Diabetes - Types, Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Diabetes is a medical condition wherein the blood sugar or glucose level is higher than the permissible range. In medical science, this disease is categorised into two types, namely Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.Insulin is a hormone closely related to this condition. Insulin is responsible for extracting sugar from the blood, converting it to energy, and storing them in cells.According to an alarming report, 55.5% of men and 64.6% of women in their twenties residing in India’s metropolitan centers face a lifetime risk of diabetes (1). A diabetic cannot produce enough insulin or use the insulin for normal bodily functions. There various types of diabetes found in the human body can affect health differently.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease caused when your blood has an excess of sugar or glucose. Insulin is a biochemical substance found in the human body, which is generally responsible for converting this glucose into energy. However, in diabetic individuals, this hormone fails to function properly, leading to an increased glucose level.

                              What are the different types of Diabetes? 

1. Type 1 diabetes

It is generally considered to be a hereditary disease. However, environmental influence is also considered a driver of type 1 diabetes. This particular type of diabetes is often referred to as an autoimmune condition. Here, the immune system of your body attacks the beta cells present in the pancreas that produce insulin mistakenly. Therefore, insulin production gets hampered.

2. Type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot properly use insulin. Instead, it prompts the pancreas to produce more insulin to a point when it cannot produce anymore. Resultantly, the blood sugar level increases in the absence or scarcity of insulin. Although the causes of type 2 diabetes are still unknown, the following are often considered responsible. 

• Genetics 
• Environment 
• Other health issues 

Besides type 1 and type 2 diabetes, another variant also afflicts human beings, known as gestational diabetes.

3. Gestational diabetes

This type of diabetes afflicts expecting mothers during pregnancy due to insulin-blocking hormones. Although it often resolves after giving birth, such a condition can impose potential risk for the baby’s health. Moreover, it increases the chance of suffering from type 2 diabetes in the future. Mothers suffering from gestational diabetes may exhibit symptoms, such as high blood pressure, future diabetes and inability to undergo a normal delivery. On other other hand, babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes often suffer from excess weight at birth, low blood sugar levels, respiratory conditions and more.

4. Diabetes in children

Earlier type 1 diabetes was common in teenagers, with malfunctions in the pancreas leading to insufficient insulin production. However, with obesity and unhealthy lifestyle on the rise, children today also face immense threat of type 2 diabetes. Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent the onset of such conditions at such a tender age. However, in either case, the body shows some early symptoms of diabetes that help in diagnosis. Self diagnosis is also possible today thanks to specialised kits available from pharmacies. Mostly, these instruments include a small needle to prick on the tip of your finger to draw blood. This blood is then placed on test strips and inserted in the special testing machine. Results are immediate and relatively accurate.

 

 

First pig-to-human cardiac transplant alters heart's electrical signals

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 Researchers performed a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) during the postoperative period of the patient who underwent the first pig-to-human heart transplantation. The ECG data were obtained every day after the xenotransplantation. The researchers reviewed the following ECG measures: PR interval, QRS complex, and QT interval. The ECG parameters of the “accepted pig heart transplant in the ‘pig body’” show short PR (50 to 10 milliseconds, ms) and QT (260 to 380 ms) intervals and short QRS (70 to 90 ms). However, the first ECG of the pig-to-human heart xenotransplant showed a relatively longer PR interval of 190 ms, QT interval of 538 ms, and QRS duration of 138 ms. Prolonged intrinsic PR intervals were stable in the postoperative period with 210 ms. There was evidence of decremental intra-atrial conduction delay on day 12 post-transplantation (PR interval: 380 ms). QRS duration was prolonged but shortened in the postoperative course. High QT intervals (509 ms) persisted with dynamic fluctuations, with the lowest (428 ms) on day 14 post-transplantation. The ECG of the pig-to-human xenograft revealed prolongation of the typical ECG measures in the donor that included changes in depolarization and repolarization. It was a novel finding that the pig heart in the human showed different ECG parameters compared to the commonly observed findings for native pig hearts. The protracted ECG parameters persisted and showed dynamic changes in the postoperative period. These are the first insights into the evolving novel field of xenografts suggesting the complex interplay of porcine denervation and inter-species physiology besides the postoperative and medication-associated changes.

