Entries from September 2010 ↓

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States. More than 450,000 cases were reported in 1995. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is a very common sexually transmissible infection (STI). It is often called the ‘silent infection’ because most people do not realise they have it. Chlamydia can infect the eyes if they come in contact with genital secretions from an infected person. The bacteria can also be spread to a baby during birth if the mother has the infection, causing problems with the baby’s eyes or a lung infection (pneumonia).

Chlamydia is so common in young women that, by age 30, 50% of sexually active women have evidence that they have had chlamydia at some time during their lives. Chlamydia is more common in sexually active young women under the age of 25, and if you are not using condoms. Women who use the Pill are about twice as likely to get chlamydia, but less likely to get PID with all its symptoms. Chlamydia is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) and the most commonly reported communicable infection in the United States. Because chlamydia is primarily asymptomatic disease, it often goes unnoticed and if left untreated, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, and result in infertility in both men and women. Chlamydia is an STI caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis . Women, especially young women, are hit hardest by chlamydia. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatments.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection among  young people. It’s dangerous because often it has no symptoms. Chlamydial infection of the cervix can spread to the rectum. Chlamydia is spread through unprotected sex (not using a condom). So if you have chlamydia it is important that you let your sexual partners know, as they may have it too

It  is more common in sexually active young women under the age of 25, and if you are not using condoms. Women who use the Pill are about twice as likely to get chlamydia, but less likely to get PID with all its symptoms. Chlamydia is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.

Chlamydia-infections are often accidentally discovered when a woman asks for medical help for sterility. Poor symptoms and severe consequences such as sterility make this infection very dangerous. Chlamydia infections in females can lead to cancer of the cervix, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In 2006, 1,030,911 chlamydial infections were reported to CDC from 50 states and the District of Columbia

DIABETES

Definition as stated by Dr Miriam Stoppard

Types of diabetes

1- Type 1

2- Type 2

Causes

1- Lifestyle

2- Disorders

3- Gestational diabetes

DIABETES MELLITUS

Long term complication

1-Heart problem

2-Eye

Treatment

1-Insulin Prevention

2- Good lifestyle 1-healthy diet

3- Monitoring blood glucose 2-blood pressure measurement

3- healthy lifestyle

Symptoms

1-excessive urination

2- weakness

3- weight loss

Notes from readings

- pancreas either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or body cells become resistant to the hormone’s effects.

- Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

- Although dietary measures are also important, it must be treated with insulin injections. About 60,000 people in the UK have this type of diabetes.

- The pancreas continues to secrete insulin but cells in the body become resistant to its effects.

- Diabetes mainly affects people over the age of 40 and is more common in overweight people.

- Condition may be treated with dietary measures only.

- Diabetes mellitus can sometimes develop during pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes and is usually treated with insulin to maintain the health of the mother and baby.

- Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an abnormal reaction in which the immune system destroys insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas.

- Type 2 diabetes are less well understood, but the genetics and obesity are important factors.

- The symptoms of type 2 may not be obvious or may go unnoticed until a routine medical check-up. The main symptoms of both forms may include:

- Excessive urination

- Thirst and a dry mouth

- Insufficient sleep because of the need to urinate at night.

- Lack of energy

- Blurry vision

- Weight loss

Symptoms of type 2 may go unnoticed until routine medical check up.

The main symptoms of both forms may include:

- excessive urination

- thirst and a dry mouth

- insufficient sleep because of the need to urinate at night.

- Lack of energy

- Blurry vision

- Weight loss

The main symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

- nausea and vomiting, sometimes with abdominal pain.

- Deep breathing.

- Acetone smell to the breath (like pear drops or nail polish remover)

- Confusion.

Living with diabetes:

- A healthy diet

- Drinking and smoking

- Special care for your feet.

- Exercise and sports.

- Strenuous exercise

- Moderate exercise

- Medical check up

- Eye examination

- Blood pressure measurement.

Treatment for:

Type 1

Insulin can be injected into any fatty area, such as upper arm.

