Glooko Rolling out new Bluetooth Connected Device

Glooko has been on the cutting edge of Diabetic technology since day one. They have set the bar and now others are frantically trying to follow in their blazing foot steps.
Recently Glooko sent me their MeterSync Blue, which is a meter connecting device that allows you to upload your meter readings via Bluetooth.

Having worked with Glooko in the Past I was excited to be able to test out the MeterSync Blue. I opened up my Glooko App and began syncing my meter.



As you can see from my glucose results my sugars run high. But I was really impressed with how quickly it synced. I have used the other cables that Glooko had come out with, but really like the fact that all you have to do is plug in your meter, push the button on the MeterSync Blue and all your info goes directly to your phone or Android/iOS device.

[caption id="attachment_3079" align="alignleft" width="140"] Original Android Glooko Sync[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3081" align="alignright" width="216"] New Glooko MeterSync Blue[/caption]

I am still not to thrilled about it being a 3 piece system like the Android version. I would have liked to see it be a more cohesive 2 piece system, that would closely resemble the iPhone sync cable system that is all one cord.

[caption id="attachment_3080" align="alignright" width="163"] iPhone Glooko Sync cable. Notice its all one piece.[/caption]

With it being a 3 piece system it seems like there is more room for you to lose some of the items you need in order to properly test. Another thing that you will notice between the MeterSync Blue and the original Android Sync cable is that they did away with the 3.5mm jack that you would have allowed you to plug the device directly into the meter and transmit that way. Had they kept the 3.5mm plug they could have just shipped the 2.5mm adapter that would have made it a 2 piece system and would save the company on production and shipping costs, and would have eliminated the need for the 3.5mm cord. However, that being said I must say that this is by far my most favorite of all the Glooko products. Being a fan of Bluetooth I love anything that can sync up using it.

My over all rating of the MeterSync Blue is 9.5 out of 10. Had they kept the 3.5mm plug and or made the additional 3.5mm cord part of the system and not a separate detachable I would have given it a 10. The MeterSync Blue is not yet available for purchase but you can click here  to be notified when it becomes available for public purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

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Biomedtrics Ditto

Recently I had the chance to test out the new Biomedtrics Ditto. The Ditto is a Bluetooth device that allows you to sync your blood glucose meters to any Bluetooth enabled device such as a smart phone, tablet, or PC.
Along with the standalone device there is an app called MyDittoLife, which allows you to keep all of your testing records on it and share it with your medical provider by emailing it directly to them. And the app is also accompanied by a website that stores all of your testing information via the Cloud, allowing you to access your information where ever there is internet access.

With Ditto you have several connection options that allow you to connect to your meter. It comes standard with a 3.5mm Male to Male audio cord that allows you to plug your glucose meter into the Ditto, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter for those smaller ports, and a USB charging cable. That’s right there are no batteries that you have to deal with, its charged by plugging into any USB 2.0 plug.
And because Ditto is Bluetooth compatible that means that you can wirelessly sync your meter to your phone or tablet/PC. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and when I connected  my meter to the Ditto and turned on Bluetooth Sync within the app, it automatically updated the app on my phone with my most current reading for the past 3 months. I was a little disappointed in that it did not download all my readings into the app, but was impressed with how simple it was, once I had the app setup to work with the meter that I was using.

The entire Ditto program is controlled through the app. You can make all your changes right from your tablet or smart phone. It is pretty intuitive for the most part, but if you are technologically stupid, you may struggle a bit with it. I would like to have seen the over all ease of use more KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) friendly for those who are not tech savvy.

One drawback that I did find with the Ditto was its limited number of supported glucose meters. However, many of the top name models such as Abbott, Bayer, ReliOn, and LifeScan (ie OneTouch) are supported. This is one feature that I would like to see expanded upon in future developments.

Another feature that I liked about Ditto was that you could choose which way you wanted to export your glucose data, you could have it done in PDF or CVS format. Personally I prefer PDF format because it is more universal.  The other thing that was nice was that it displays a bar graph after every reading allowing for you to see visually how your weeks highs and lows compared.

