Glucagon?: Missing Out On A Vital Part Of Your Diabetes Know-how?
Jula Hanf
A silent and deceptive modern-day killer, diabetes is also one of the most widespread chronic diseases, which claims millions of victims every year. However, the most dangerous facet of diabetes, which is responsible for a majority of diabetes-related deaths, is the skewed awareness that has spread amongst much of the global populace, which often results in them regarding and even treating this disease with a stilted perspective. And hence, educating yourself about the basics of diabetes and what you can do to protect yourself from its onslaught, may often be the fine dividing line between deeming yourself a victim, and proclaiming yourself a victor over this disease.
An alarming percentage of individuals, diabetics included, believe that it is exceedingly high levels of blood glucose that they need to watch out for. While high blood sugar is definitely something to avoid at all costs, the other end of the spectrum can be just as harmful. Lower than recommended blood sugar levels, which bring about a condition termed as hypoglycemia, can result in a variety of complications like fatigue, nausea and even diabetes-induced coma. And hence, it is moderating your blood glucose to have it stay within the confines of the recommended range which is the cornerstone of diabetes therapies and how effective they are in the long run.
Your pancreas contains beta cells which produce insulin, a hormone responsible for alerting the cells of your body about the presence of glucose in your blood, so that they can convert it into energy to nourish themselves. It is this action of insulin which lowers blood glucose levels, protecting your body from the host of complications which glucose-rich blood can bring about. The liver plays another significant role in the process of glucose utilization by storing energy in the form of glycogen.
However, when the balance of the amount of glucose in your blood, and the insulin secreted by the pancreas tilts in the favor of insulin, causing the blood to be deprived of glucose, the alpha cells in the pancreas release yet another hormone termed as glucagon. This enzyme instigates your liver to convert some of the glycogen stored in it, to glucose, which is then released into the blood, thus bringing the glucose levels back within the targeted range. Victims of Type 1 diabetes, in whom the production of insulin is either absent or in very low proportions, are also known to suffer from a deficit of glucagon, which makes them even more vulnerable to unforeseen fluctuations in their blood glucose levels.
Unlike insulin, your body does not require a constant supply of glucagon as a part of your diabetes management program. Glucagon is administered only when the glucose levels in your body dip unexpectedly, to restore the balance in as short a time span of 5 minutes. Glucagon Emergency kits are available in most pharmacies and contain a syringe filled with an inert solution and crystallized glucose. This solution is injected into the vial of glucose crystals to allow them to dissolve, after which the amalgamation is drawn back into the syringe.
The glucose solution can be injected just under the skin or directly into muscle tissue. Always remember to have the person administering glycogen turn you over to your side in case of vomiting, to keep you from choking on your vomit. Also, the amount of glycogen to be administered varies from person to person, as well as on the severity of the hypoglycemia and hence, you may even require two or more doses before your blood glucose stabilizes.
Glucagon, though an invaluable resource in determining the effectiveness of your diabetes management program, cannot be used as a replacement for healthy and planned eating habits, or a regular exercise regime. Neither is the stabilizing effect produced by glucagon, as capable as necessary, unless you follow it up with a snack or a meal which is rich in carbohydrates. You would also need to keep a close eye on your glucose levels for a while after the bout of hypoglycemia to keep them from dipping down again. The viability of your diabetes management all depends on how well you educate yourself about this disease, so that you have the upper hand in terms of determining the leader and the follower of the game. Take charge of your diabetes today, and your responsible stance could be your ticket to a long, happy and healthy life!
Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.
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