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Important things you should know about diabetes

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. This condition usually disappears after pregnancy. However, the mother or the child may become a type-2 diabetic in the future.

Diagnosis

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed with multiple medical tests:

  • Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
    This is a blood test that can determine one’s blood sugar level in the last three months. The test is done to measure the blood sugar percentage attached to the hemoglobin. Anything over 6.5%b indicates that one has the disease.
  • Random blood sugar test
    A randomly taken blood sample is tested to determine if the sugar level is higher than normal.
  • Oral glucose tolerance test
    One’s blood is first tested after overnight fasting and then periodically after they consume a sugary drink. This reveals if they are diabetic.

There are separate tests for gestational diabetes, which include an initial glucose challenge test and a follow-up test.

Prevention of diabetes

Millions of people around the world are affected by type 2 diabetes, but that does not make it a totally avoidable disease. One can prevent it by firstly cutting back refined carbs and sugar from their diet. Other than this, one must build a habit of exercising regularly. It has been seen that exercise can reduce blood sugar levels effectively.

One should also make water their primary beverage. It can help to control insulin and blood sugar levels. Obesity is linked to diabetes as well. Losing weight significantly decreases one’s chances of becoming diabetic. If one is a smoker, they are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Hence, it is essential to quit the habit to improve one’s health. Finally, one should also stop eating processed food as much as possible. It can lead to a lot of health-related issues, including high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes can be a result of many different factors. However, one can effectively control it by adapting to a healthier lifestyle.

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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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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated.Diagnosis of goutMultiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests.Joint fluid testThe doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition.Blood testFor gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive.X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis. The test detects the presence of urate crystals in their joints, which indicates if they have gouty arthritis. Stages of goutGouty arthritis has four stages of progression: Stage 1 The uric acid level starts to rise in one’s blood and crystals start to form all around their joints. The uric acid level starts to get high when their kidney cannot filter it out properly. The first sign of gouty arthritis often occurs in one’s feet. Stage 2 This is when gout reaches an acute stage. One will experience unexpected and sudden pain in the affected joints. One’s big toe, ankle, or other joints will start to swell and become red. When they experience the signs for the first time, it is essential to visit a doctor for an initial check-up. Stage 3 After stage 2, one may not experience any suffering from gouty arthritis for a while. However, that does not mean that they are cured. They must continue the treatment during this period. However, the pain and swelling generally come back within a year. Stage 4During this stage, the condition becomes more chronic. It will result in persistent joint pain and one’s joints can get damaged too. However, this stage only occurs if their gouty arthritis is left untreated for a long time. Prevention of goutPreventing gout is possible even if it runs in one’s family. What they need to do is control their diet. The food items that can increase uric acid in one’s blood are meat, bacon, sardines, yeast, and mussels. One must avoid them as much as possible; they must also avoid the consumption of alcohol as it can result in gouty arthritis. It is suggested that one visits their doctor for regular physical check-ups. This way, the early signs of gout can be detected and treated before it can become more serious.

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Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.
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