Expert’s Tips For Managing Blood Sugar When Undergoing A Back Or Neck Procedure
If you have diabetes and will undergo spine surgery, you need to make special accommodations to ensure a successful surgery and recovery. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for certain issues, such as infection and slower healing. Fortunately, you can take steps before and after spine surgery to reduce the potential for these complications.
If My A1c Is Normal My Glucose Is Good
An A1C result thatâs below 5.7% is normal âs standards, but having a result below that number isnât the end of the story. Pregnancy, hemoglobin variants, anemia, liver disease, and certain medications can cause inaccurate A1C results.
Additionally, the A1C test is measuring your average glucose value over the past 3 months, but averages inherently do not capture highs and lows. So, you could have a normal average while also having abnormal glucose spikes. The A1C test should only supplement your regular blood sugar testing, not replace it completely.
I Feel Fine So I Dont Need To Test My Levels
Zanini points out that having high blood glucose can come as a surprise to anyone. âIt’s possible they didn’t notice any symptoms or were simply feeling ‘more tired than usual,ââ she says. âIt’s easy to attribute being tired to many other things. . .so this is why regular physicals with your healthcare provider are important.â The bottom line? Listen to your body, take note of symptoms as they arise, and consider monitoring your continuous glucose values.
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Physical Therapy Guide To Diabetes
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Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin. It can also occur when the cells in the body do not react normally to insulin. When diabetes is present, the level of sugar in the blood becomes too high. High blood sugar can cause many health problems.
As of 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 34.2 million Americans , had diabetes. About 7.3 million of those people may be unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes rates are almost double for Native Americans and African Americans. Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States in 2017. Worldwide, approximately 463 million adults were living with diabetes in 2019.
Diabetes can affect anyone at any age. Physical problems related to diabetes include weakness, loss of endurance, obesity, and balance problems. Diabetes often leads to the problem of lower physical activity . Physical activity and exercise are effective ways to lower high-blood sugar levels. Physical therapists help people with diabetes improve or avoid related problems. They teach people how to safely add physical activity to their lives in effective and enjoyable ways.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
Are You At Risk For High Blood Sugar How To Know
- Eat too many processed or fast foods
- Dont exercise regularly
- Eat large meals, or engage in binge eating
- Are under a lot of stress on a regular basis, either from work, dating, or another factor
- Have recurring illnesses
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How Can You Tell The Difference Between Sciatica And Diabetic Neuropathy
There are a few differences in the symptoms of sciatica and diabetic neuropathy. For example, neuropathy symptoms usually begin in your feet, while sciatica starts in your lower back. Also, sciatica symptoms tend to be more severe in the morning or after a period of rest, and walking around can relieve your pain.
Dr. Jassal also uses comprehensive testing to identify the condition causing your pain. In addition to a thorough physical exam, he uses diagnostic imaging studies, including X-rays and MRIs, to study your spine and other internal structures. He also uses electromyography and nerve conduction studies to confirm and locate nerve problems.
How Can Diabetic Neuropathy Mimic Sciatic Pain
While sciatica is a form of nerve damage, it mainly stems from a different cause. Sciatica typically stems from lower spine problems, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or bone spurs. Any of these can compress the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the legs, and to the feet.
Since pain from diabetic neuropathy can often occur in the same areas associated with sciatica, people can confuse the two. The only way to tell the difference is with a thorough medical exam.
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Low Blood Pressure As A Cause Of Dizziness
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and the feeling of passing out is a common complaint in people who have low blood pressure. When the blood pressure is too low, not enough oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the brain, and its function can be affected. If the brains blood supply is decreased too much, the person may pass out . Symptoms may worsen when changing position from lying down or sitting to standing up.
In addition to feeling dizzy, associated symptoms may include:
In individuals who are dehydrated or anemic, blood pressure readings may be normal when they are lying flat however, the lack of fluid is unmasked when they stand up quickly. The lack of blood to the brain may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. This feeling may pass in a few seconds as the body adapts. However, if dehydration or medications prevent the body from reacting by constricting blood vessels and increasing the heart rate, the dizziness may persist to the point at which the patient passes out .
