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blog Diabetes Fenfuro Blogs

BE ATTENTIVE: DIABETES COULD TRIGGER YOUR BRAIN TOO!

 

Diabetic encephalopathy is the damage to brain which is caused due to uncontrolled long term blood glucose. Encephalopathy is becoming more widely recognized as more people are diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic encephalopathy presents itself both mentally and physically. It can induce an altered mental state, cognitive decline, changes in personality, memory lapses or severe impairment like dementia. The complication can also cause tremors, lack of coordination and even seizures.

 

HOW BRAIN GETS AFFECTED? 

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Diabetic encephalopathy is largely due to acute hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels are too low) or severe hyperglycemia (blood sugar levels are too high). 

In case of type 2 diabetes, there are many different factors contributing in the development of this complication. It could be caused by the body’s resistance to insulin, which makes it difficult for the brain to break down amyloid, a protein that forms brain plaques. Brain plaques are abnormal clusters of this protein that block cell-to-cell signaling at the synapses – a symptom infamous for contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Type 2 diabetic encephalopathy can also be generated from hyperglycemia or the conditions that commonly accompany type 2 diabetes like high blood pressure, obesity, or high cholesterol.

Encephalopathy could also be caused by microvascular inflammation affecting the blood vessels in the brain. This makes the brain’s vessels harden and decrease in blood flow. This diminished amount of blood paired with an excess of insulin in the brain can cause the brain to not process proteins properly.4

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

  • Altered mental state
  • Lethargy
  • Dementia
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Muscle twitching andmyalgia
  • Cheyne-Stokes respirations (an altered breathing pattern seen with brain damage and coma)
  • Coma

 

 

DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

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Physicians may utilize several different tests at the same time to diagnose both5 the primary condition (the cause of encephalopathy) and the encephalopathy itself. The most frequently utilized tests are listed below that may help to diagnose diabetic encephalopathy:

  • Clinical tests during the physical examination including mental status test, memory test and coordination test
  • Complete blood countorCBC (infections or loss of blood)
  • Blood glucose levels
  • Blood pressure(high orlow blood pressure)7
  • Metabolic tests (blood levels ofelectrolytes,glucose, lactate, ammonia, oxygen, and liver enzymes)
  • Drugs or toxin levels (alcohol,cocaine, amphetamines, and many others)
  • Blood and body fluid cultures and analyses (infections of many types)
  • Creatinine (kidney function)
  • CT andMRIscans (brain swelling, anatomical abnormalities, or infections)
  • Dopplerultrasound(abnormal blood flow to tissues or abscesses)
  • Encephalogram orEEG(brain damage or abnormal brain wave patterns)8
  • Autoantibody analysis (dementia caused by antibodies that destroy neurons)
  • Review of the person’s medications as some medications (for example, cyclosporine) may be responsible for symptoms

CAN IT BE PREVENTED OR TREATED?

The primary measure of prevention as well as treatment of diabetic encephalopathy is the maintenance of stable blood sugar levels. It also helps to avoid further damage. Follow the prescribed diabetes management plan for preventing the development of diabetic encephalopathy which includes

  • Glucose measurements when appropriate

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  • Take all medications as directed. Try to consume herbal Supplements such as Fenfuro (fenugreek seeds extract) which is patented and clinically proven to manage diabetes.

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  • Do a Quick Body Scan from head to toe after bathing
  • Check your feet every day. Look for cuts, sores, blisters, and ingrown toenails. Don’t forget the places where moisture can hide and germs can grow.

 

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  • High blood sugar causes your body to lose fluid and your skin can get dry. Drink plenty of water and other liquids to help your skin stay supple and healthy.

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  • It’s important to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to help manage your diabetes.

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WHEN TO LOOK FOR MEDICAL HELP?

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You should see a doctor right away if you experience symptoms of encephalopathy. If you are already receiving treatment for brain disease, be aware of the following signs:

  • Severe confusion
  • Severe disorientation
  • Coma

These can be signs of a medical urgency. They may mean that your condition is getting worse.

REFERENCES

 

Categories
blog Cancer

Why do people get cancer?