Source: Dr Miriam Stoppard , Doling Kindersley Ltd 2002 ‘Family Health Guide’, pages 504 to 507.

“Department of Diabetes, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to:

P Home. Department of Diabetes, The Medical School, University of Newcastle

upon Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.

philip.home@newcastle.ac.uk

Received: ; revised: December 10, 2002

Diabetes Metab 2003,29,101-9 • © 2003 Masson, all rights reserved 101”

- Diabetes is a growing healthcare challenge worldwide.

-A considerable proportion

of people either have impaired glucose tolerance with a significant

risk of development of diabetes, or have undiagnosed Type 2

diabetes.

-Pivotal to reducing the risk of morbidity and the development

of complications and mortality is the normalisation of both fasting

and postprandial blood glucose levels.

-diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions

worldwide, with between 5 and 10% of the world population

affected.

- People with diabetes have approximately twice

the prevalence of hypertension compared with non-diabetic

patients

-40% of subjects were defined as hypertensive on entry

(receiving antihypertensive treatment or with a mean systolic

blood pressure ? 160 mmHg and/or a mean diastolic blood

pressure ? 90 mmHg)

-People with diabetes are 17 times more prone to kidney disease,

with diabetic nephropathy being the most common

complication [11]. Diabetic nephropathy may eventually

lead to end-stage renal disease and thus significant mortality.

-Approximately 30-40% of people with diabetes develop

retinopathy, and diabetes is the most common cause of blindness

in the working years of life in developed countries

-According to a 1997 estimate [12], 120 million people

have Type 2 diabetes (approximately 2% of the world population)

and an additional 4 million have Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 85% of all cases of

diabetes in developed countries and almost all cases in developing

countries. It appears to be epidemic (affecting a high

and increasing proportion of the population) in many parts

of the world, and represents a serious and growing global

health challenge primarily as a result of increased obesity,

ageing populations, increasing urbanisation and a more sedentary

lifestyle [34, 35]. However, data from many parts of

the world with high and increasing prevalence (Asia, Latin

America, China) are not broadly based, and so this estimate

is likely to be markedly low.

-Type 1 diabetes

is one of the most common childhood diseases in developed

European countries and the incidence has increased dramatically

in some newly prosperous countries

-The incidence of Type 2 diabetes in particular is expected

to increase considerably as developing countries become

more Westernised in terms of availability of healthcare and

modernisation of existing resources, as well as a result of

substantial improvements in diabetes surveillance and

screening. Growth is projected to be greatest in Asia and

Africa, where diabetes could become 2-3 times more common

than it is today [12]. By 2025, more than 75% of people

with diabetes will be from developing countries, compared

with 62% in 1995

-Type 2 diabetes suggests a need for continuing

attention to control of blood glucose, blood pressure

and blood lipids through medication, diet and exercise.

People with Type 1 diabetes, and increasingly those with

Type 2 diabetes, have the additional burden of subcutaneous

insulin injections, self-monitoring and care of their insulin

supplies and equipment.

Direct Quote

Dr Miriam’s definition of diabetes is:

“the inability of the body to use glucose for energy due to inadequate amounts of or loss of sensitivity to, the hormone insulin.”

Dr Miriam Stoppard. 2002, Family Health Guide, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, England, Page 504

Paraphrase

The body uses glucose as energy in order to perform work and if it fails because of insufficient amount of insulin (which is essential for the absorption of glucose) or because the body cells become more resistant to the hormone’s effect then we end up with the non-healthy state called diabetes.

Summary

Dr Stoppard states that “Glucose from the blood stream is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Its absorption is enabled by the pancreas, which produces insulin. Among people suffering from diabetes mellitus, a build up of toxic by- products, like acetone with a pear drop smell, in the body occurs. This is caused by the use of other sources of energy than glucose. Hence the unused glucose accumulates in the blood and urine, causing high blood sugar levels. 1 in 10 diabetes depends on self administered injections of insulin and the rest take oral drug and are careful about their diet. These treatments are vital in preventing the symptoms of high blood sugar level like frequent passing of urine, thirst and loss of weight as well as complications leading to peripheral nerve disorders which may affect the eyes, kidneys, the cardiovascular system. The weakening of the immune system may also cause infections like cystitis.”