Some diseases are associated with an inability to compensate for changes in body position . Normally when a person stands, blood vessels contract to increase blood pressure slightly, and the heart rate also increases slightly, to pump blood uphill to the brain against gravity. In autonomic dysfunction, a person may become dizzy when they move from a lying position to sitting or standing up. Examples of these diseases with this syndrome include diabetes, Addisons disease, or Parkinsons disease.
Questions To Ask Before Your Spine Procedure
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Is Blood Sugar Imbalance Really Associated With Pain
There are several ways in which blood sugar imbalance contributes to pain. Here is what we know so far:
- Rapid rise or fall in blood sugar levels causes painful headaches, affects mood, and leads to further sugar cravings. This loop then becomes not just about physical pain, but emotional pain as well. Additionally, sugar high produces a biological response similar to stress wherein the body pumps out adrenaline and epinephrine, which can make the body feel anxious, irritable and agitated.
- Researchers have found that diets high in sugar may increase the risk for heart disease . The heart gets stressed out by high blood sugar, making it function less effectively.
Hidden sugars
The silent culprit of chronic pain?
- Agave nectar
Heres a list of Hidden Sugars
Getting Your Symptoms Under Control
Figuring out the real cause of your nerve pain is crucial in determining your best treatment options. How our office treats your symptoms greatly relies on your symptoms and underlying health conditions, such as diabetes.
If we determine that your symptoms are originating in your sciatic nerve, we may suggest one of several treatment options, such as:
- Rest
- Heat
- Physical therapy
If your pain doesnt subside over several months, even with conservative treatments, our doctors may suggest surgical intervention. This type of surgery may involve removing part of the disc thats causing compression of the nerve.
Our doctors may also conclude that your symptoms are originating from high blood sugar. In this case, getting your blood sugar under control is one of the best things you can do to stop the neuropathy from progressing.
Although theres no cure for diabetic neuropathy, it can be managed with healthy blood sugar levels and medications.
Find out why youre suffering from nerve pain, and get the treatment you need. , to schedule an appointment, or book online today. You can also send a message to the team here on our website.
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Medication Considerations For People With Diabetes
Talk with your healthcare provider about what steps you should take to control your diabetes before spine surgery. In some cases, this will involve changes to your diabetes medication. Be sure that these steps are communicated to the surgeon.
It may be helpful to see a certified diabetes educator . Medicare covers two hours of diabetes self-management education per year, with your healthcare providers referral. Most insurance will cover DSME as well. By seeing a CDE, you can obtain an individualized plan for your care before, during and after surgery.
If you take type 2 diabetes medications to control blood sugar, ask your doctor about adjustments you should make to your regular dosage.
If you have type 1 diabetes and take insulin, talk with your healthcare provider about what dose you should take the night before and the day of surgery.
How To Care Of Yourself Once You Come Home
Once you return home, check your blood glucose levels often. You may have more trouble controlling your levels after surgery if you arent eating regularly, are vomiting, feel stress, or are less active than usual.
Watch for the following signs of infection, and call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Fever greater than 101 degrees
- Incision site that is red, hot to the touch, or oozing
- Pus or foul drainage
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Heart Attack And Stroke
At its most serious, lightheadedness may be a sign of a heart attack or stroke. Other symptoms of a heart attack often accompanying lightheadedness are chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, arm pain, back pain, or jaw pain. Symptoms suggesting a stroke are the sudden onset of headache, numbness, weakness, visual changes, trouble walking, or slurred speech. But in older adults, lightheadedness may be the only symptom of a heart attack or a stroke, especially if it doesnt go away, says Dr. Grossman. In that case, every second counts, so get to an emergency room for treatment.
Uncontrolled Diabetes Linked To Chronic Back Pain
Serious health complications, such as foot ulcers and retinopathy , are commonly associated with diabetes. However, signs of diabetes disease progression have also been linked to chronic back pain,1 suggesting that uncontrolled diabetes is likely to play a role in the development of chronic back pain. Additional factors related to diabetes, such as clinical obesity, may also be linked to chronic back pain and related spinal disorders.
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Can This Injury Or Condition Be Prevented
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented because science has yet to determine its cause.
Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented by:
- Keeping your weight at a normal level in relation to your height.
- Avoiding obesity by eating a healthy diet.
- Getting regular physical activity.