A major function of the immune system is to recognize foreign objects (viruses, bacteria, parasites, splinters, and anything else that isn’t supposed to be in your body) and destroy them. Immune cells do this by recognizing specific targets on the surface of the item to be destroyed.  Cancer cells are abnormal and may be recognized as ‘foreign’ by immune cells.  Immune cells recognize small molecular ‘flags’ associated with tumor cells  (called tumor specific antigens (TSAs) or tumor associated antigens (TAAs)).  Immune cells can then kill these cancer cells.

Note: An antigen can be defined as anything the immune system can recognize.  It is a general term.  Antigens can be proteins, sugars, lipids, nucleic acids, or hybrid molecules.  Most antigens are proteins.

1If the immune system is able to recognize and kill cancer cells, why do people get cancer? 

It is thought that most cancers are caught very early and eliminated by the immune system.  The cancers that survive have to be able to evade the immune system.  It turns out that there are several ways that cancer cells avoid being recognized and killed.  These include:

  1. Cancer cells form from normal cells. Because cancer arises from a person’s own cells, it’s trickier for the immune system to recognize cancer cells than to identify a truly foreign invader like a virus.
  2. Cancer cells with the most targets on them are most easily killed by the immune system.  This sounds like a good thing, and it can make tumors shrink, but after a while, the cancer cells that are left have less targets on their surface. Those with the least amount of target antigens on their surface have the best chance of surviving, and tend to take over, making the cancer resistant to immune cells.  It is similar to treating a lawn with weed killer.  Any weeds that are resistant will survive and grow. After that, the weed killer will not work anymore.  The immune system accidentally ‘selects’ for cancer cells that it can’t recognize.
  3. Cancer cells can hijack normal control systems to turn the immune system ‘off’ in and around the tumor.  To keep the immune system under control, there are several controls (like ‘on-off’ switches) that work to regulate the activity of immune cells. Some cancer cells are able to flip that switch, turning the immune system off in the area around and in the tumor.  Treatments designed to reverse this are very promising and are described more below.
  4. Cancer cells can evade the immune system by making less of the ‘self’ signals that immune cells use to recognize defective or infected cells.Cancer proteins can be shown to the immune system by being stuck to cellular versions of flagpoles. By taking down the poles, cancer cells prevent this from happening and are able to avoid being recognized and killed.

Refernce:

  • Vinay DS, Ryan EP, Pawelec G, Talib WH, Stagg J, Elkord E, Lichtor T, Decker WK, Whelan RL, Kumara HM, Signori E, Honoki K, Georgakilas AG, Amin A, Helferich WG, Boosani CS, Guha G, Ciriolo MR, Chen S, Mohammed SI, Azmi AS, Keith WN, Bilsland A, Bhakta D, Halicka D, Fujii H, Aquilano K, Ashraf SS, Nowsheen S, Yang X, Choi BK, Kwon BS. Immune evasion in cancer: Mechanistic basis and therapeutic strategies. Semin Cancer Biol. 2015 Mar 25. pii: S1044-579X(15)00019-X [Epub ahead of print] [PUBMED]
  • Seliger B. Strategies of tumor immune evasion. BioDrugs. 2005;19(6):347-54. [PUBMED]
  • Poggi A, Musso A, Dapino I, Zocchi MR. Mechanisms of tumor escape from immune system: role of mesenchymal stromal cells. Immunol Lett. 2014 May-Jun;159(1-2):55-72. Epub 2014 Mar 20. [PUBMED]

 

 

Categories
blog PCOS Women's health

HOW PCOS & CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RELATED?

PCOS (Poly cystic ovary syndrome) is a disease involving the development of multiple cysts in the ovaries. Its global prevalence is increasing day by day due to the development of multiple complications along with it. The complications originated by PCOS involve infertility, hirsutism, skin problems, insulin resistance, cardiovascular health risk, etc.