All in all I give this system a 7 out of 10 stars, based on the app and the lack of supported meters, and the fact that it is only currently offered for Android. I really do like that the system is stand alone and Bluetooth which gives it great functionality and room for future development. You can get yours from Amazon by clicking here, and downloading the app from the Google Play Store by clicking here.

UPDATE

11/7/13

After having used the app a bit more I have found that my last statement of Ditto not having uploaded all of my readings from the meter was not true.
The meter I was using only had readings from back in March of this year. It did not display in the app that any information had been downloaded, it just displayed that there was no data found. I have brought this to the attention of Biomedtrics, and they are looking into it.

I did find and have a chance to look at my graphs for the time period that I did have data for and found that like the picture above it was well detailed and accurate, and gave me a good visual on how my trends were. I am going to upgrade my original rating from a 7 to a 7.5 stars out of 10. Knowing now that all my data was downloaded makes it nicer (and would have probably saved me some hardships had I used a meter with more accurate testing dates than half a year ago) to work with. I still stand by the fact that the over all usefulness of the app and website could be more user friendly but for those techy people out there this shouldn’t be to big of an issue.

Also in my previous review I forgot to mention that there is a website that you can view your information on called www.mydittolife.com which from what I can see is an HTML version of the app, without the ability to really change much of the information on, but have been assured that the site is a work in progress. The Ditto is a great device and is worth using, I would recommend it to my more computer literate friends, over the ones who are struggling to come into the 21st century.

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Glooko is coming to Android and Google Play

So there is a product on the market called Glooko, which is a revolutionary new device that allows you to connect your Glucose meter to your iPhone and copy all of your test results over to your phone, thus allowing you to email them to your doctor.

 

Well back in 2011 – 2012 I was accepted to be a tester for this new product and wrote a series of articles about it. Since then they have made leaps and bounds with it. You see Glooko use to only be available to iPhone users.

However, I was again chosen to be a beta tester for their new Android App. I must say so far I'm a bit disappointed (so far) with the outcome of the Android version of Glooko. You see unlike the iPhone single sync cord version (left), the Android sync version (right) requires 2 parts. These parts are a square box that plugs into the earphone jack of your phone or mobile device and has a cord that plugs into that, then into your meter. The other thing about the Android version is that it is not powered by the phone or the tester. It requires a large button cell battery, and the unit must be manually turned on in order to begin the sync with your phone.

One thing that I did notice though, was the large database of supported glucose meters the new Android version has. When I tested the iPhone version back in 2011 they had very limited number of supported meters. They now have all the main name brands and a few off brand glucose meters supported. The other thing that I was pleased to see was that unlike the iPhone sync which needed a whole different attachment or meters that had IR (infrared) beaming abilities, it is now built into the Android version.

The other thing that has been improved is the app for both Android and iPhone. The new and improved app allows for better, smoother functioning, making it super simple for even the most tech challenged person to use.

All in all I give the Android Glooko reader 8 out of 10 stars. The only reason I’m scoring it at an 8 is because of the 2 piece system and the fact that it is battery operated and not self powered like its counterpart for the iPhone. Other than that, I am happy that they finally crossed over to the Android market. You can get your own Glooko setup for iPhone here. It is not fully available for Android consumers yet. But keep up to date with them via their Facebook Page, Website, or Twitter, so that you can be the first to know when the consumer version of Glooko for Android is released.

[UPDATE] 10/29/13

It seems as if I was a bit to harsh/hasty on the rating scale of 8 out of 10 stars. At first glance I was off put by the over all appearance of the sync cable being in 2 separate parts and being battery operated. However, it did not dawn on me that the unit having a built in IR might need the additional power that the phone would not be able to give and provide normal functioning battery life for the phone itself. And the fact that there are some meters on the market that are IR compatible that would be unnecessary to have a data cable that was constantly attached. So I am reevaluating it and giving it a 10 out of 10.

