Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition that is a result of high sugar level in blood due to the body's insufficient production of insulin. Diabetes is a long term health condition that cannot be treated but can be managed and controlled. India is the second most affected country in the world in terms of diabetes.

Diabetes is of two types:

• Type 1: an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented

• Type 2: where the insulin produced by the body cannot be used. This type of diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle modifications

Signs that could indicate high blood sugar for type 2 diabetes:

• Frequent urination

• Excessive thirst

• Excessive hunger

• Weight loss

• Slow healing of bruises

Most people who develop diabetes do not get to until they get a checkup done for blood sugar. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to grave health complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, stroke.

Tests related to diabetes and its complications:

• Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1C)

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Serum Lipid Profile

• Blood Urea & Creatinine,

• SGOT & SGPT

• ECG

• Eye Examination

Who should be tested for diabetes?

Anyone with these risk factors should get preventive health checkup regularly:

• Parent or sibling having diabetes

• Obesity

• Physical inactive

• Hypertension

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

• History of heart disease

Diabetes and Covid

Immune system of people with diabetes can hinder the white blood cells’ ability to fight Covid infection. It can also suppress the immune system and make you more vulnerable to lung problems.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure refers to the high pressure exerted against the artery walls as the heart pumps blood.

Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers - 120/80.

The above number refers to the systulic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into them.

The below number is called diastulic pressure, which is the pressure exerted in the arteries when the heart relaxes after the contraction.

Men and women both can fall prey to this ailment. Studies suggest there is a strong lifestyle correlation to this disease.

Blood Pressure Range

Normal blood pressure is 120/80.

Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called pre-hypertension (where the person is most likely to get hypertension).

Blood pressure of 140/90 or above is high blood pressure.

Types of Hypertension

There are two forms of hypertension:

i) Essential or Primary Hypertension

This is more commonly found, but its actual causes are yet to be defined. However, genetics and unhealthy lifestyle plays crucial rule in this.

ii)Secondary Hypertension

When some other medical condition or medication is responsible to make the blood pressure rise, it is termed as secondary hypertension. Some conditions that may cause secondary hypertension are:

• Chronic kidney disease

• Over indulgence in alcohol

• Use of drugs like cocaine

• Diabetes, when it leads to kidney damage

• Thyroid disorder

• Some birth contrul pills as a side effect

• Appetite suppressants

• Medications for migraine

Risk Factors

A person is at a higher risk of getting high blood pressure if he:

• Leads a stressful life

• Lack a healthy diet and exercise routine

• Obese

• Consume high salt in diet

• Have diabetes

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Initially, in most of the cases, there are no symptoms. When symptoms begin to appear, they may include:

• Headache

• Buzzing in the ear

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue & confusion

• Irregular heartbeat

• Nosebleed (epistaxis)

Hypertension can lead to various complications and thus it is necessary to keep it under control. If you experience above mentioned symptoms and/or have a history of hypertension in your family, get yourself checked immediately.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is broad term used for diseases and conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system. They are also referred as cardiovascular diseases. It is a major cause of disability all around the world.

Since heart is amongst the most vital organs of the body, its diseases affect other organs and part of the body as well.

There are several different types and forms of heart diseases. The most common ones cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, malfunctioning in the valves of the heart, enlargement in the size of heart and several others leading to heart failure and heart attack.

One can reduce the risk of heart disease by taking steps to control factors that make him prone to heart diseases, like

• Keep the blood pressure under control

• Eat less of oily food and keeping a check on cholesterol

• Do not smoke

• Exercise or do enough physical activity