Dr Miriam Stoppard. 2002, Family Health Guide, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, England, Page 504

Plan

1- Introduction

a- Definition

b- Types of diabetes

c- Brief description of each diabetes

2- Causes

a- Causes of Type 1 diabetes more frequent in children

b- Causes of Type 2 diabetes more frequent in adults

3- Symptoms

a- Both short term and long term consequences in case of non treatment for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

4- Treatment

a- The use of insulin to control diabetes in both Type 1 and Type 2

5- Short Term and Long Term complications.

a- Short term and long term effect in Type 1 diabetes

b- Short term and long term effect in Type 2 diabetes

6- Conclusion

a-healthy diet

b- healthy lifestyle

7- Bibliography

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is developing in epidemic proportions in today’s world with 5 to 10% of the worldwide population affected. This disease is defined by Dr Stoppard, “as the inability of the body to use glucose for energy due to inadequate amounts of or loss of sensitivity to, the hormone insulin”. Which means that the body uses glucose in order to perform work and if it fails because of insufficient amount of insulin or because the body cells become more resistant to the hormone’s effect then we end up with the non-healthy state called diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes:

1- Type 1 which is caused by the abnormal reaction in which the immune system destroys insulin secreting cells in the pancreas. It is more common in childhood.

2- Type 2 which causes are less understood. However, genetics and overweight are important factors.

Causes

Diabetes of Type 1 is usually caused by some viral diseases which affect the immune system of the child, though the genetic factor of one parent suffering from type 1 diabetes may have some effect, however most children who develop type 1 diabetes do not have parents with diabetes. As for Type 2 diabetes it is the increase in food intake which leads to overweight and obesity as well as the living of a sedentary lifestyle and it mostly affects adults.

Symptoms

Both types of diabetes have the same symptoms where there is excessive urination which account for the thirst and dry mouth but also for the insufficient sleep at night because of the need to go to the toilet. This state is paralleled by the lack of energy; blur vision and quick weight loss, abdominal pain, deep breathing and acetone smell breath may also consist of symptoms of diabetes.

Treatment

While the Type 1 diabetes have to submit themselves to the burden of insulin injection, self monitoring and the care of their insulin supplies and equipments, though the Type 2 diabetes have the need to control their blood glucose, their blood pressure and their blood lipids these may be done through medication, diet and exercise but sometimes in addition the Type 2 diabetes have to make insulin injections as the Type 1’s diabetes with all the inconvenience attached to it. As for treatment by insulin Dr Stoppard states that “Glucose from the blood stream is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Its absorption is enabled by the pancreas, which produces insulin. Among people suffering from diabetes mellitus, a build up of toxic by-products, like acetone with a pear drop smell, in the body occurs. This is caused by the use of other sources of energy than glucose. Hence the unused glucose accumulates in the blood and urine, causing high blood sugar levels. 1 in 10 diabetes depends on self administered injections of insulin and the rest take oral drug and are careful about their diet. These treatments are vital in preventing the symptoms of high blood sugar level like frequent passing of urine, thirst and loss of weight as well as complications leading to peripheral nerve disorders which may affect the eyes, kidneys, the cardiovascular system. The weakening of the immune system may also cause infections like cystitis.”

Hence, no complete cure of diabetes exist, for it is a chronic disease but it can be controlled so as not to cause more severe damage to the body which is affected by it. For that a healthy diet with special attention to avoid excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages and smoking. Special care should also be taken with the feet and the eyes. Medical check up as well as blood pressure measurement should be regular. While sports should be practiced excessive strenuous exercise should be avoided.

