Skip to content

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 

What Is Chronic Syndrome Fatigue? [dropcap]C[/dropcap]hronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating illness characterized by persistent or relapsing overwhelming and incapacitating fatigue not relieved by rest, having a definite onset and often accompanied by numerous symptoms… 

Weight Loss, Unexpected/ Inability To Gain Weight

unexpected weight loss celiac disease symptomWhat Is Unexpected Weight Loss?

[dropcap]U[/dropcap]nexpected weight loss is unintentional loss of body mass composition or inability to gain weight marked by decreased serum proteins and increased stool fat.1

What Is Unexpected Weight Loss In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 10th Edition. Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump. 2000. W.B. Saunders Company. [↩]

Diabetic Instability 

Glucose Meter Reading Showing Hypoglycemia. Courtesy Abbott.
Glucose Meter Reading.Courtesy Abbott.

What Is Diabetic Instability?

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]iabetic instability, also called brittle diabetes, is poor control of blood sugar characterized by frequent rise (hyperglycemia) and fall (hypoglycemia). These fluctuations can be life-threatening and cause unnecessary complications.

Q: What are complications in diabetes?

A: Complications of diabetes include any/all of the following:

  • Peripheral neuropathy that causes burning, numbness, or tingling in the extremities.
  • Skin infections and ulcers that do not heal and can lead to amputation of toes, feet or legs.
  • Damage to retina that can progress to blindness.
  • Cataracts and glaucoma that impair vision and can cause blindness.
  • Increased susceptibility to serious infections of the genitourinary tract, lung and upper respiratory tract that can become systemic and life-threatening.
  • Kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure.
  • Heart disease that can lead to heart failure.
  • Vascular disease that can lead to stroke.
  • Impaired motility in digestive tract that can lead to dyspepsia and constipation.
  • Pregnancy complications.
  • Shortened life expectancy.

The main causes of brittleness include malabsorption, certain drugs (alcohol, antipsychotics), defective insulin absorption or degradation, defect of hyperglycemic hormones especially glucocorticoid and glucagon, and above all delayed gastric emptying as a result of autonomic neuropathy.1

What Is Diabetic Instability In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. Vantyghem MC, Press M. Management strategies for brittle diabetes. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2006 Sep;67(4):287-96. [↩]

Increased Appetite

increased appetite gluten celiac symptomWhat Is Increased Appetite?

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]ncreased appetite is the increased desire for food.

Q: What causes appetite.

A: Appetite is caused by hunger.

The brain monitors nutritional needs and employs a hunger mechanism to alert us when fresh food is needed. Hunger is mainly caused by the need for protein. Low blood sugar also triggers hunger.

The tempting sight, smell, taste and expectation of food stimulates involuntary sensory nerves. By reflex action, these sensory nerves cause muscle and sensory activity in various digestive organs. Salivary glands in the mouth begin to secrete saliva as stomach glands and muscles become active.1

What Is Increased Appetite In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. Cleo Libonati. Recognizing Celiac Disease. Gluten Free Works Publishing, Fort Washington, PA 19034 USA [↩]