Diabetes Medical Reference
- Natural Ways to Prevent Mealtime Sugar Spikes
If you have diabetes, you may find it harder to manage your blood sugar (glucose) around mealtime. Learn how.
- Somogyi Effect and Dawn Phenomenon
Both the Somogyi effect and the dawn phenomenon can make blood sugar levels too high when you wake up. But there are key differences between them. Here’s how to know what’s going on.
- What Is Charcot Foot?
If you have nerve damage from diabetes or another condition, know the signs of Charcot foot so you can spot it and get it treated immediately.
- Autonomic Neuropathy
Automatic neuropathy is a collection of symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and constipation that’s caused by nerve damage. Find out which diseases lead to these symptoms and how to treat them.
- Diagnosing Diabetic Macular Edema
Regular visits to the eye doctor are the best way to catch DME. Here are the tests a doctor will use to spot it.
- Eye Problems Related to DME
Find out what other eye problems you're likely to have along with diabetic macular edema and what you can do to save your sight.
- A Closer Look at Diabetic Macular Edema
DME is an eye problem that people with diabetes get. Learn what causes it and what it can do to your sight.
- Treatments for DME
There's no cure for diabetic macular edema, but medications and procedures may reverse or slow the damage from this serious eye problem.
- What Is Diabulimia?
Diabulimia is an eating disorder you can get when you have type 1 diabetes. Learn the signs, risks, and treatment for this condition.
- Types of Heart Disease Linked to Type 2 Diabetes
Find out what kinds of heart disease you may get if you have type 2 diabetes and what the symptoms are.
- Type 2 Diabetes and Silent Heart Attacks
With type 2 diabetes, you're more likely to have a heart attack and not even know it. Learn how a silent heart attack happens, what the warning signs are, and how to find out if you had one.
- How Type 2 Diabetes Leads to Heart Disease
Find out how high blood sugar levels and other complications of diabetes can raise your chances of getting heart disease.
- Diabetes Life Coach
Find out how a diabetes life coach can work with you to make changes to your lifestyle that help manage your condition
- Puberty and Type 1 Diabetes
For kids with type 1 diabetes, puberty has an extra impact: It changes how they manage the condition.
- What Is Polydipsia?
Sometimes, no matter how much water you drink, it doesn't seem like enough. Find out what causes this condition, why it's a problem, and what you can do about it.
- Polyuria (Excessive Urine Production)
Polyuria is when your body makes too much urine, which makes you pee a lot. Learn more about what causes polyuria and what to do about it.
- Insulinoma
An insulinoma is a rare tumor of the pancreas made of beta islet cells. They continuously make insulin, which causes hypoglycemia -- or low blood sugar. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of insulinomas at WebMD.
- Insulin-Resistance Diet for Diabetes
If you want to lower your chances for diabetes -- or to manage your condition -- you may want to try an insulin-resistance diet. Learn what to eat and how it can help.
- Genetics and Type 1 Diabetes
Your genes play a role in you getting type 1 diabetes, but they don’t tell you everything. Find out what affects your risk and how likely your kids are to get it.
- Do I Need a Diabetes Life Coach?
Find out how a diabetes life coach can work with you to make changes to your lifestyle that help manage your condition.
- Can a Home Health Aide Help You Manage Diabetes?
Find out how a health aide who comes to your home can help you manage your type 2 diabetes by assisting with medication, exercise, and nutrition.
- Do I Need to Change My Type 2 Diabetes Medication?
Like any drug, diabetes medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications you take. Could it be time to change your treatment plan?
- Do I Need a Nutritionist or Dietitian?
If you have diabetes, what you eat -- and when you eat it -- matters. Should you get help making up your diet?
- How Does Nicotine Affect Blood Sugar?
Nicotine alters the way your body can use glucose, the sugar in your blood that fuels your cells. Find out what problems it can cause, and what you can do about it.