It is reported that women with PCOS are nearly twice as likely to suffer from atherosclerosis (plaque deposits in the arteries), than women without the syndrome. Atherosclerosis sharply increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

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 REASON FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PCOS

The underlying causes of PCOS in women are:

  • Insulin resistance
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Elevated levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity

REASON FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN PCOS3

Numerous studies have found that PCOS put the sufferers at higher risk of developing future serious, life-threatening health conditions such as coronary heart disease and stroke due to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Hypertension
  • Excessive fat tissue in and around the abdominal area
  • Blood fat disorders (high triglycerides and low HDL)
  • Hyper-androgenism (elevated levels of male hormones)
  • Insulin Resistance

DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF “INSULIN RESISTANCE” IN PCOS

Insulin is produced in the pancreas and released into the circulatory system where it is the key to the absorption of glucose by the cells. If the cells resist insulin, both insulin and glucose build up in the blood. Excess insulin leads to weight gain and high blood pressure. As insulin comes in contact with the interior wall of the arteries, it damages the tissue, causing the initial injury that produces plaque. Therefore, having both insulin resistance and PCOS directly causes negative changes in the blood lipids and overall cardiovascular health.

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This is due to the higher levels of insulin that have been associated with PCOS and are known to increase one’s risk for elevated triglycerides, low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), high cholesterol, blood pressure and atherosclerosis. These conditions can increase the risk for a heart attack and stroke.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE

  • Blood pressure & cholesterol: The first step to reduce the risk of cardiovascular health is to have the blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked routinely and talk to the doctor about the risk factors.5
  • Dietary modification: The most important thing which can be done is to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. This can be done through careful food choices.

Reducing the intake of saturated fat and salt is important. Sources of saturated fat typically include animal products such as red meat, processed poultry and butter. Instead, replace saturated fat with unsaturated sources of fat such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain fiber and phytonutrients, is also helpful. Additionally, including 2 grams each day of plant stanols has been shown to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.6

 

The more body fat that you have and the more you weigh, the more likely you are to develop coronary heart disease. Losing weight and increasing physical activity work together to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. Especially in overweight women, weight loss is a major parameter for treating PCOS along with reducing the risk of cardiovascular health.7

Loss of just 3 to 5% of current body weight can lower triglycerides and glucose levels in the blood, as well as the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 3 to 5% body weight loss also can improve blood pressure readings, lower bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol.

  • Manage stress: 8Hypertension is a major contributor in both PCOS and cardiovascular health risk. Emotionally upsetting event, particularly anger, can serve as a trigger for the heart attack or angina in some people. This can contribute to high blood pressure and thus, cardiovascular health risk. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities such as
  • Visiting a qualified mental healthcare provider
  • Participating in a stress management program
  • Practicing meditation
  • Being physically active
  • Trying relaxation therapy
  • Talking with friends, family, and community or religious support systems

  • Medication:

    Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough to control the blood cholesterol levels.9

For managing cardiovascular health risk

You may need statin medications to control or lower the cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol levels, you can decrease the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

For managing PCOS

  • Combinationestrogen and progestin hormones in birth control pills, vaginal rings, or skin
  • Androgen-loweringspironolactone, which is a  It is often used with estrogen-progestin therapy reducing hair loss, acne and abnormal hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism).
  • Insulin sensitizer drugs for controlling insulin, blood sugar levels and androgen levels.
  • Clomiphene (Clomid,Serophene) (fertility medicines) and gonadotropin injections (LH and FSH).
  • Herbal treatment including clinically proven therapy for PCOS e. fenugreek seed extract – as Furocyst®

REFERENCES

Categories
blog PCOS Women's health

STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME is one of the most common diseases among women of childbearing age and cause of infertility. There are over 5 million affected women in the US and 105 million worldwide who are suffering from PCOS.

Another disease i.e. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS is a chronic progressive disease causing inflammation in the joints. It has been found that PCOS also gives rise to this rheumatoid arthritis in women. Joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) generally develops in old age due to the weakening of immune system of the body. But it has been confirmed by scientific studies that women with PCOS having irregular menses or a truncated menstrual history (e.g., early menopause) have an increased risk of RA.

In reverse, the inflammation originated from rheumatoid arthritis worsens the condition of PCOS because somehow, the chronic low grade inflammation from RA has been linked to insulin resistance. If the insulin levels are higher than they should be, the ovaries start to produce too much testosterone, which makes PCOS even worse.

HOW PCOS AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS LINKED?

The immune system is influenced by signals from the female reproductive hormones. It seems that the levels of hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, as well as changes in these levels can promote autoimmunity. “Autoimmunity” is a condition whereby the immune system (which normally wards off foreign invaders of the body, such as infections) turns and attacks the body’s own tissues, such as skin, joints, liver, lungs, etc. Autoimmune diseases typically feature inflammation of various tissues of the body.

