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Impact of excessive sugar on the ear and signs of hearing loss

Impact of excessive sugar on the ear and signs of hearing loss

Diabetes occurs when sugar accumulates in the bloodstream and doesn’t produce sufficient insulin. It affects around 30 million people in the country and can lead to short- and long-term complications. It’s important to learn how to manage diabetes to prevent nerve damage in various body parts, such as the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. This article will examine how high blood sugar levels can affect the ears and the signs of hearing loss resulting from it.

Impact of high blood sugar levels on the ear
Elevated blood sugar can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for hearing. This can reduce oxygen supply to the inner ear, ultimately leading to hearing loss. High blood glucose levels also impact the balance of potassium and sodium levels in the fluids in the inner ear, which can reduce cell functioning and cause tinnitus (ringing or buzzing noise in the ears that has no external source).

When diabetes affects the vestibular system in the inner ear, it may also cause balance problems and increase the risk of dizziness or falls. Diabetes can also make the earwax less acidic, making one prone to more ear canal and outer ear infections.

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to have mild-to-moderate high-frequency hearing loss compared to those without diabetes. People with prediabetes also have a 30% higher risk of developing hearing loss. Some research also suggests that women with diabetes are at a higher risk of hearing loss than others. People with diabetes and high blood pressure have the lowest recovery rates from some forms of hearing loss. Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing severe damage.

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss
Some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate hearing loss are:

Trouble following conversations with more than one person
Asking others to repeat themselves
Thinking that others are mumbling
Problems following conversations in loud places like restaurants and cafes
Difficulty hearing children or people with softer voices
Turning up the volume on the TV or phone too loud
Balance and coordination issues

Exposure to loud noises like explosions, long-term exposure to music, aging, family history of hearing loss, virus, fever, ear swabs or foreign objects in the ear, structural problems in the ear, perforated eardrums, and chemotherapy can increase the risk of hearing loss for some people.

How does one protect their hearing?
While hearing loss may not be reversible, there are several ways to protect one’s hearing. Some of these include:

Get an annual hearing evaluation.
Get a moderate amount of exercise daily, as it helps improve circulation and blood flow.
Turn down the volume on personal devices such as the car radio, mobile phone, and television.
Use headphones or disposable earplugs when engaging in loud activities, such as concerts or fireworks displays.
Keep blood sugar levels as close to the target as possible.

If left untreated, hearing loss can increase the likelihood of experiencing depression, social isolation, and loneliness. Additionally, research has shown a connection between untreated hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia. Depending on the status of one’s auditory nerves in the ear, audiologists may recommend getting hearing aids or cochlear implants to improve hearing.

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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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4 cancer symptoms that can worsen due to excessive sugar

Our food habits influence our overall health and well-being. While an excess of anything is harmful, sugar is among the worst ingredients to overeat. Consistently devouring sweets in large amounts can lead to high blood glucose, which can, in turn, lead to other health complications. For instance, it can affect the body's cells and tissues, increasing the risk of cancer in vulnerable groups. Here are some early warning signs of cancer due to excessive sugar. Fatigue Cancer reduces the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body, causing anemia. Anemia is a condition in which vital organs like the brain and lungs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function efficiently. As the organs find it hard to work, patients experience perpetual fatigue. They feel tired even after doing basic tasks, such as walking a few steps or climbing a flight of stairs. When people enjoy too many sugary treats at once, their blood sugar spikes significantly. When that happens, they immediately experience a boost in energy levels and feel euphoric. However, this effect does not last long. As their blood glucose levels normalize, they feel tired and sleepy. This is how high blood sugar can worsen fatigue in people with cancer. Hence, patients should resist their sweet cravings as far as possible to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Headaches Cancer is known to trigger other health conditions, some of which can cause ear-splitting headaches. For example, patients may develop anemia and dehydration (caused by frequent diarrhea and vomiting). These conditions tend to cause pressure and inflammation in different body parts. When the brain is affected by inflammation, one may experience headaches. Both high and low blood sugar can worsen headaches in individuals with cancer and migraine. This happens because unsteady blood glucose levels affect the brain's functionality. Therefore, if one already has cancer or migraine, consuming sugar in moderation or eliminating it from meals is advisable. Vision problems Cancer is inextricably linked with vision problems. The condition tends to disrupt circulation to various body parts, due to which the eyes and brain do not receive the blood and nutrients they need to function correctly. High blood sugar can worsen cancer-induced vision problems by causing diabetic retinopathy and permanent vision impairment. These conditions occur when the eye's blood vessels become swollen and damaged due to excess glucose. These damaged blood vessels slow down the blood flow to the eyes and brain, causing blurry vision too. Bowel issues Cancer affects the digestive system, causing symptoms like stomach pain, gas, and loose bowels. If a person with cancer eats too many sweets, they may experience these symptoms worsening. This is because sugar takes time to digest. When one overeats sugary foods, it puts pressure on the digestive system, resulting in gas and bowel issues. People who enjoy sugar-heavy meals regularly and have cancer will likely have a bad tummy and diarrhea more often. Avoiding sweet foods and eating nutritious meals can ease digestive discomforts.

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