Short Term and Long Term effect

If left unattended the diabetes mellitus may give rise to both short-term and long term complications. In case of Type 1 neglect of treatment may lead to nausea and vomiting accompanied by abdominal pain and deep breathing, while an acetone smell breath is noted. If left untreated the subject quickly enter in a confusion state where dehydration may lead to coma and death. As for the Type 2 diabetes if left untreated as is often the cause long term diseases like cardiovascular diseases occurs which may end up in a stroke. These are consequences of high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol in the blood. There is an increase risk of cataracts in the eyes and symptoms of dizziness upon standing and poor circulation because of nerve damage may lead to ulcers and gangrene.

Conclusion

In conclusion it can be said that the Diabetes mellitus is a disease that compel the one suffering from it to adopt a healthier lifestyle so as to control the devastation that the disease may cause to the body and to avoid the shortening of one’s life.

(810 words)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1- http://www.e2med.com/dm

“Department of Diabetes, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to:

P Home. Department of Diabetes, The Medical School, University of Newcastle

upon Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.

philip.home@newcastle.ac.uk

Received: ; revised: December 10, 2002

Diabetes Metab 2003,29,101-9 • © 2003 Masson, all rights reserved 101”

2- Dr Miriam Stoppard, 2002, Family Health Guide, Doling Kindersley Ltd, England

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including the following:

insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
juvenile diabetes
brittle diabetes
sugar diabetes

There are two forms of type 1 diabetes:

idiopathic type 1 diabetes – refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.
immune-mediated diabetes – an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system destroys, or attempts to destroy, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Immune-mediated diabetes is the most common form of type 1 diabetes, and the one generally referred to as type 1 diabetes. The information on this page refers to this form of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in the US. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors (possibly viruses) may be involved. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide energy.

When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body’s cells literally starve to death. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. The following are the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

high levels of sugar in the blood when tested
high levels of sugar in the urine when tested
unusual thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger but loss of weight
blurred vision
nausea and vomiting
extreme weakness and fatigue
irritability and mood changes

In children, symptoms may be similar to those of having the flu.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What complications may be associated with type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes can cause many different problems. However, the three key complications of diabetes include the following:

hypoglycemia – low blood sugar; sometimes called an insulin reaction; occurs when blood sugar drops too low.
hyperglycemia – high blood sugar; occurs when blood sugar is too high, and can be a sign that diabetes is not well controlled.
ketoacidosis – diabetic coma; loss of consciousness due to untreated or under-treated diabetes.
Treatment for type 1 diabetes:

Specific treatment for type 1 diabetes will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

People with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin to keep their blood sugar level within normal ranges. Other parts of the treatment protocol may include:

appropriate diet (to manage blood sugar levels)
exercise (to lower and help the body use blood sugar)
careful self-monitoring of blood sugar levels several times a day, as directed by your physician
careful self-monitoring of ketone levels in the urine several times a day, as directed by your physician
regular monitoring of the hemoglobin A1c levels
The hemoglobin A1c test (also called HbA1c test) shows the average amount of sugar in the blood over the last three months. The result will indicate if the blood sugar level is under control. The frequency of HbA1c testing will be determined by your physician. It is recommended that testing occur at least twice a year if the blood sugar level is in the target range and stable, and more frequently if the blood sugar level is unstable.

Advances in diabetes research have led to improved methods of managing diabetes and treating its complications. However, scientists continue to explore the causes of diabetes and ways to prevent and treat the disorder. Other methods of administering insulin through inhalers and pills are currently being studied. Scientists are investigating gene involvement in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and some genetic markers for type 1 diabetes have been identified. Pancreas transplants are also being performed.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body’s inability to make enough, or to properly use, insulin. It used to be called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Without adequate production or utilization of insulin, the body cannot move blood sugar into the cells. It is a chronic disease that has no known cure. It is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases.

What is prediabetes?

In prediabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be defined as diabetes. However, many people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, states the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prediabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, people with prediabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. However, there does appear to be a genetic factor which causes it to run in families. And, although a person can inherit a tendency to develop type 2 diabetes, it usually takes another factor, such as obesity, to bring on the disease.

Prevention or delay of onset of type 2 diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed by following a program to eliminate or reduce risk factors – particularly losing weight and increasing exercise. Information gathered by the Diabetes Prevention Program, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association, continues to study this possibility.