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It is known that hormones play major role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also known that PCOS is that syndrome which involves the imbalance of the reproductive hormones. Disturbance in these hormones such as progesterone & estrogen, gives rise to rheumatoid arthritis.

SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

  • 3.jpgTender, warm, swollen joints
  • Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
  • Fatigue, fever and weight loss

Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the smaller joints first – particularly the joints that attach fingers to the hands and toes to the feet.

As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body.

DIAGNOSIS

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  • Rheumatoid arthritis in PCOS can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Physical examination

During the physical exam, the doctor will check the joints for swelling, redness and warmth. Doctor may also check the reflexes and muscle strength.

  • Blood tests

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or SED rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP), which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies.

  • Imaging tests

Doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in the joints over time. MRI and ultrasound tests can help doctor judge the severity of the disease in body.

 

COMPLICATIONS OF RA

§  Lung disease

§  Heart problems

§  Nerve damage

§  Osteoporosis

§  Eye complications such as dry eye syndrome

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

  • Meal planning5

There are many foods that can help to reduce inflammation originated from RA inside the body. Eating a wide variety of whole foods is the key to reduce inflammation. The plant-based foods rich in vitamins and nutrients that target inflammation include:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Turmeric

Some foods are extremely beneficial to reduce inflammation. Often, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which combat inflammation. Antioxidants are found in very colorful foods, such as berries, and dark and leafy greens, and these help support the immune system. Turmeric Curcumin is also a great source to reduce inflammation.

Eating inflammatory foods should be avoided. Some of these foods include:

  • Deep-fried foods
  • Processed food
  • Red meat
  • Sugary drinks
  • Refined grains, such as those found in white bread
  • Exercise6

Being active is one of the best things you can do for yourself, even if you have rheumatoid arthritis. You just have to know how to work within your limits because too much exercising involving stress on the joints can be harmful.

Fitness as a regular part of the life provides many benefits for PCOS as well as RA patients such as:

  • Less pain fromrheumatoid arthritis.
  • Stronger bones. This is important because RA can thin your bones, especially if you take
  • You’ll move better and have more energy.
  • It’s good for yourheart and all your other muscles.
  • It helps to lose body weight in obese women
  • It helps to control diabetes

Exercises such as low-impact activities, like walking, swimming, bicycling, or using an elliptical machine could be beneficial to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Any of these will get the heart pumping.

Be careful about activities that put a lot of stress on a joint, or are “high-impact,” such as:

  • Jogging, especially on paved roads
  • Heavyweight lifting
  • Balancing hormones7

Maintaining normal levels of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to have a protective effect against both RA and PCOS. The medications given in following section can be effective at balancing hormones.

  • Medication8

Managing inflammation is a key component to living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This chronic condition results in the immune system attacking the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

  • Medications used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include NSAIDs, DMARDs, TNF α-inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, T-cell activation inhibitors, B-cell depleters, JAK inhibitors, immuno suppressants and steroids.
  • The contraceptive pill may be recommended to induce regular periods, or periods may be induced using an intermittent course of progestogen tablets (which are usually given every three to four months, but can be given monthly).
  • A medication called clomifene is usually the first treatment recommended for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. Clomifene encourages the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation).
  • Clinically proven herbal remedy for PCOS including fenugreek seeds extract (Furocyst) can also be prescribed due to its great effectiveness in the PCOS patients.

REFERENCES

Categories
blog Men's health Testosterone

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR IMPROVING ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION!

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) is a common medical disorder which decreases the quality of life in men. Its prevalence is increasing worldwide with estimated 322 million cases by the year 2025.

Risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction which are modifiable include

  • Smoking
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Poor diet
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Metabolic syndrome such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Psychological issues

Medical conditions are a frequent cause of erectile dysfunction. But sometimes, the cause may be related to lifestyle choices. It has been suggested that lifestyle habits have a critical role in reducing the burden of sexual dysfunction.

Both basic and clinical studies have shown that targeting several lifestyle factors commonly associated with ED, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and limited physical activity can have significant effects on improvement of erectile function as well as testosterone levels.