I am also pleased to know that your meter data is available across platforms. I was able to pull readings from my iPhone and see them on my Android. So this makes the device even more universal and friendly. That is why Im giving it 10 out of 10. I have also synced my other meters with the App with only a few finger swipes. Unlike other mobile Apps that boost their ‘ease’ of use features. With Glooko its 2 swipes and your new meter is ready to go.

Get your Glooko meter cable here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F9K7BWQ
Get Glooko for Android here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glooko.logbook
Get Glooko for iPhone here https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/glooko-logbook-diabetes-take/id471942748?mt=8

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Gluco(M) Wristband Monitors Your Blood Glucose Levels

Ok So I just heard about this amazing product that is still in fabercation but is something that a Tech Geek like me wants. Its called Gluco(M) which is a wearable glucose monitor with a syring and insulin vile connected to it. I am way geeky over the idea of this thing. Here is what was said about it……

“With the widespread of diabetics among almost all range of people around, medical equipment manufacturers are introducing various products everyday. The Gluco(M) Wristband is a concept medicaldevice that offers three major functions to diabetics: non-invasive and instant glucose reading, storing previous readings history with averages, and an extremely useful insulin chamber with loaded syringe cartridge. This innovative product is featured with ‘Reverse Iontophoresis’ technology and collects glucose samples from body fluids by using an electric current flowing throughout the sensors. The readings are shown on the back-lit LED display and different required buttons for operating this device are placed at the edge of this device.

Text from Eli :
The Gluco(M) is a medical concept that provides diabetics with three functions: instant and non-invasive glucose readings, history of previous readings with averages, and an insulin chamber with a loaded syringe cartridge for injections.

Diabetics must monitor their own blood glucose levels times a day, to determine how far above or below normal their glucose is and to determine how much insulin(s) they may need. This is usually done by placing a drop of blood from a skin prick onto a glucose strip and then inserting the strip into a glucose meter, a small machine that provides a digital readout of the blood glucose level.

The Gluco(M) uses a technology known as “reverse iontophoresis.” By using an electric current running throughout the sensors, it collects glucose samples from fluids in the body. The device is then able to read the sample and give a reading. With this technology, diabetics can keep a much closer watch on their glucose levels and avoid the problems that may occurs from having levels too high or low. The Gluco(M) enables users with the convenience of checking blood-sugar levels more frequently throughout the day, thus yielding for better control of glucose in the blood stream.

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Being Unprepared

Ok so your out and about, or maybe even at work and you start having a high blood sugar, and you look through your bag/desk/briefcase and you find that you are out of insulin or pen needles….WHAT DO YOU DO?

Well currently that is the situation that I am in right now as I sit here writing this blog post. My sugar is over 600mg I am feeling really light headed and faint. Because I have been on U500 which has maintained my sugars for a while, I have had a high sugar, high carb packed dinner, midnight snack, morning, and afternoon. I usually keep my Humalog Qwikpen on me with a pen needle in it at all times. Well apparently when I last did my shot using that pen it got plugged up. I know that your suppose to use them only once but well I reuse them about 8 times before throwing them away. SO the question comes to this…WHAT DO YOU DO? Well back in the early days when I just got diagnosed and was still in the hospital they said to drink LOTS of water and to do some exercise. Well Im going to drink some water and see if that helps otherwise Im going to try to walk if I don’t just lay down on the floor and take a nap until I can go home at 3:30pm.

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*le sigh*

I love the emotional rollercoaster that I have been on lately. It seems that at the most inopportune moments that I get totally bitch slapped with bouts of depression and despair. I really have been doing better but it just seems like there is always that damnable sword of Damocles hanging over my head. I have been trying to spend more time out and about with friends and family. But it just seems like that I am stuck looking in the past and that is a dangerous thing to do. I posed the question on Facebook the other night “WHEN”, it was a great question because I feel like that all the time…when am I going to find someone who will love me….when will I be happy….when will I finally feel free…ect

So yeah, that is how I’ve been feeling. And because of my depression, I stop using my insulin, and then my sugars go all over the place, and then all I want to do is sleep when I should be out doing something. IDK maybe im asking to much of myself.

