Diabetes and Oxygen Therapy


Worldwide, diabetes affects over 370 million people. 

     The disease that was nonexistent in children only a few decades ago is now labelled "the silent killer" because symptoms are easily missed or misdiagnosed.  

In fact, of those 370 million people, it’s estimated that almost 190 million of them have no idea that they even have the disease.  This "killer disease" is defined as the body’s inability to respond appropriately to insulin (or create appropriate levels of insulin), with the result that metabolism of carbs and an increase in glucose levels are found in the blood and urine.

    The numbers of diabetic people worldwide is growing at an exponential rate.  If you suspect that you or someone you love suffers from this disease, but you haven’t received a diagnosis, here are some of the best indicators.  Individually they don’t indicate a condition at all, but taken in combination, they’re a good reason to seek a medical opinion.


Signs of Diabetes


     It seems strange to think of weight loss as an indicator of a disease that we regularly associate with heavy people, but if you experience substantial weight loss with no changes to your diet or exercise routine, then this could be an indicator that you are diabetic.  The problem is that the disease not only makes your body drop fat pounds but also muscle weight.

Frequent thirst or urination is probably the most commonly known indicator of the diabetic disease.  Your kidneys are working overtime to attempt to get rid of the extra glucose in your system, and this can result in many bathroom breaks, even waking you from your sleep. 

Thirst comes as a result of your body trying desperately to replenish all of the lost water through urination.  This can become a vicious cycle, and can sometimes result in hospitalization for dehydration.

Bouts of unnaturally high hunger pangs are also a sign of the disease, as your body tries to regulate the erratic sugar levels in your blood.

       Frequent numbness of limbs is another sign and could be an indicator of high glucose levels, which, over time, can negatively affect your nervous system.   The numbness can also be experienced as a tingling feeling, most often in fingers or toes.

       Dry skin or irritated skin that won’t go away with lotions or treatments could be another indicator of diabetes.  Our skin is the largest organ on our body and is often the best indicator of our overall health, often showing signs before any other part of our body.

      For women, one of the worse conditions associated with the disease might be an increase in occurrence or severity of yeast infections.  Because they happen so often, your body may very well develop immunity to the medication often prescribed, so it might be in your best interest to actually help prevent this by taking a yeast supplement which helps to regulate yeast levels in the body.

       Low blood sugar is often a cause of irritability, so if you find yourself frequently grumpy or feeling low, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.  Irritability could also be caused by a general feeling of being unwell also associated with this condition.

      If you develop sudden problems with your vision, don’t overlook diabetes as one possible cause.  High levels of sugar in the blood can interfere with blood vessels in the eye, and can even be severe enough to cause blindness.  If you experience double vision or find that your sight is suddenly blurry, seek immediate medical attention.

       It can be hard to detect, but sometimes the body suffers from high blood glucose levels, causing your blood vessels to be damaged and making it hard for your body to heal quickly.  If you find that bruises appear for little reason, or cuts and bruises last longer than normal, this could be an indicator of a bigger issue.

       When the cells in your body become starved because glucose isn’t being stored properly, it can make you feel constantly exhausted.  If you haven’t noticed a change in sleeping habits or patterns, and there’s no identifiable reason for you to be dragging your heels all day, it could be that glucose levels are out.


Diabetes and oxygen therapy


      Although "the killer disease" is treatable, drastic life changes must be made in order to improve the overall well being of the patient.  Weight loss and a shift in diet and exercise can certainly improve the health, mood and well being of anyone, including those with diabetes. 

      Type 1 diabetes is often helped with insulin along with these other changes in lifestyle, and Type 2 diabetes can be managed with non-insulin or insulin medications, depending on the individual. 

        This disease is the unfortunate leading cause for amputation of the lower extremities, due to a lack or lowered blood circulation in the system, and also due to foot ulcers.  Some studies show that the extra intake of oxygen could very well reduce these amputations, and help with foot ulcers, both as a preventative measure and to treat those that have already formed. 

       Glaucoma is another condition frequently associated with diabetes; this is a condition whereby pressure of fluid in the eye builds until the sufferer’s vision is either impaired or taken away completely.  Oxygen therapy has been shown to help oxygenate cells in the body and thus reduce the effects of this terrible side effect. 

        As stated, diabetes can have a negative effect on the body’s ability to heal itself.  With regular intake of extra oxygen, either via a supplement (tablet form) or a tank and tubing, the patient can increase oxygen in the cells, thereby making it easier for the body to heal itself, and help to prevent further conditions from taking hold. 

          If a patient is short on breath due to weight problems connected with the disease, a portable tank of oxygen is a great way not only to improve respiration, but also to allow the patient to gain some level of activity to help with weight loss. 

       Diabetes is a disease which continues to attack populations everywhere.  Seek the advice of your doctor to find out if oxygen therapy is for you.

This article was written by Jon Reyes

from Steam and Shower UK.
 

He has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.





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