I am a diabetic and my doctor says I should not use an electrical blanket. Why?

Well, this is not an absolute contraindication. 


Diabetics can use an electric blanket but it should be with care and the temperature should not be very high. The reason for this is that diabetics do lose their ability to sense pain. If there is excessive heat the diabetic may not be able to sense the pain and this can lead to a burn. 


Since diabetics have diminished blood supply to their legs, this small burn can quickly get out of control and easily lead to a full blown infection or an amputation. Diabetics should use caution with all electrical appliances.

Do I really need to buy diabetic shoes?

Feet are the most neglected part of our body both when it comes to health and cosmesis.


Diabetic individuals are always at a risk for developing life threatening infections even after minor trauma. Besides having poor circulation in the feet, diabetics also have loss of nerves and are unable to sense trauma. These individuals should wear corrective shoes to protect their feet. Corrective shoes are available that can stabilize and support all types of foot deformities. In addition the shoes are designed such that they reduce shock and pressure on the joints.


Today, diabetic individuals with foot problems can buy supportive shoe wear in all styles and designs. Besides elegance, one should buy shoes that are comfortable and protective.


Unfortunately the shoe industry has gotten together with certain health care professionals and is making a killing from selling expensive footwear to all diabetics. Some of the shoes cost more than $700. The statement that all diabetics need specially fitted shoes is a bunch of crap- this is only to make the health professionals get much richer at your expense.


So if you do not have money, buy a pair of slightly large sturdy shoes and pack it with cotton. Always maintain good hygiene, do not wear sandals and never let a podiatrist touch your feet without first getting an approval from your doctor. 

How often should I measure my blood sugars?

The testing for blood sugar levels is more rigorous just after the diagnosis of diabetes. Once the diagnosis of diabetes has been established, the measurement of blood sugars does depend on the type of diabetes and treatment.


Individuals who have type 1 diabetes need to measure blood sugar levels anywhere from 3-6 times a day, at least before and after each meal.
Individuals with diabetes who exercise also need to monitor their sugars before and after exercise and just before going to sleep.


Individuals with type 1 diabetes who are ill or have a change in their routine (like traveling), stress or have been diagnosed with other medical disorder may need more frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels.


Individuals with Type 2 diabetes generally require less frequent glucose monitoring. Most of these individuals need to monitor blood glucose 1-2 time’s day if they are on any type of diabetic medications. Individual who are managing their type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise alone need to monitor their sugars less often. 

My father has diabetes, is there a chance I will get diabetes?

Diabetes does have a genetic link. If one or more members of your family have diabetes, then your chances of developing diabetes are high. 

Studies indicate that diabetes tends to occur in 30% of people who already have family members with diabetes. 

In the meantime, you should continue to get your blood sugars tested regularly, change your diet and watch your weight. The lower the weight, the less likely you will develop diabetes.

I am a 21 year old male, weigh 205 pounds and am always thirty and need to go the bathroom often. Do you think I have diabetes?

From what you have described, you may have diabetes. Being overweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. 

Moreover. feeling thirty and increased urination also go with diabetes. The first thing you should do is see your doctor and get a blood test. 

You can check your urine for sugar but this really is meaningless until your diabetes has been confirmed. In the meantime, start cutting down on your weight, eat less sugary foods and change your diet.

What are the common symptoms of diabetes?

In general, excessive thirst and increased urination are the two most common symptoms of diabetes. 

Many people need to get up several times in the night to urinate. Often one may develop blurred vision and excessive fatigue. The only way to confirm your diagnosis is to have your blood sugars tested by a doctor. 

Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you will need to monitor your blood sugars often

Are there any other methods to monitor blood sugar besides finger pricking?

Blood glucose measurements using finger pricks has always been the Gold standard. This method has been thoroughly analyzed and found to be reproducible, reliable and generates consistent results. Now this method is starting to face stiff competition.

The discomfort and inconvenience of finger pricking is one reason people with diabetes do not check their blood sugar as often as they should. Finger pricking is uncomfortable and is painful. To counter the finger pricking, researchers have been trying to develop novel ways to measure blood glucose. The following are alternatives available today: 

Blood can also be obtained from the upper arm, thigh or abdomen. These alternative sites of obtaining blood are much less painful than the finger prick. The only problem with getting blood from these alternative sites is that level of blood sugar obtained is not always accurate, especially in cases where the sugar levels may be quickly increasing or decreasing.

Infra red light monitors have been developed which use a beam of light to penetrate the skin and measure levels of sugar in the blood. However, these devices are not accurate and the levels of blood sugar can vary depending on the blood pressure, temperature of the skin or the presence of a skin ailment (lupus, ulcer, Reynaud’s, collagen vascular disease). When using the infrared devices, it is important to periodically compare the blood sugar with a finger prick to ensure that levels between the two methods are within a close range