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Overall Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Reduced By Snacking On Raisins

New research debuted at the American Diabetes Association's 72nd Annual Scientific Session suggests eating raisins three times a day may significantly lower postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels when compared to common alternative snacks of equal caloric value. The study was conducted at the Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Center (L-MARC) by lead researcher, Harold Bays, MD, medical director and president of L-MARC.

The study was conducted among 46 men and women who had not previously been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, but who had mild elevations in glucose levels. Participants were randomly assigned to snack on raisins or pre-packaged commercial snacks that did not contain raisins or other fruits or vegetables, three times a day for 12 weeks. Findings included:

• Compared to control snacks, raisins significantly decreased mean post-meal glucose levels by 16 percent

• Compared to baseline within group paired analysis, raisins significantly reduced mean hemoglobin A1c by 0.12 percent

• Consumption of the control snacks in the study did not significantly reduce mean post-meal glucose or hemoglobin A1c

"Compared to the snacking control group, the group consuming raisins had a significant statistical reduction in their after-liquid meal blood sugar levels among study participants who had mean baseline fasting glucose levels between 90 and 100 mg/dl.," said Dr. Bays. "This favorable glucose effect of raisins was further supported by the statistically significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (a standard test for overall blood sugar control in diabetes mellitus) in the within group comparison to baseline. The within group comparisons from baseline with snacks did not demonstrate a reduction in hemoglobin A1c."

The study was funded by the California Raisin Marketing Board through a grant to the L-MARC Research Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

"Raisins have a relatively low glycemic index and contain fiber and antioxidants, all factors which contribute to blood sugar control," said James Painter, Ph.D., R.D., and nutrition research advisor for the California Raisin Marketing Board. "Decreasing blood sugar and maintaining normal hemoglobin A1c levels is important because it can prevent long-term damage to the heart and circulatory system."

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Mouse Study Hints at New Path for Diabetes Treatment

Suppressing the hormone glucagon might lower blood sugar, insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes

A potential new treatment for type 2 diabetes targets the hormone glucagon instead of insulin, according to a new study in mice.

Although the research hasn't yet progressed past animal models of the disease, initial results suggest that the novel therapy can lower blood sugar, decrease insulin resistance, lower cholesterol and help keep fatty deposits from settling in the liver.

What's more, the researchers didn't see any adverse effects from the treatment.

"A new target for the adverse effects of glucagon on diabetes has been identified, and with treatment we got rid of all the bad stuff, but didn't cause side effects," said the study's lead author, Dr. Ira Tabas, a distinguished professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City.

Results of the study are published in the April 12 online edition of Cell Metabolism.

Glucagon is a hormone whose main role is to protect the body and brain from low blood-sugar levels during periods of fasting, such as overnight. It is produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas, Tabas said. When the alpha cells in the pancreas sense dropping blood sugar and insulin levels, they secrete glucagon, which in turn, causes the liver to produce glucose to feed the brain and body.

Normally, glucagon only kicks in when you're starving, because it senses low insulin levels. But, in type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, so even though insulin is present, the liver thinks the body has no glucose because the insulin isn't helping get glucose into the body's cells the way it should, Tabas explained. That causes the liver to send out a signal for glucagon, and then the liver releases more sugar. "It just turns into a horrible feedback cycle," he said.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Vivian Fonseca, president of medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association, explained that "when you eat a meal and your sugar goes up, glucagon and glucose should switch off, but that doesn't happen in type 2 diabetes."

Currently, type 2 diabetes treatments focus on replacing insulin or making insulin work more effectively (known as improving insulin sensitivity). But, finding a way to block some of the action of glucagon might also help control type 2 diabetes.

The problem is that because glucagon serves a vital function in keeping the brain and body nourished with glucose in times of fasting, scientists can't make a drug that completely suppresses the action of glucagon.

In addition to the brain not getting enough sugar, early research that just partially blocked glucagon caused weight gain, fatty liver deposits and increased cholesterol. Tabas said it's still not entirely clear why partially blocking glucagon caused these effects.

Clearly, a different approach was needed. So, rather than trying to block glucagon, Tabas and his colleagues followed glucagon's pathways.