What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

The following are the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

frequent infections that are not easily healed
high levels of sugar in the blood when tested
high levels of sugar in the urine when tested
unusual thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger but loss of weight
blurred vision
nausea and vomiting
extreme weakness and fatigue
irritability and mood changes
dry, itchy skin
tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet

Some people who have type 2 diabetes exhibit no symptoms. Symptoms may be mild and almost unnoticeable, or easy to confuse with signs of aging. Half of all Americans who have diabetes do not know it.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include the following:

age
People over the age of 45 are at higher risk for diabetes.
family history of diabetes
being overweight
not exercising regularly
race and ethnicity
Being a member of certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans increases the risk for type 2 diabetes.
history of gestational diabetes, or giving birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
a low level HDL (high-density lipoprotein – the “good cholesterol”)
a high triglyceride level
Treatment for type 2 diabetes:

Specific treatment for type 2 diabetes will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Emphasis is on control of blood sugar (glucose) by monitoring the levels, regular physical activity, meal planning, and routine healthcare. Treatment of diabetes is an ongoing process of management and education that includes not only the person with diabetes, but also healthcare professionals and family members.

Often, type 2 diabetes can be controlled through losing weight, improved nutrition, and exercise alone. However, in some cases, these measures are not enough and either oral medications and/or insulin must be used. Treatment often includes:

proper diet
weight control
an appropriate exercise program
regular foot inspections
oral medications, other medications, and/or insulin replacement therapy, as directed by your physician
There are various types of medications that may be used to treat type 2 diabetes when lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight loss are not effective. Oral medications of several different types are available, with each type working in a different manner to lower blood sugar. One medication may be combined with another one to improve blood sugar control. When oral medications are no longer effective, insulin may be required.

New medications for treating diabetes are in development. GLP-1 agonists are one of the new types of medications. GLP-1 agonists work by stimulating insulin production by the pancreas, slowing the emptying of food from the stomach, and inhibiting the production of glucagon in the pancreas (glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates release of glucose by the liver). Byetta®, a GLP-1 agonist approved by the FDA in 2005, is given by injection.
regular monitoring of the hemoglobin A1c levels
The hemoglobin A1c test (also called HbA1c test) shows the average amount of sugar in the blood over the last three months. The result will indicate if the blood sugar level is under control. The frequency of HbA1c testing will be determined by your physician. It is recommended that testing occur at least twice a year if the blood sugar level is in the target range and stable, and more frequently if the blood sugar level is unstable.

Untreated or inappropriately-treated diabetes can cause problems with the kidneys, legs, feet, eyes, heart, nerves, and blood flow, which could lead to kidney failure, gangrene, amputation, blindness, or stroke. For these reasons, it is important to follow a strict treatment plan.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the glucose level is elevated and other diabetic symptoms appear during pregnancy in a woman who has not previously been diagnosed with diabetes. All diabetic symptoms disappear following delivery.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by blocking effects of other hormones on the insulin that is produced, a condition referred to as insulin resistance.

Approximately 7 percent of all pregnant women in the United States are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Although the cause of gestational diabetes is not known, there are some theories as to why the condition occurs.

The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, as well as produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy. Some of these hormones (estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen) can have a blocking effect on insulin. This is called contra-insulineffect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.

As the placenta grows, more of these hormones are produced, and insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally, the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when the production of insulin is not enough to overcome the effect of the placental hormones, gestational diabetes results.

What are the risks factors associated with gestational diabetes?

Although any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, some of the factors that may increase the risk include the following:

obesity
family history of diabetes
having given birth previously to a very large infant, a still birth, or a child with a birth defect
having too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
age
Women who are older than 25 are at a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes than younger women.

Although increased glucose in the urine is often included in the list of risk factors, it is not believed to be a reliable indicator for gestational diabetes.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

Gestational diabetes maybe diagnosed with a 50 gram glucose screening test, which involves drinking a glucose drink followed by measurement of blood sugar levels after one hour.

