Living with Diabetes: Hot Topics

Blood Sugar and Surgery
Warnings Signs of Heart Disease
Beat the Yeast
Diabetes Information Online
ICE Is Smart
Blood Sugar and Shut-eye
Controlling Your Bladder
Quitting Smoking
Ask About Aspirin

Blood Sugar and Surgery

Yet another reason for tight blood sugar control. A recent study found that A1C levels of less than 7 percent in the 6 months before surgery can significantly reduce the risk of postsurgical infection. One possible reason for the difference: Tight blood sugar control before surgery may lead to better blood sugar control after surgery.

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Warning Signs of Heart Disease

You probably know that people with diabetes are significantly more likely to develop heart disease than those without diabetes. Unfortunately, symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced. But researchers have found that blood sugar levels after a meal could provide an early indication of heart disease risk. The researchers studied 529 men and women with type 2 diabetes for 5 years. They found that those with the highest after-lunch blood sugar readings were 5.5 times more likely to develop some form of heart disease than those with the lowest levels, particularly if they were women. So remember to test your blood sugar regularly.

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Beat the Yeast

About 3 of 4 women experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once. But women with diabetes have an even higher risk. Why? When blood sugar is high, there is more sugar available for yeast to feed on—and grow and multiply. Symptoms range from mild to very uncomfortable and can include itching, burning, and irritation of the vagina; painful urination and intercourse; and abnormal vaginal discharge, usually described as looking like cottage cheese. If you suspect you might have a yeast infection, call your doctor immediately.

To help prevent yeast infections, try these tips:

• Stick with all-cotton underwear and panty hose with a cotton crotch.
• Remove wet swimsuits or clothing as soon as possible.
• Avoid feminine sprays, douches, and bubble baths.
• Change tampons and pads often.

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Diabetes Information Online

Looking online for useful information to help keep you healthy? Here are a few dependable sites you can turn to. Although they're not a substitute for seeing a doctor, they'll give you plenty to talk about during your next appointment:

• Health Hotlines from the National Library of Medicine (healthhotlines.nlm.nih.gov): A list of health organizations offering toll-free hotlines.
• MerckSource™ (mercksource.com): Includes breaking medical news, doctor-visit checklists, an over-the-counter drug guide, a medical dictionary, health risk assessments, and free access to the Merck Manuals^®.
• MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov): Health news, medical encyclopedias and dictionaries, and links to other information sources provided by the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health.

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ICE Is Smart

Accidents can happen, so why not make it easy for EMTs or ER staff to reach your loved ones quickly? Input emergency contact information into your cell phone under the entry ICE (In Case of Emergency). If you're seriously hurt, medical responders know to check your contacts for ICE entries. A recent study found that 27% of mobile owners had heard of this, but only 9% had actually done it. While you're at it, program your cell phone for 911 so you only have to hit one button in case of an emergency.

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Blood Sugar and Shut-eye

Researchers interviewed 161 African-Americans with type 2 diabetes about their sleep habits and overall health and obtained A1C levels from their medical records. They found that participants who got the least sleep and had the worst sleep quality also had the highest A1C levels. The reason for this is uncertain, but there is some evidence that lack of sleep may affect the body's ability to convert sugar into energy. Other studies indicate that type 2 diabetes contributes to sleep problems. If you're having trouble nodding off, talk to your doctor for help getting the shut-eye that you—and your blood sugar—deserve. Here are a few better-sleep tips:

• Keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time—even on weekends.
• Relax with a before-bed routine, such as reading, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath.
• Do what you can to have a comfortable mattress—general life expectancy of a quality mattress is 10 years.

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Controlling Your Bladder

If you find yourself running for the restroom—and not always making it in time—you're not alone. In fact, 13 million Americans (mostly women) have loss of bladder control. New research shows that the chances of having urinary incontinence are much higher in women who have type 2 diabetes than in those who do not. Don't be embarrassed to tell a health care professional about bladder problems.

Various treatments, including Kegel exercises (which strengthen the pelvic muscles), are available. To perform Kegels, a woman squeezes the muscles used to stop the flow of urine for about 10 seconds, then relaxes them for about 10 seconds. These steps should be repeated 10 to 20 times in a row at least 3 times a day. Muscle tone usually improves in 2 to 3 months.

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Quitting Smoking

Smoking is particularly dangerous for those with diabetes, who have a higher risk of heart and blood vessel problems. But the percentage of adult smokers who are successfully quitting has stalled, according to a recent survey.

Another eye-opening trend: Nicotine levels in cigarettes rose 11% from 1998 to 2005, according to a Harvard School of Public Health analysis. If you've tried to quit and weren't successful, don't be discouraged. Most people try several times before they kick the habit for good. Some helpful tips:

• Set a quit date.
• Get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays.
• Ask family, friends, and coworkers for support.
• Make a plan to deal with cravings and reduce stress.
• Talk with your doctor about cessation aids and counseling programs.

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Ask About Aspirin

A recent survey found that nearly half of US adults 40+ with diabetes are not taking aspirin regularly to help reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. The American Diabetes Association recommends talking with your doctor about whether taking a daily low-dose aspirin could benefit your heart health without serious risk. In some people, aspirin can irritate the lining of the stomach, resulting in pain, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding.

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