"Imagine if you have five pathways: A, B, C, D and E. Blocking pathways A and B can stop diabetes. But, if you block C, D, and E, you cause bad effects. So, you have to move further downstream to find the molecules that are responsible for pathways A and B so you can block those without blocking C, D, and E," Tabas explained.

"The more specific you can get, the less likely you'll have adverse effects," he added.

The pathway they found is an enzyme called CaMKII, and Tabas said this particular pathway is also being studied in inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and asthma, because inhibiting this enzyme seems to lower inflammation as well.

When the researchers blocked CaMKII in obese mice bred to have diabetes, their blood sugar went down, insulin sensitivity improved, cholesterol decreased and fatty liver improved. And, there was no evidence of adverse effects from blocking CaMKII.

"There's always a concern whenever you inhibit any molecule in the body. We need to know why it's there naturally and what could be the possible effects of inhibiting it. Our study showed no specific concerns though," Tabas said.

While the findings of the new study are promising, scientists note that research involving animals often fails to produce similar results in humans.

For his part, Fonseca said, "This is an interesting and exciting scientific finding on how glucagon works, and it provides a new treatment target. But, it's in the very early stages of research."

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Study Links Mothers’ Weight and Blood-Sugar Levels to Health of Newborns

Pregnant women with weight and blood-sugar levels even slightly above average may pose a risk to their pregnancies and the health of their newborns, a study suggests.

The 2008 Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study showed a possible link between mothers with elevated blood sugar — but below the level of gestational diabetes — and increased birth weight and elevated insulin in newborns.

The new review of data from the HAPO study shows that blood-sugar levels and weight even just above average can boost newborns’ birth weights and insulin levels, and lower blood sugar. Having a larger-than-average baby can lead to infant injuries during delivery and more, risky Caesarean births.

“My recommendation would be that every pregnant mother should have a chance to have dietary advice. It would pay off in the long run,” says Dr. Boyd Metzger, the principle investigator of the study and a professor of medicine-endocrinology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. However, many insurance plans don’t cover prenatal dietician visits, he says.

Women who are slightly overweight with moderately elevated blood-sugar levels pose a higher risk than pregnant women who are obese with normal blood sugar, or those who have gestational diabetes (when blood-sugar levels rise to a certain point) and a normal weight, the study says. It included 23,316 women from nine countries and was published in April’s Diabetes Care.

Babies born to mothers that are both obese and have gestational diabetes weigh an average of 340 grams, or about three-quarters of a pound, more than those born to mothers with normal weight and blood sugar, according to the study.

Mothers who are overweight — but not obese — with above-normal blood sugar had babies weighing an average of 214 grams, or half a pound, more. Babies of mothers of normal weight who have gestational diabetes weigh an average of 164 grams — just under a third of a pound — more. And obese mothers with normal glucose level have babies that weigh an average of 174 grams more.

Earlier studies have linked gestational diabetes and other ailments in mothers to health problems later on in the lives of their children, as WSJ reported last year.

There is a potential link between mothers with higher blood-sugar levels and weight, and obesity and diabetes in the children, perhaps as early as childhood, Metzger tells the Health Blog.  But “the unsettled question is whether these milder levels of higher glucose or weight [in the mother] carry that risk,” says Metzger.

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Study Links Mothers’ Weight and Blood-Sugar Levels to Health of Newborns

Pregnant women with weight and blood-sugar levels even slightly above average may pose a risk to their pregnancies and the health of their newborns, a study suggests.

The 2008 Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study showed a possible link between mothers with elevated blood sugar — but below the level of gestational diabetes — and increased birth weight and elevated insulin in newborns.

The new review of data from the HAPO study shows that blood-sugar levels and weight even just above average can boost newborns’ birth weights and insulin levels, and lower blood sugar. Having a larger-than-average baby can lead to infant injuries during delivery and more, risky Caesarean births.

“My recommendation would be that every pregnant mother should have a chance to have dietary advice. It would pay off in the long run,” says Dr. Boyd Metzger, the principle investigator of the study and a professor of medicine-endocrinology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. However, many insurance plans don’t cover prenatal dietician visits, he says.