HOW UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE COULD BE A CONTRIBUTOR IN WORSENING ED?

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Lifestyle and nutrition have been recognized as central factors influencing both vascular nitric oxide (NO) production and erectile function. Unhealthy lifestyle is strongly associated with conditions that result in endothelial dysfunction by decreasing the availability of nitric oxide (NO), which is mandatory for the genital blood flow. Changes in lifestyle and nutrition can influence vascular NO production, testosterone levels and thus, erectile function. Therefore, maximal attention should have to be paid on measures known to increase vascular NO production. The promotion of healthy lifestyle would yield great benefits in reducing the burden of sexual dysfunction by increasing vascular NO production.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

As with many other medical diseases, prevention may be the most effective approach to alleviate the consequences of ED. Despite the increasing evidence that unhealthy lifestyles lead to metabolic diseases, including sexual dysfunction, the majority of adults fail to meet physical activity and nutritional guidelines. There are some approaches related to lifestyle changes which have been given below to improve erectile dysfunction:

  • Physical activity    2

How is it effective?

The mechanisms by which physical activity ameliorates ED include improved cardiovascular fitness and endothelial dysfunction, increase in endothelial-derived NO, decrease in oxidative stress and increase in regenerative cells. Moreover, physical exercise showed beneficial effects on self-esteem and mental health, with a positive impact on psychological issues associated with sexual dysfunction.

Recommendation: It is recommended that adults following 30 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic physical activity on most days of the week will benefit greatly from erectile dysfunction. Exercise helps to reduce stress and increase energy levels. It also improves circulation and helps to keep the arteries and heart healthy.

  • Weight loss     3

How is it effective?

Increased abdominal fat and related risk factors are associated with decrease in the availability and activity of NO. The reduced testosterone levels associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome may worsen both insulin resistance and endothelial function, thereby contributing to ED. Body weight loss is associated with decline in estrogen levels and rise in gonadotropins and testosterone (hormones), which increases consecutively with weight loss.

Recommendation: Weight loss of 5%–10% in overweight or obese non-diabetic or diabetic men can result in effective improvement in erectile function in a short period. Regular exercise without any gap can result in effective weight loss and thus, improving erectile dysfunction.

  • Dietary factors     4

How is it effective?

The abundant consumption of vegetables, fruit and whole grain and the dietary patterns rich in these foods produce a markedly lower risk of coronary disease. The beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet on atherosclerosis and ED can be mediated through multiple biological pathways, including the reduction of oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation, amelioration of endothelial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity, which in turn may increase NO release in the penile arteries.

Recommendation: Mediterranean diet has been proposed as a healthy dietary pattern based on the evidence that greater adherence to this diet is associated with lower all-cause and disease-specific survival. Diet rich in fruits & vegetables but devoid of high sugar as well as fat can be effective in improving erectile dysfunction.

  • Smoking     5

How is it a contributor?

Both the direct use of tobacco and second-hand exposure seems to be a risk factor for ED due to the effects of cigarette chemicals on the blood vessels in the penis.

Recommendation: Quitting smoking can improve ED symptoms. If it seems to be difficult to quit smoking, seek help from medical practitioners.

How is it effective?

Alcohol is a depressant and using it heavily can dampen mood, decrease sexual desire and make it difficult for a man to achieve erections while under the influence.

Recommendation: Most experts say moderation is the key. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate drinking, no more than two drinks a day for men, will not give rise to erectile dysfunction.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ED

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Along with lifestyle changes, there are natural remedies available for the treatment of ED. The following are some supplements that have been studied and shown to be safe. They may also be effective in the treatment of ED.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOMS? 8

Erectile dysfunction can be troubling and affect sexual and psychological health. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction symptoms, you should examine your diet, try to work towards a healthy weight and seek the guidance of a doctor before starting any medical or supplement treatment. You should especially see a doctor if you have known heart disease, or other vascular disease (such as in the legs) because ED can be a sign of worsening vascular disease.

REFERENCES

Categories
blog Diabetes Fenfuro Blogs

PATIENT EMPOWERMENT: TAKING CHARGE OF DIABETES

Nowadays, diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is one of the fastest growing chronic diseases in the society. Tight blood glucose control, dietary requirements and intake of regular medication are only few things that a diabetic patient needs to manage in order to prevent long-term complications. Assured continuity of care does not only create many challenges for the patient but also for the treating physician who will need to support the patient’s management strategies.

