Not necessarily. It is possible to have dangerously elevated blood glucose without ketones, especially in people with Type 2 diabetes who are dehydrated. This is called hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and its symptoms include excessive thirst, hallucinations, sensory loss, rapid eye movement, paralysis on one side of the body, and seizure. It may be mistaken for a stroke.
Learn more about hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state here.
November 13, 2018: Under what circumstances should I check my blood or urine for ketones?
Check for ketones if your blood glucose level is over 250 mg/dl twice in a row, or even only once if you intend to exercise soon.
Learn more about ketones here.
November 12, 2018: What is diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency characterized by an extremely high blood glucose level and a toxic level of ketones in the blood. It can cause such symptoms as extreme thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, fever, paleness, elevated heart rate, nausea or abdominal pain, fruity or acidic-smelling breath, shortness of breath, and lethargy.
Learn more about diabetic ketoacidosis
A lack of sexual desire may result from depression or from a common class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). High blood glucose can also cause sluggishness that results in reduced sexual desire. Additionally, men with diabetes as young as 45 are twice as likely to have a low testosterone level as men without diabetes, often leading to reduced sexual desire. Testosterone deficiency can be treated, as can depression and high blood glucose. Learn more about sexual health here. Drugs called ACE inhibitors and ARBs can reduce blood pressure and help prevent kidney damage; ask your doctor about drug options if you believe you may be at high risk for kidney disease. Learn more about caring for your kidneys here. Depression after a heart attack can impair recovery. Seeking support from a mental-health professional can help both your emotional and physical well-being. Learn more about heart health here. If you experience constipation because of gastroparesis, a form of neuropathy that causes delayed stomach emptying, avoid high-fat and high-fiber foods, and ask your health-care provider for individualized nutrition recommendations. Learn more about gastroparesis here. Not necessarily. Chemical laxatives can be harmful because the colon begins to rely on the chemical stimulation to pass a bowel movement, losing the ability to do so as well when the chemicals are not present. Fiber supplements used as laxatives do not cause this problem. Learn more about fiber here. To increase your fiber intake, try starting the day with a high-fiber cereal and eating fruit for snacks. Limit the amount of foods you eat with almost no fiber, such as cheese, meat, ice cream, and many processed foods. If you are not used to eating high-fiber foods, add them gradually to your diet to prevent gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Learn more about fiber here. Soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, slows stomach emptying, delays the entry of glucose into the bloodstream, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber stimulates the muscular contractions that keep the digestive process moving. Both soluble and insoluble fiber can soften and add bulk to the stool, easing or preventing constipation. Learn more about fiber here.November 11, 2018: I’ve noticed a reduction in my sexual desire lately. What might be the cause?
November 10, 2018: Are there any medicines that can protect my kidneys from damage?
November 9, 2018: I’ve become depressed after having a heart attack. What can I do?
November 8, 2018: My gastroparesis is causing constipation. What can I do?
November 7, 2018: I don’t get a lot of fiber in my diet. Are chemical laxatives a good alternative for staying regular?
November 6, 2018: How can I increase my intake of dietary fiber?
November 5, 2018: What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber?