- Type 2 Diabetes and the Gym: What You Need to Know
If you have type 2 diabetes, staying active is important.
- Should I Apply for Disability?
Depending on the effects of your type 2 diabetes, you may be able to get disability benefits. But how does it work?
- How Race Can Matter in Type 2 Diabetes
Some racial and ethnic groups have much higher rates of type 2 diabetes than others, and it goes beyond weight and exercise. Learn why.
- What to Know About Insulin Sensitivity Factor
Find out what you need to know about the insulin sensitivity factor. Discover its role in insulin dosage and how to calculate it.
- What Is Ketonuria?
Ketonuria is when you have a lot of ketones in your urine. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and more.
- What Is Lipohypertrophy?
Lipohypertrophy is when lumps of fat or scar tissue develop under the skin because of repeat injections or infusions. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition today.
- What Is Dysglycemia?
Learn about dysglycemia, how swings in blood sugar can affect your health, and how to cope with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
- Resistance Band Exercises for Diabetes
If you have diabetes, working out with resistance bands can have big health benefits. Find out how to do resistance band exercises and make them part of your routine.
- What Is a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in disorders of the feet and ankles. Learn more about the conditions they treat and why you might want to see a podiatrist.
- Fasting and Non-Fasting Bloodwork for Diabetes
Diabetes affects your ability to process sugar. Find out more about the kinds of blood tests doctors recommend to see if you have it or how you're doing with it.
- The Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body
The endocrine system consists of glands that make hormones. Your body uses hormones to control growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and other functions.
- Helping a Loved One With Diabetes
If someone you love has diabetes, find out how you can support them and help them manage the condition.
- Type 1 Diabetes: What Adults Need to Know
It used to be called juvenile diabetes, but adults have type 1, too. Find out how you can manage your condition as a grown-up.
- Breastfeeding With Diabetes: What to Know
Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby, even if you have diabetes. Learn how to do it safely.
- What Diabetes Supplies and Devices Do I Need?
Learn about the supplies you need to manage diabetes, including devices like blood sugar meters, diabetic tests strips, and insulin pumps.
- What Is Fournier’s Gangrene?
Gangrene can be a troublesome disease, but Fournier’s gangrene is particularly worrisome. This type of gangrene attacks your genitals, so it is essential to see a doctor if you think you may have this disease.
- Diabetes and Caffeine
That cup of coffee, tea, or soda can affect blood sugar control. Here’s what people who have diabetes need to know.
- Constipation and Diarrhea From Diabetes
High blood sugar can wreak havoc in your digestive system, causing constipation. And your medications, certain foods, and other factors may cause diarrhea.
- Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors for Diabetes
How do drugs like Precose and Glyset work? What kinds of side effects can you expect? When will your doctor prescribe them, and who shouldn't take them?
- Is It OK to Take Insulin for Gestational Diabetes?
When you have gestational diabetes, you may need to take insulin to lower your blood sugar. It's safe to use and won't harm your baby.
- How Sleep Affects Your Blood Sugar
The right amount of rest is key for controlling blood sugar. Too little sleep raises your chance of having diabetes.
- What Medicines Can Make Your Blood Sugar Spike?
Food and exercise aren’t the only things that can raise your blood sugar. Learn about the effect of non-diabetes medicines.
- Does My Child Have Blood Sugar Problems?
There may be clues to let you know if your child's blood sugar is out of whack. Here's what to look out for.
- What Is an Endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists specialize in glands, hormones, and metabolism. Find out more about what these doctors do, like helping people with diabetes or menopause.
- How Diabetes Can Lead to Tendon Damage
Find out how high levels of blood sugar can raise the odds of getting a tendon tear, and what you can do to prevent this.
- Do You Know Your A1c Target?
Whether you have diabetes or your doctor thinks you might be at risk, you've likely heard of an A1c test. The common blood test gives information about your blood sugar in order to test for and manage diabetes