If this test shows a blood sugar level of greater than 140 mg/dL, a three-hour glucose tolerance test may be performed after a few days of following a special diet. If results of the second test are in the abnormal range, gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

Treatment for gestational diabetes:

Specific treatment for gestational diabetes will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on keeping blood glucose levels in the normal range. Treatment may include:

special diet
exercise
daily blood glucose monitoring
insulin injections
Possible complications for the baby:

Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes generally does not cause birth defects. Birth defects usually originate sometime during the first trimester (before the 13th week) of pregnancy. But, the insulin resistance from the contra-insulin hormones produced by the placenta does not usually occur until approximately the 24th week. Women with gestational diabetes generally have normal blood sugar levels during the critical first trimester.

The complications of gestational diabetes are usually manageable and preventable. The key to prevention is careful control of blood sugar levels just as soon as the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made.

Infants of mothers with gestational diabetes are vulnerable to several chemical imbalances, such as low serum calcium and low serum magnesium levels, but, in general, there are two major problems of gestational diabetes: macrosomia and hypoglycemia.

macrosomia
Macrosomia refers to a baby that is considerably larger than normal. All of the nutrients the fetus receives come directly from the mother’s blood. If the maternal blood has too much glucose, the pancreas of the fetus senses the high glucose levels and produces more insulin in an attempt to use this glucose. The fetus converts the extra glucose to fat. Even when the mother has gestational diabetes, the fetus is able to produce all the insulin it needs. The combination of high blood glucose levels from the mother and high insulin levels in the fetus results in large deposits of fat which causes the fetus to grow excessively large.
hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar in the baby immediately after delivery. This problem occurs if the mother’s blood sugar levels have been consistently high, causing the fetus to have a high level of insulin in its circulation. After delivery, the baby continues to have a high insulin level, but it no longer has the high level of sugar from its mother, resulting in the newborn’s blood sugar level becoming very low. The baby’s blood sugar level is checked after birth, and if the level is too low, it may be necessary to give the baby glucose intravenously.

Discover How You Can Treat Infertility Naturally, Without Drugs or Surgery

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder named after German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in the year 1906. Dementia is a general term used for the depicting loss of memory and other intellectual abilities which are serious enough to interfere with daily life.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Alzheimer’s disease first causes progressive cognitive deterioration which involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. It is later accompanied by declining activities of daily living and by neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease often find it difficult to remember names of the people they know and tend to forget recent happenings. They might not recognize even their family members and may have trouble doing activities like speaking, reading or writing. Sometimes the condition of Alzheimer patients becomes so severe that they wander away from home.

The human brain contains 100 billion nerve cells or neurons. Each of these nerve cells communicates with each other to form a network like structure. These nerve cell networks coordinate the neural activities such as thinking, learning, remembering, smelling, hearing & seeing. To do their work, the brain cells operate like tiny factories. In Alzheimer’s disease, parts of the brain cell’s factory stop functioning properly. Scientists are still unsure as to where exactly the trouble starts from.

Causes of Alzheimer’s disease
The greatest known cause for Alzheimer’s is increasing age. The statistics reveal that the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every five years after age 65. The other major cause of Alzheimer’s disease is family history or heredity (genetics). When Alzheimer’s disease tends to run in families, either heredity (genetics) or environmental factors or both may play a major role. Alzheimer’s disease may also be caused by a serious head injury or severe heart diseases that damage the heart or blood vessels.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
There are no medical tests currently available to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with definite accuracy. The first step in following up on the symptoms is to go and see a doctor with whom the patient feels comfortable. The patient’s mood and mental status is evaluated along with a detailed review of the patient’s medical history. Later on a couple of clinical diagnostic tests are performed to ascertain conclusive evidence on whether the patient suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or not.

Home Care and Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are looking for new treatments and care techniques to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to take ample care of yourself if you have to take care of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease because taking care of Alzheimer patients can be quite challenging and overwhelming. You can talk to other people who have taken care of Alzheimer patients within their own family. But the most viable option is to get in touch with professional caregivers who are specialized in providing home care support to people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Heartwarming Care is a premier provider of home care services for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. At Heartwarming Care, we have specialized home care providers trained to safely help your loved one with the activities of daily living. Our professional health care services are provided by experienced certified companion aides. Consider our home health care services to take the strain off your back.