PATIENT EMPOWERMENT refers to a process that enables and facilitates behavior change. The key to empowerment does not necessarily means better compliance to what the doctor says or prescribes but rather in the opportunity to increase patients’ self-sufficiency to improve their decision-making capabilities.

Research has shown that diabetes education is central to effective self-management behavior, which in the long term can influence clinical and psychological outcomes.

Approaches have now moved from purely educational interventions to those that empower patients based on the assumption that they are managers of their own health. Diabetes education together with patient empowerment has shown to be the key for effective self-management behavior. When delivered through information and communication technologies (ICT), this solution has shown to lead to better health outcomes.

KEY ELEMENTS OF EMPOWERMENT

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  • Diabetes awareness
  • Education & training
  • Support of healthcare providers

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EMPOWERED ACTIVATED PATIENT

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  • He understands his health condition and its effect on his body.
  • He feels able to participate in decision-making with his healthcare professionals.
  • He actively seeks out, evaluates and makes use of information.
  • He feels able to make informed choices about treatment.
  • He is able to challenge and ask questions of the healthcare professionals providing their care.
  • He takes responsibility for his health and actively seeks care only when necessary.
  • He understands the need to make necessary changes to his lifestyle for managing their conditions.

HOW TO EMPOWER PATIENTS?

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  • DIABETES EDUCATION

Diabetes education for the nurses is vital in forming solid knowledge that will equip them to be able to properly educate their patients.

Poor education not only reflects in poor health for the patient but also leads to serious complications and early death imposing a large economic burden on the individual and healthcare systems.

Benefit: This would reduce excess costs for emergency department care and care needed for complications concerning uncontrolled diabetes. A lot of the complications that diabetics face could be prevented easily.

There is a large amount in the community of diabetics that simply do not care about their nutrition or health and are unwilling to make any sort of lifestyle change, those people aside; there is no excuse for the overwhelming amount of complications that some diabetics suffer from due to the lack of knowledge.

A patient with uncontrolled diabetes deals with physical ailments; people with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes often feel ill, experience cognitive dysfunction, have difficulty maintaining their weight at a desired level, and experience fluctuating moods.

Diabetes education can greatly decrease hypoglycemic events in patients with diabetes.

  • SELF MANAGEMENT

5Self-management is seen as a key capability for Patient Empowerment and emphasizes that persons with chronic diseases has the central role in managing their health.

Self-management is what people do to manage their diabetes or other chronic condition and its effects on their physical health, daily activities, social relationships and emotions.

Mindful eating: Mindful eating empowers the patient to make flexible decisions through the challenges of life. Mindful eating is one way to get closer to meeting the true needs and in the process gradually allows a person to live the life more fully.

Putting someone on a diet that says to avoid rice, “sweets”, “anything white” or “everything fried” automatically creates cravings and (even worse) guilt if they finally respond to their cravings. When a person gives into their cravings, the patient takes the wrong way & fails to manage diabetes.

  • INTERNET

6Only the internet allows us to set up an independent global diabetological service. The only thing users would need a computer and access to the internet. This service can serve unlimited number of people in the world along with medical consultation.

The key issue for patients & healthcare professionals is how to deliver personalized behavioral support in ways that are affordable and can reach to maximum number of patients. The internet offers several advantages in this regard because it is available 24 hours a day with very low cost.

Benefits

  • It does not require large investments.
  • It does not imply high fees.
  • It can easily be enriched with new information which immediately becomes available to the target group of users in any location in the world.
  • Help patients to monitor their diet and medicinal doses
  • Help both the patient and doctor to monitor the long term effect of the interventions

We cannot empower patients!

We only can provide a framework (tools, services, etc.) that makes it easier for patients to empower themselves.

REFERENCES

 

Categories
blog Men's health Testosterone

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: QUITTING ALCOHOL IS TOUGH BUT WORTH

UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE factors such as alcohol consumption have major impact on the severity of erectile dysfunction in men. It is long regarded as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Alcohol consumption leads to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty in erectile deficient men. It has been found that 61% of patients dependent on alcohol suffer from sexual dysfunction, the most common being erectile dysfunction followed by reduced sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire are frequently co-exist.

