How to Restore Glycogen - Part2 Understanding Glycogen Stores in Diabetes

1 Consider the function of insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are hormones made by the pancreas.

·         Insulin works to move glucose into the cells of the body for energy, remove excess glucose from the blood stream, and convert the excess glucose to glycogen.

·         Glycogen is stored in muscle and liver tissue for later use, when more glucose is needed in the blood.

2 Know what glucagon does. When the blood level of glucose drops, the body signals the pancreas to release glucagon.

·         Glucagon changes the stored glycogen back into usable glucose.

·         The glucose pulled from the glycogen stores is needed to provide the energy we need to function each day.

3 Be familiar with changes caused by diabetes. In people that have diabetes, the pancreas does not function normally, therefore hormones like insulin and glucagon are not adequately produced or released in the body.

·         Inadequate levels of insulin and glucagon means that the glucose in the blood is not properly pulled into the cells of tissues to be used as energy, the excess glucose in the blood is not adequately removed to be stored as glycogen, and what is stored as glycogen cannot be pulled back into the blood when it is needed for energy.

·         The ability to utilize glucose in the blood, store it as glycogen, and then access it again, is impaired. Therefore, diabetics are at greater risk of developing hypoglycemia.

4 Recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia. While anyone can experience hypoglycemia, patients that suffer with diabetes are more susceptible to episodes of abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood, otherwise known as hypoglycemia.

·         Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include the following:

·         Feeling hungry

·         Feeling shaky or nervous

·         Feeling dizzy or light-headed

·         Sweating

·         Sleepiness

·         Confusion and difficulty speaking

·         Feelings of anxiety

·         Feeling weak

5 Know the risks. A severe and untreated hypoglycemic episode can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

6 Use insulin or other medications for diabetes. Since the pancreas does not function normally, oral and injectable medications can help.

·         Medications work to provide the balance needed to help the body properly perform both glycogenesis and glycolysis.

·         While the available medications are saving lives every day, they are not perfect. Patients with diabetes are at risk of developing hypoglycemic events, even by simple changes in their daily routine.

·         In some cases, the hypoglycemic events can be severe and even life-threatening.

7 Stick to your eating and exercise regimens. Even the smallest change can cause unwanted results. Talk to your doctor before making any changes in your food choices and exercise routine.

·         If you are diabetic, altering the foods you eat, the amount of foods and beverages you consume, and changes in your level of activity, can result in complications. For example, exercising, which is an important part of diabetic health, can create problems.

·         During exercise, more energy, or glucose, is needed, so your body will try to pull from your glycogen stores. Impaired glucagon functioning causes less than adequate amounts of glycogen to be pulled from the stores in muscle and liver tissue.

·         This can mean a delayed, and possibly severe, episode of hypoglycemia. Even several hours after exercise, the body will continue to work to restore the glycogen used during exercise. The body will pull the glucose from the blood supply, triggering a hypoglycemic event.

8 Treat an episode of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia comes on fairly quickly in someone that is diabetic. Any signs of dizziness, fatigue, confusion, difficulty comprehending a statement, and having trouble responding, are warning signs.

·         The initial steps to treating a mild hypoglycemic episode involve consuming glucose or simple carbohydrates.

·         Help the diabetic person to consume 15 to 20 grams of glucose, as gel or tablets, or as simple carbohydrates. Some food items that can be used include raisins, orange juice, sodas with sugar, honey, and jellybeans.

·         As the blood sugar returns to normal, and enough glucose is getting to the brain, the person will become more alert. Continue to provide foods and beverages until the person recovers.

9 Prepare a kit. People with diabetes may want to have a small kit prepared that contains glucose gel or tablets, possibly injectable glucagon, plus simple directions for someone else to follow.

·         The diabetic person may quickly become disoriented, confused, and unable to treat themselves.

·         Have glucagon available. If you are diabetic, talk to your doctor about having injectable glucagon available to help manage any severe episodes of hypoglycemia.

·         The glucagon injection works like natural glucagon, and helps to restore the balance of glucose in your blood.

10 Consider educating friends and family. A diabetic person having a severe hypoglycemic episode will not be able to administer the injection.

·         Friends and family members, educated about hypoglycemia, will know how and when to proceed with an injection of glucagon.

·         Invite your family or friends to an appointment with your doctor. The risk of not treating a severe episode of hypoglycemia goes beyond any risk associated with the injection.

·         Your doctor can help to reassure your caregivers of the importance of treating a hypoglycemic episode.

Your doctor is your best resource and guide. He or she can help you decide if your condition warrants having a glucagon injection available to treat potentially serious hypoglycemic events. Glucagon injections require a prescription.