A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise plan to help you avoid type 2 diabetes. They also can help you manage diabetes if you already have it.
You can reduce your risk for developing diabetes by:
- Participating in regular exercise.
- Performing the recommended amount of physical activity each week.
- Eating a healthy diet .
- Avoiding obesity or becoming overweight.
Women can reduce their risk for gestational diabetes by doing the same things that help prevent type 2 diabetes. Losing extra pounds before becoming pregnant is highly recommended.
If you have diabetes, you can limit problems by controlling your blood sugar each day. Eating right and getting enough daily physical activity are effective ways to manage diabetes.
Sores on the feet can be prevented by inspecting your feet and skin daily, wearing good fitting shoes and orthotics, and practicing good foot care. You can learn good foot care from your physical therapist.
What Makes Blood Glucose Go Up Or Down
Food, diabetes medicines, and physical activity have the most effect on blood glucose levels most of the time, but there are other things that can raise or lower blood glucose. Heres a list of some of what can make your blood glucose go up, go down, or go down too much resulting in hypoglycemia. UP Eating carbohydrate-containing foods Not taking the diabetes medicines you need Not taking enough of the diabetes medicines youve been prescribed Taking certain non-diabetesrelated medicines, such as steroids, some oral contraceptives, laxatives , or diuretics Eating meals or snacks too close to each other Inactivity Infection or other illness Changes in hormone levels Stress DOWN Taking diabetes medicines Being physically active Drinking alcohol Taking certain non-diabetesrelated medicines DOWN TOO LOW Not eating enough carbohydrate Taking too high a dose of diabetes medicine Taking certain non-diabetesrelated medicines such as warfarin and some antibiotics Eating meals or snacks too far apart from each other Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach Being more physically active than usual Continue reading > >
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How Surgery Affects Blood Sugar
The stress of an operation, along with potential changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise before and after surgery, can dramatically change your glucose levels. While everyone’s at risk for high blood sugar levels after surgery, people with diabetes face even greater risks.
While the exact reason for this cannot always be determined, there are a few different factors that may be at play. The physical trauma associated with surgery can result in an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, along with catecholamines , both of which may result in increased insulin resistancea lack of sensitivity to normal levels of insulin, requiring more and more insulin to remove glucose from the bloodstream.
Additionally, high levels of insulin often seen in diabetes can make arteries and veins less flexible, restricting blood flow that leads to slower healing times and poor circulation to the heart and other organs.
What Kind Of Physical Therapist Do I Need
All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat people who have diabetes or are at risk for developing the condition. You can find physical therapists by using Find a PT, the online tool built by the American Physical Therapy Association to help you search for a physical therapist with specific clinical expertise in your geographic area.
General tips when you’re looking for a physical therapist :
- Get recommendations from family, friends, or other health care providers.
- When you contact a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, ask about the physical therapists’ experience in helping people with diabetes.
- Be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, and say what makes your symptoms worse.
The American Physical Therapy Association believes that consumers should have access to information that could help them make health care decisions and also prepare them for a visit with their health care provider.
The following articles provide some of the best scientific evidence related to physical therapist management of diabetes. The articles report recent research and give an overview of the standards of practice for treatment of diabetes both in the United States and internationally. The article titles are linked either to a PubMed abstract of the article or to free full text, so that you can read it or print out a copy to bring with you to your health care provider.
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If Surgery Is Required
If a part of your body becomes too damaged by the effects of diabetes, you may require an amputation. Your physical therapist can prepare you for surgery and help you recover afterward. They can help you manage pain and heal faster. Your physical therapist also can help you learn how to use prosthetics. They can help you regain your walking ability and safely get back to being active as soon as possible.
What Causes A Low Blood Sugar Level
In people with diabetes, the main causes of a low blood sugar level are:
- the effects of medicine especially taking too much insulin, medicines called sulfonylureas , medicines called glinides , or some antiviral medicines to treat hepatitis C
- skipping or delaying a meal
- not eating enough carbohydrate foods in your last meal, such as bread, cereals, pasta, potatoes and fruit
- exercise, especially if itâs intense or unplanned
- drinking alcohol
Sometimes thereâs no obvious reason why a low blood sugar level happens.
Very occasionally, it can happen in people who do not have diabetes.
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