Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging refers to technologies that doctors use to look inside your body for clues about a medical condition. A variety of machines and techniques can create pictures of the structures and activities inside your body. The technology your doctor uses will depend on your symptoms and the part of your body being examined. "X-rays", "CT scans", nuclear medicine scans, MRI scans and ultrasound are all types of diagnostic imaging.Many imaging tests are painless and easy. Some require you to stay still for a long time inside a machine, though. This can be uncomfortable. Certain tests involve radiation, but these are generally considered safe because the dosage is very low.For some imaging tests, a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube is inserted in your body. This tool is called a scope. The doctor moves it through a body passageway or opening to see inside a particular organ, such as your heart, lungs or colon. These procedures often require anesthesia.

Diabetic Nerve Problems

Also called: Diabetic neuropathy
If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, this can damage the covering on your nerves or the blood vessels that bring oxygen to your nerves. Damaged nerves may stop sending messages, or may send messages slowly or at the wrong times.
This damage is called diabetic neuropathy. About half of people with diabetes get it. Symptoms may include
Numbness in your hands, legs or feet
Shooting pains, burning or tingling
Nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
Problems with sexual function
Urinary problems
Dizziness when you change positions quickly
Controlling your blood sugar can help prevent nerve problems, or keep them from getting worse. Treatment may include pain relief and other medicines.
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Diabetic Kidney Problems

Also called: Diabetic nephropathyIf you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, this can damage your kidneys. Your kidneys are filters that clean your blood. If they are damaged, waste and fluids build up in your blood instead of leaving your body.Kidney damage from diabetes is called diabetic nephropathy. It begins long before you have symptoms. An early sign of it is small amounts of protein in your urine. A urine test can detect it. A blood test can also help determine how well your kidneys are working.If the damage continues, your kidneys could fail. In fact, diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure in the United States. People with kidney failure need either dialysis or a kidney transplant.You can slow down kidney damage or keep it from getting worse. Controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, taking your medicines and not eating too much protein can help.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesStart Here

Diabetic Eye Problems

Do you know what causes the most blindness in U.S. adults? It is an eye problem caused by diabetes, called diabetic retinopathy. Your retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. You need a healthy retina to see clearly.Diabetic retinopathy happens when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside your retina. You may not notice at first. Symptoms can includeBlurry or double visionRings, flashing lights or blank spotsDark or floating spotsPain or pressure in one or both of your eyesTrouble seeing things out of the corners of your eyesIf you have diabetes, you should have a complete eye exam every year. Finding and treating problems early may save your vision. Treatment often includes laser treatment or surgery.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Diabetes Medicines

means your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. If you can't control your diabetes with wise food choices and physical activity, you may need diabetes medicines. The kind of medicine you take depends on your type of diabetes, your schedule, and your other health conditions.With Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much glucose stays in your blood. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin.Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, can start when the body doesn't use insulin as it should. If your body can't keep up with the need for insulin, you may need to take pills. Some people need both insulin and pills. Along with meal planning and physical activity, diabetes pills help people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes keep their blood glucose levels on target. Several kinds of pills are available. Each works in a different way. Many people take two or three kinds of pills. Some people take combination pills. Combination pills contain two kinds of diabetes medicine in one tablet. Some people take pills and insulin.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesStart Here

Diabetes Complications

If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, this can cause problems with other body functions, such as your kidneys, nerves, feet, and eyes. Having diabetes can also put you at a higher risk for heart disease and bone and joint disorders. Other long-term complications of diabetes include skin problems, digestive problems, sexual dysfunction, and problems with your teeth and gums.Very high or very low blood sugar levels can also lead to emergencies in people with diabetes. The cause can be an underlying infection, certain medicines, or even the medicines you take to control your diabetes. If you feel nauseated, sluggish or shaky, seek emergency care.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesStart Here

Diabetes and Pregnancy

is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too high. When you are pregnant, too much glucose is not good for your baby. Out of every 100 pregnant women in the United States, between three and eight get gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that happens for the first time when a woman is pregnant. Gestational diabetes goes away when you have your baby, but it does increase your risk for having diabetes later.If you already have diabetes before you get pregnant, you need to monitor and control your blood sugar levels.Either type of diabetes during pregnancy raises the risk of problems for the baby and the mother. To help reduce these risks, you should follow your meal plan, exercise, test your blood sugar and take your medicine.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesStart Here