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Warning signs of poor eye health due to high sugar levels

Warning signs of poor eye health due to high sugar levels

This may not be widely known, but diabetes can also affect eye health when the blood sugar levels are very high in the body. The condition typically has many signs and symptoms that point toward deteriorating eye health; for example, high sugar levels can change the fluid levels in the eyes, cause swelling, or even damage tiny blood vessels. So, let’s look at some of the signs of poor eye health due to high sugar.

Blurry vision
If you are suddenly experiencing blurry vision, this may be likely due to the high sugar level in the blood. Blurry vision is usually a temporary problem and can be resolved by getting the glucose back to normal. The normal blood sugar should be between 70-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL post meals. Once these numbers are under control, you can notice your blurry vision improving. It is said that it usually takes around 3 months of constant care and observation to fix the problem, so be consistent in your efforts, and you will see the results. Of course, always speak to your doctor to rule out any other causes for the blurry vision and ensure you are taking the right treatment.

Cataract
The eye has a natural internal lens that helps it focus and register the images it sees. If this lens starts to get foggy or cloudy, it usually means that a layer is formed to clog the vision. This blurry layer is called the cataract. While cataracts can develop at any age and to anyone, those with diabetes are at higher risk of developing this complication. Because the internal lens is blurry, it becomes difficult to see properly, and one can also experience a glare. The way to treat cataracts is to get surgery wherein this clouded lens is replaced by a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens. It becomes a permanent part of the eye. While this is not a complicated procedure, there are some people who cannot get this done due to other eye issues. Speaking to the doctor and getting clarity on the operations risks and side effects is necessary.

Glaucoma
This is referred to a group of eye illnesses that happen due to the damage caused to the optic nerve. Due to high sugar levels, the fluids in the eye cannot drain as they should; this creates swelling and pressure in the eye. Often this pressure leads to damage to nerves and blood vessels in the eye that causes blurry vision.

It is difficult to catch this symptom at an early stage unless you get regular eye checkups done; otherwise, it is usually detected once blurry vision is experienced. However, some treatment methods help in managing this condition. The doctors can help lower the pressure in the eye by helping speed up the fluid drainage causing the swelling. Some other symptoms experienced in other forms of glaucoma include frequent headaches, eye aches or pain, watery eyes, vision loss, or experiencing halos around lights. Another form of glaucoma to know of is neovascular glaucoma, common in those with diabetes. In this type of glaucoma, new blood vessels are formed on the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and it can raise eye pressure. For early intervention, it is advised that you get an eye checkup done annually to be sure there are no complications.

Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy causes damage to the small blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar. The chances of developing this disease increase the longer you have diabetes; however, if you keep your blood sugar levels in check consistently, then it is possible to lower the chance of this illness. If neglected, diabetic retinopathy can even lead to vision loss.

There are three other types of retinopathy that you should be careful of, and this includes the following:

Background retinopathy
This condition occurs when the blood vessels are damaged, but there is no complete vision loss. However, it can get worse if the blood sugar remains ill-managed.

Maculopathy
Macula is the region behind the retina that helps in activities like reading, driving, and similar activities which require clear vision. When the swelling affects this region, it is called maculopathy and can be treated depending on how mild or severe the condition is.

Proliferative retinopathy
This condition occurs when the cells at the back of the eyes do not get enough oxygen, and there is new blood vessel growth in the area. This can cause clots, bleeding, and even scars, leading to vision loss.

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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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Effects of excessive sugar consumption on the teeth and its signs

Most people consume sugar on a daily basis. However, one may not know the dental problems associated with excessive sugar. These often include common issues such as cavities/tooth decay, tooth enamel erosion, gingivitis, and other diseases that can hamper oral health. If you are partial to fizzy drinks and sweets, you may want to learn about dental problems caused by excessive sugar and the signs to keep an eye out for. What are the common dental problems caused by excessive sugar? Tooth enamel erosion The shiny enamel layer on the teeth protects the body part against the effects of crunching, grinding, chewing, and biting. But it is susceptible to damage. So, when one drinks sodas and other sugary foods and beverages constantly, it can cause the bad bacteria in the mouth to eat away at the enamel, leading to its erosion. This can be further aggravated by the failure to clean the teeth regularly. Cavities/ Tooth decay Due to excessive consumption of sugar, one can have damaged areas in their teeth. These are commonly known as cavities and can develop into small holes or openings on the surface of the teeth. The main cause behind the formation of cavities is the bad bacteria in the mouth, namely Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbinus. These bacteria feed on sugar and create acids that destroy tooth enamel. When left untreated, this can cause cavities that can dig deeper into the tooth, leading to permanent tooth loss. Gingivitis Typically, one cannot see the area where the teeth meet the gums as it's deeper than the easily noticeable gum edges. This creates the formation of a space known as the sulcus, which can trap food and plaque. If not cleaned properly, the collected food particles can result in gingivitis or gum infections. Receding gums A progression of gingivitis, this dental issue can begin due to a buildup of bacteria and plaque within the teeth and gums. However, over time, it can cause potential gum damage, causing the gums to recede and exposing the roots. What are the signs of dental problems caused by excessive sugar intake? Generally, sugar intake alone cannot cause oral health and dental issues; the bad bacteria in the mouth play a huge role in the development of diseases. In such cases, it can prove incredibly beneficial to understand the symptoms of these dental issues. Hence, here are some of the most common signs of dental problems caused by excessive consumption of sugar. Tooth sensitivity Upon the consumption of particular foods, especially sugary ones, the patient can experience a twinge of pain in the affected area. Tooth enamel erosion can be noticed in the early stages of the issue, and as the problem progresses, it can cause the bacteria to reach the internal layer of the teeth - dentin. As this layer has direct communication with the nerve endings, the patient can be more susceptible to hot and cold foods. Severe pain If problems such as tooth enamel erosion and tooth decay remain unchecked, one’s teeth can become incredibly sensitive to sweets and high-temperature foods. In such cases, multiple patients report the development of pain while they consumed foods high in sugar. Moreover, this pain has also been associated with biting and chewing other foods. Bleeding gums As the sugar levels in the body begin to increase, more sugar can be found in the saliva. This makes it easier for the bad bacteria to thrive and can lead to the development of plaque. This finally leads to dental problems such as swelling, soreness, and bleeding of the gums. Bad breath One of the first signs of dental problems caused by excessive sugar intake is bad breath. This happens when the bacteria in the mouth interact with the sugary food particles. As these bacteria feed on sugar, an increase in the consumption of sweets and their remains can act as a breeding ground for them. This can result in persistent bad breath and further complications. In addition to the above, some of the other symptoms to keep a look out for are cracks in the teeth, changes in tooth color, brown or black stains on the teeth, and painful ulcers in the mouth. Hence it's suggested to never miss regular dental appointments or tooth cleaning. Furthermore, if one notices any of the above-mentioned symptoms, one must seek immediate professional attention. This can result in the early diagnosis of dental issues and can help in the development of a treatment plan that caters to all of one’s needs.

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