Hypertension is when blood pressure is too high. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. Usually hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90, and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120.High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Eating a healthier diet with less salt, exercising regularly and taking medication can help lower blood pressure.

Symptoms: High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. 

A significant portion of individuals who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections experience debilitating fatigue, neurological and cardiac complications, headaches, and muscle and joint pain for four weeks or more after recovery; this has now been characterized as long-COVID. 

While many studies have reported new-onset diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension in acute COVID-19 patients, there is a scarcity of reviews exploring the co-occurrence of these diseases during long-COVID. Understanding the increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and lipid imbalance after SARS-CoV-2 infections is essential to develop effective post-COVID management strategies.

 

 

7 heart health tips to prevent cardiovascular diseases 

7 heart health tips to prevent cardiovascular diseases. 

Cardiovascular disease is a global issue and many factors contribute to it - some of which we can't control. However, amid the festive season, we need to be extra careful of our heart health.

1. Meditate mindfully - Meditating daily has been known to help reduce stress. Additionally, try to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, drinking, or smoking when you're feeling overwhelmed - these will only make things worse in the long run. Mindfulness also helps you maintain the discipline of taking existing medications on time.

2. Avoid excess smoking and alcohol - While enjoying the festivities, it's important to be aware of what your heart needs. Avoid excessive smoking, using smokeless tobacco, or being exposed to second-hand smoke. These things can reduce the oxygen in your blood, leading to increased blood pressure and heart rate.

3. Sleep soundly - A good night's sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is highly underrated. Late nights out celebrating can wreak havoc on your sleeping patterns and as a result, your body clock. Whenever possible, make sure to get the proper amount of sleep and rest. Lack of sleep can trigger a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and depression. A healthy sleep cycle refers to at least seven hours of sleep each night.

4. Take the stairs - No matter how much rest you give your body during the holidays, it's important to stay active and get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is one small step that can make a big difference in your health.

5. Eat fresh - A healthy diet is essential all year round, but it's especially important during Indian festivities when there are often tempting sweets and oily foods everywhere. Try to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis to help protect your heart, improve your blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Limit your intake of or avoid processed foods or drinks, sugary snacks, and salty snacks as much as possible.

6. Read a lot - Reading is known to reduce stimulation and make room for thinking deeply about one’s choices. Whenever there is a problem you're faced with, there’s a book that has an answer. Reading helps us be more present, in the moment and aware of our mind and body.

7. Yoga helps - Yoga is believed to help detoxify the body, mitigate chronic fatigue, enhance endurance, improve organ and immune functions. Thus, it is known to lower cardiovascular risk factors and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Congestive Heart Failure

A chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.

Heart failure can occur if the heart cannot pump (systolic) or fill (diastolic) adequately.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs and rapid heartbeat.

Treatments can include eating less salt, limiting fluid intake and taking prescription medication. In some cases a defibrillator or pacemaker may be implanted.

Symptoms

 

• > Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down.
• > Fatigue and weakness.
• > Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.
• > Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• > Reduced ability to exercise.
• > Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged mucus.
• > Swelling of the belly area (abdomen)

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     Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

What Is a Ventricular Septal Defect?

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) — sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart — is a type of congenital heart defect. In a VSD, there is an abnormal opening in the wall between the main pumping chambers of the heart (the ventricles). VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect. Most VSDs are diagnosed and treated successfully with few or no complications.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Ventricular Septal Defect?

Older kids or teens who have small VSDs that don't close usually have no symptoms other than the heart murmur. They might need to see a doctor regularly to make sure the VSD isn't causing any problems. Medium and large VSDs may cause noticeable symptoms. Babies may have faster breathing and get tired when they try to feed. They may start sweating or crying while feeding, and may gain weight slowly. These signs generally indicate that the VSD will not close by itself, and the child may need heart surgery. Usually, this is done in the baby's first 3 months of life to prevent other problems. A cardiologist can prescribe medicine to lessen symptoms before the baby has surgery.

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#angioplasty

#cardiology

 

Heart Attack Sings

HEART ATTACK

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) happens when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood.The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Learn the warning signs of heart attack. Call 9-1-1 at the first sign of heart attack:

• Chest discomfort or pain in the middle of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. 

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms may include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

• Shortness of breath that may occur with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling weak, nauseous, or lightheaded.