’s Oslo University Hospital analyzed data from a study of men who were in their 40s and 50s when first examined in the early- to mid-1970s.

The men were followed for up to 35 years.

The study revealed that:

• Men with systolic blood pressure readings of 140 or higher when they entered the study had a 60% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation over the next three decades, compared to men with systolic readings below 128.
• Men with systolic readings of 128 to 138 at at the start of the study had a 50% increase in risk.
• Men with diastolic readings of 80 or higher were 79% more likely than those with lower diastolic blood pressure to develop atrial fibrillation over the next three decades.

High-Normal BP Is Patient Wake-Up Call, Says Doctor

On average, the men who developed atrial fibrillation did so around two decades after entering the study.

The findings appear in the February issue of the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Hypertension.
Prehypertension is common in people with metabolic syndrome, which is a group of risk factors associated with an elevated risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

“This study is another example of a metabolic syndrome trait being associated with higher [heart disease and stroke] risk,” says AHA spokesman Roger Blumenthal, MD, who directs the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center. Blumenthal says the findings should serve as a wake-up call for those with blood pressure readings in the high-normal range, adding that people with systolic blood pressure readings in the 130s and diastolic readings in the 80s should be counseled to make lifestyle changes that can improve the numbers.

"That means revving up your diet and exercise schedule and losing weight if you are overweight,” he says.

Earlier Study Showed Same Thing in Women

 

By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.