Call Us Toll Free: (888) 889-4092

Cholesterol is a kind of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for lots of of the body metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D.

Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain.

The liver is the major processing center for cholesterol. When we eat animal fats, the liver returns the cholesterol it can not employ to our bloodstream and when there is too much cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream, it can build up into fatty deposits. These deposits reason the arteries to narrow and can eventually block the arteries totally, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol is shaped by the liver and it is also complete by most cells in the body. It is carried approximately in the blood by lipoproteins. We need blood cholesterol because the body uses it to build the structure of cell membranes, to produce hormones like testosterone, adrenaline and estrogen and to aid the metabolism.

Read more information on http://www.herbalcureindia.com/

Types of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol, good and bad, the dissimilarity between them is:

a. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol called the bad cholesterol because it goes into the bloodstream and clogs up your arteries.

b. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol called the fine cholesterol because it assists to take the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

Cholesterol is transported towards peripheral tissues by the lipoproteins chylomicrons, extremely low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

Risks associated with high triglycerides

According to the lipid hypothesis, unusually high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia), or more correctly, higher concentrations of LDL and lower concentrations of functional HDL are powerfully associated with cardiovascular disease because these promote atheroma growth in arteries (atherosclerosis). High cholesterol has also been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Both heredity and diet have an important influence on a person’s LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. Evidence strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can reason narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks, and strokes.

Cholesterol tests

Cholesterol testing is optional as a screening test to be done on all adults at least once each five years.

Foods that contain cholesterol

The cholesterol in your diet comes mostly from the saturated fats found in animal products. All foods from animals contain several cholesterol. Foods from plants do not hold cholesterol. Extra sources of dietary cholesterol are full fat dairy foods, eggs and some seafood.

How to lower high cholesterol    

The best way to uphold healthy levels of cholesterol in your diet is to limit foods high in saturated fats. Try to keep away from: Fatty meats, full fat dairy products, processed meats like salami and sausages, snack foods like chips, most remove foods, especially deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits and pastries.

However the most important thing you can do to reduce your cholesterol level is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should try to:

a. Limit the amount of cholesterol-rich foods you eat.
Enlarge the amount and diversity of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods you have every day.

b. Choose low or abridged fat milk, yoghurt and other dairy products or have added calcium soy drinks.

c. Choose lean meat (meat trimmed of fat or labeled as heart smart).

d. Limit fatty meats, including sausages and salami, and choose leaner sandwich meats like turkey breast or cooked lean chicken.

e. Have fish (fresh or canned) at least twice a week. Restore butter and dairy blends with polyunsaturated margarines.

f. Comprise foods in your diet that are rich in soluble fiber and healthy fats, such as nuts, legumes and seeds.

g. Limit cheese and ice cream to two times a week.

Treatment for high cholesterol

Treatment of high cholesterol is aimed at lowering the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels, and increasing the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or fine cholesterol.

Treatment will be most effectual if it also includes suitable diet, weight loss (if necessary) and physical activity.

The first steps in treating high cholesterol levels are: Regular physical action and healthy eating.

There are also several foods that may assist to lower cholesterol levels, particularly garlic, soya, oats, corn and selenium-enriched cereals.

Cholesterol-lowering foods are not suitable for children under five years or for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Herbal Remedies for High Blood Cholesterol

1.    Eat garlic frequently. It is an effective herbal remedy for lowering cholesterol

2.    Take 3 grams of combination of giloye with black pepper powder two times a day. It is too an effectual herbal remedy for lowering cholesterol

3.    Taking one tablespoon of honey is also fine for lowering cholesterol

4.    Take guggulu for natural cholesterol lowering

5.    Take one teaspoon of oil of the ishabgul seeds twice a day. It will assist in lowering blood cholesterol