Women who are slightly overweight with moderately elevated blood-sugar levels pose a higher risk than pregnant women who are obese with normal blood sugar, or those who have gestational diabetes (when blood-sugar levels rise to a certain point) and a normal weight, the study says. It included 23,316 women from nine countries and was published in April’s Diabetes Care.

Babies born to mothers that are both obese and have gestational diabetes weigh an average of 340 grams, or about three-quarters of a pound, more than those born to mothers with normal weight and blood sugar, according to the study.

Mothers who are overweight — but not obese — with above-normal blood sugar had babies weighing an average of 214 grams, or half a pound, more. Babies of mothers of normal weight who have gestational diabetes weigh an average of 164 grams — just under a third of a pound — more. And obese mothers with normal glucose level have babies that weigh an average of 174 grams more.

Earlier studies have linked gestational diabetes and other ailments in mothers to health problems later on in the lives of their children, as WSJ reported last year.

There is a potential link between mothers with higher blood-sugar levels and weight, and obesity and diabetes in the children, perhaps as early as childhood, Metzger tells the Health Blog.  But “the unsettled question is whether these milder levels of higher glucose or weight [in the mother] carry that risk,” says Metzger.

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Glooko Announces first App Update–Glooko Logbook ver. 1.2

Today Glooko announced their first application update Glooko Logbook ver 1.2. This new update boasts features such as interfacing with the Bayer Breeze2 Meter, a food database where you can search for all of your favorite foods and add the carb counts manually into your logbook, and the ability to print or share a 1-month logbook.

I have to say being a user of the Glooko system I am in love with how easy it is to use and the wealth of information that is at my finger tips. Now with these upgraded features there is even more that can be done. I am looking forward to the new food index.

Meters currently compatible with Glooko 1.2

Bayer's Breeze2	Bayer's Contour
FreeStyle Freedom Lite	FreeStyle Lite
OneTouch Ultra2	OneTouch UltraLink
OneTouch UltraMini
Don’t forget to update your app today and give all the new features a try!	Buy the Cable Here

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Glooko Update

So I just received an email from Anita Mathew VP Marketing and Co Founder of Glooko “Thanks for reaching out, and we would be happy to have you review the product.”
How is that for fast turn around. I am super excited to get to test Glooko, and tell you all about the neat features that I discover.

November 15th

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Glooko–Your iPhone’s new best friend

“GlookoTM Logbook is an electronic record that you can access anytime, anywhere.”

I came across this great new product called Glooko which hooks your Bayer's
Contour, FreeStyle Freedom Lite, FreeStyle Lite, OneTouch Ultra2, OneTouch UltraLink, and OneTouch UltraMini to your iPhone and download your information. No more having to carry around a paper log, just attach the cord to the iPhone and the other end to your Glucometer and it automatically syncs up with the iPhone and you have all your daily testing results right at the palm of your hand.

Now I have sent off a letter to the manufacturer of Glooko asking for the ability to test this revolutionary system out and I hope that I am picked for the candidate. As I learn more about this product and its features I will let you know. For now visit the Glooko website at http://www.glooko.com

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Say Goodbye to Dry Skin

Dry skin, a frequently overlooked complication of diabetes, is an irritating side effect of chronically high blood glucose levels. Try these tricks to keep your skin healthy and soft.

 

Say Goodbye to Dry Skin

Everyone gets dry skin from time to time. But for people with diabetes, it can be a chronic problem if your blood glucose levels are regularly high. High blood glucose causes the body to lose fluids at a faster rate. Skin can also become dry when nerves are damaged from years of diabetes and don't get the message to sweat.

For people with diabetes, dry skin can become more than an irritation -- it can be dangerous. When skin is dry, it sloughs off easier, and often the outer layer is lost. This outer layer is your skin's first defense against bacteria and acts as a barrier. And because bacteria feed on glucose, people with diabetes whose blood glucose isn't in control have a higher risk of bacterial infection -- the bacteria are literally on a feeding frenzy in the higher glucose levels. That's why even the tiniest cut can become a major infection when your glucose levels are regularly high.

