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Common signs of poor eye health due to high blood sugar

Common signs of poor eye health due to high blood sugar

High blood sugar can affect eyesight in several ways. For instance, it can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and trigger swelling in the eye tissues, which can change the shape of the lenses. Therefore, those with diabetes must take measures to manage their blood glucose levels. When high blood sugar affects the eyes, it leads to many noticeable symptoms. Here are five such signs of poor eye health due to high sugar.

Blurry vision
When blood sugar levels exceed a specific limit, the eye lenses swell. This distorts vision, and things appear blurry. As a result, one may find it challenging to perform tasks like driving and reading efficiently.

Glares
Eye lenses can become cloudy due to high sugar levels in the blood. Since these lenses are similar to those in cameras, the cloudiness makes it challenging to focus on things. As a result, a person experiences glares.

Floaters
Floaters are white or translucent spots in the field of vision. These spots are usually triggered by exposure to bright lights, such as early afternoon sunlight. For those with high blood sugar, floaters can be a persistent problem that blocks their sight. It happens due to the damage caused to the retina’s blood vessels by high glucose.

Faded colors
The retina is the most affected by high sugar. Since its function is to recognize colors, any damage can significantly impact one’s vision. When blood sugar levels exceed a specific limit, colors may appear faded or washed out.

Poor night vision
A type of photoreceptor cell in the retina called rods helps people see in low light. The damage to the blood vessels and nerves of the retina due to high blood sugar affects these cells, leading to night vision problems.

People with diabetes should look out for these signs of poor eye health due to high sugar. If someone experiences these symptoms, they should visit a healthcare provider to understand whether they are linked to raised blood glucose levels.

Eye problems associated with high blood sugar
If unmonitored, high blood glucose can lead to several eye conditions that trigger similar symptoms to those discussed above. Common examples of such disorders include:

Diabetic retinopathy
High blood sugar can damage the retina’s blood vessels, causing them to swell and leak. As a result, the blood flow may stop, leading to blurry vision.

Macular edema
The macula, the central portion of the retina, may swell because of leaky blood vessels caused by high blood sugar. This can make vision distorted or blurry.

Glaucoma
When high blood glucose damages the retina’s blood vessels, it may lead to the growth of new but abnormal blood vessels on the iris. This increases pressure on the eyes, causing neovascular glaucoma.

Cataracts
Cataracts are characterized by a cloudy buildup in the eye lenses. High blood sugar often increases the rate of cataract formation.

People with diabetes must undergo routine eye exams so that these conditions can be diagnosed as early as possible and treatment can begin to prevent further vision damage.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Avoid these 7 common mistakes during menstruation

For many women, menstruation is a monthly occurrence that brings about physical discomfort and hormonal fluctuations. It is crucial to understand how to navigate this natural process with care and attentiveness. Unfortunately, several common mistakes can inadvertently exacerbate discomfort and disrupt daily routines during the menstrual cycle. Here are some of the most prevalent mistakes to avoid during one’s period. Knowing and avoiding these can empower one to have a more comfortable monthly experience. Not getting enough iron Iron deficiency is common during menstruation due to blood loss. Neglecting to replenish iron levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, and anemia. It is important to include iron-rich foods in one’s daily intake, such as leafy greens, lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals. If necessary, one can consult one’s healthcare provider about oral treatments to ensure one maintains adequate iron levels during periods. Not getting enough rest Menstrual cycles can often be accompanied by fatigue and discomfort. Ignoring the need for rest and overexerting oneself can worsen these symptoms. It’s important to listen to the needs of one’s body and give oneself permission to rest more than usual and when needed. One should ensure that one gets enough sleep during the cycle and consider taking short breaks throughout the day to conserve energy and manage any physical or emotional discomfort. Using scented products Scented tampons, pads, or other feminine hygiene products contain chemicals and fragrances that may harm sensitive skin around the vaginal area. Over time, they can often lead to irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions. One is advised to opt for biodegradable and natural products whenever possible to minimize the risk to one’s health. Relying on painkillers While painkillers can provide temporary relief from menstrual cramps, relying solely on them without exploring other natural remedies can be a mistake. Consider incorporating alternative approaches like hot water bottles, herbal teas, gentle exercise, and relaxation techniques into one’s pain management routine. If the pain persists or becomes severe, consult a healthcare professional for better and more holistic alternatives specific to one’s bodily needs. Douching Douching, the practice of rinsing the vagina with water or other solutions, is unnecessary and can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. It can lead to vaginal infections, irritation, and inflammation. The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism, and using harsh cleansers or douches can interfere with its natural pH balance and protective mechanisms. One should stick to gentle external cleaning with mild soap and water to maintain hygiene. Not washing hands before tampon or pad usage Not washing one’s hands before inserting tampons or using pads can introduce bacteria to one’s vaginal area and increase the risk of infection. It’s important to wash hands before and after handling sanitary products to minimize the risk of contamination. Not changing enough Changing sanitary products regularly is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene. Prolonged use of the same pad or tampon can lead to an unpleasant odor, discomfort, and an increased risk of infection. Apart from these, one also needs to drink enough water and care for one’s emotional well-being, which may get disrupted due to hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, it’s essential to pay attention to any changes or abnormalities in one’s menstruation, including heavy flow or irregularity. By practicing proper hygiene, engaging in self-care, and making informed choices, one can have a healthier and more comfortable menstrual experience.

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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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