Experts say it's vital to keep a close eye on your skin. If you identify a cut, scratch, or burn early, it's possible to avoid major complications such as an amputation.

"Don't wait! Even if a skin condition appears to be minor, see your doctor," says Fran Cook-Bolden, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University in New York City.

Signs of Skin Problems

Many skin conditions associated with high blood glucose levels cause changes in your skin's color, texture, or pigmentation. Watch for:

• Dull red raised areas.
• Light brown scaly patches, rashes, and depressions or bumps at injection sites if you take insulin.
• Dry skin.
• Skin on your legs that becomes hairless, thin, cool, and shiny (signs of thickening arteries and poor circulation).
• Moist, red itchy areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales (sign of fungal infection).

Controlled Glucose Means Healthy Skin
Fortunately, the steps you take to control blood glucose -- following a healthful meal plan, exercising, and taking your prescribed medications -- also help keep your skin healthy. The better you manage your blood glucose, the lower your chances of having bacteria-related complications with your skin.

 

Taking Care of Your Skin

"People with diabetes tend to have sensitive skin," Cook-Bolden says, "so it's important to avoid any trauma or bruising that could result in a slow-healing wound." Use these tips to keep your skin healthy:

• Treat all cuts and scratches: See a doctor if you suffer a major cut, burn, or infection; if a minor problem persists after more than a week of treatment; or if you're unsure about a skin condition. For minor cuts or scratches:
  - rinse the area with mild soap and warm water.
  - cover with a sterile gauze.
  - use antibiotic cream only if your physician recommends it.
• Practice a 30-in-30 guideline: Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply it as the package directions suggest. Coat dry areas and minor sunburns with moisturizing lotions.
• Don't bathe too long or too hot: Overly long periods in hot water can dry your skin. When you bathe or shower, use warm -- not hot -- water and a mild cleanser.
• Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer everywhere (except between your toes) while your skin is still slightly damp. To help skin stay clean and dry, use talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin, such as the armpits. (Note that minor sweating can act as a natural moisturizer.)
• Beware spa treatments: If you get your nails or feet manicured, tell the manicurist that you have diabetes. Make sure they sanitize all instruments properly. If you can't cut your toenails yourself, get them cut by a podiatrist rather than a manicurist.
• Don't pick at skin sores: Resist the urge to scratch and break the skin, as that enables germs to enter your body.

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How Water Impacts Blood Sugars

Picture a glass of water. Mix in a little sugar and stir until it dissolves. Now place it outside on a hot, sunny day. As the water evaporates, the remaining water gets sweeter and sweeter.

If you have diabetes, this happens to your blood when you're dehydrated. Because your blood is 83% water, when you lose water, the volume of blood decreases and the sugar remains the same. More concentrated blood sugar means higher blood sugars.

The lesson: stay hydrated to avoid unnecessary high blood sugars.

How Much Water Should I Drink?

The average person loses about 10 cups of water per day through sweat and urination. At the same time, you gain fluid from drinking liquids and eating food.

So how much you need to drink is a tricky question. You may have heard the "drink 8 glass of water a day" rule. Where did this rule come from? As Barbara Rolls, a nutrition research at Pennsylvania State University says: "I can't even tell you that, and I've written a book on water!" It turns out that there's no basis for this in the medical literature.

The easiest way to tell is looking at your urine. If it's a little yellow, you're probably hydrated. If it's darker, then you need to drink more fluids.

You can also go with your own intuition. Are you thirsty? Drink! If you're busy or stuck at a desk for long periods, make sure you have a water bottle so you can easily answer when your body calls for water.

Does Coffee or Tea Count?

Yes. Although consuming caffeine can cause your body to shed some water, you still gain more water than you shed. And studies have shown that this effect is practically non-existent for people who drink caffeine regularly.

Can I Drink Too Much Water?

Actually, yes. A few years ago, a woman died in a water drinking contest. For the average person, it's more important to guard against under-hydration than over-hydration.

So take everything in moderation, make sure to get at least 8 glasses of water daily.

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