The scientific explanation is that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This causes impotence and other disturbances in sexual dysfunction. Erectile failure in alcoholic men is fairly a routine which is found to be higher in men consuming more than three standard units of alcohol (12 g ethanol) daily and in subjects smoking more than 10 cigarettes/day.

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL-INDUCED ED                      

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction originated from alcohol consumption appeared accordingly with the amount of alcoholic beverage consumed. The chance of developing sexual dysfunction appears to increase with increasing quantity of alcohol consumed.

Higher levels of alcohol intake may result in greater neurotoxic effects. Heavy use of alcohol is also known to alter gonadal hormones (testosterone & follicle-stimulating hormone).

MECHANISM – BY WHICH ALCOHOL CAUSES ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

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In addition to the effect of alcohol on central nervous system receptors (as given above), alcohol also suppresses the release of gonadotropin and anti-diuretic hormone from the pituitary that may be associated with hypogonadism and hypovolemic shock in alcohol abusers. The chronic abuse of alcohol may cause testicular atrophy, inhibition of testosterone production and impairment of spermatogenesis, apart from its direct oxidative toxicity. These effects of alcohol cause erectile dysfunction because it directly affects the production of hormones responsible for erectile mechanism in males.

All this alcoholism effects are found to cause men to suffer from problems achieving and maintaining an erection, because alcohol can also prevent blood vessels in the penis from closing, inhibiting the ability of penis to remain erect. In a healthy, non-alcoholic man, the penis becomes erect when aroused because it fills with blood and the vessels close, preventing back-flow. Chronic consumption of alcohol damages blood vessels which cause problems in the heart and also in the penis.

EXAMINATION

  • Physical examination 2
  • Genitourinary examination
  • Attention to any endocrine (including testicular size and secondary sexual characteristics), neurological or vascular causes as appropriate, especially if indicated by the history.
  • Pulse (including peripheral pulses) and blood pressure. Because ED shares risk factors with CVD, a full cardiovascular assessment should be performed.
  • Rectal examination in patients over the age of 50 years.
  • Psychological counseling involving queries regarding stress, depression or alcohol consumption

  • Laboratory examination  3
  • Fasting glucose
  • HbA1c
  • lipid profile
  • Total testosterone
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and prolactin when low testosterone is detected

MANAGEMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

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When you drink heavily and frequently, your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol and goes through withdrawal if you suddenly stop drinking. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal range from mild to severe, and include:

  • Headache
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Stomach cramps and diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating
  • Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

  • How to quit alcohol?  5

As mentioned here, alcohol consumption is the reason behind the risk of erectile dysfunction. Thus, primary treatment involves the inhibition of alcohol consumption which involves various strategies such as:

  • Avoid the things that trigger your urge to drink
  • Practice saying “no” to alcohol in social situations
  • Remind yourself of your reasons for not drinking
  • Evaluate the costs and benefits of drinking
  • Quit alcohol by diminishing the requirement day by day. Keep a “diary” of your drinking
  • Pick a day or two each week when you will not drink at all
  • When you’re struggling with alcohol cravings, try strategies such as talking to someone you trust, distracting yourself until the urge passes, accepting the urge and ride it out, instead of trying to fight it, etc.
  • Try to have exercise as more as possible and as much scheduled as possible.
  • Prescription for erectile dysfunction   6Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil) improve the relaxation of smooth muscle. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are also contra-indicated in patients in whom vasodilation or sexual activity are inadvisable, and where there is previous history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, hypotension.

Try herbal remedies which are devoid of side effects. These herbal remedies include ginseng, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), L-arginine, fenugreek, etc. Any prescription to be taken for erectile dysfunction should be after consultation with doctor because the dose and schedule of medicine depends upon the severity of the disease which can only be interpreted by the doctor specializing in that particular field.

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REFERENCES

 

 

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blog Diabetes Fenfuro Blogs

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR EYES DURING DIABETES!

DIABETIC EYE DISEASE is a serious condition to be found in the diabetic individuals who face problem in their eyes. This disease has the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness. Diabetic eye disease has no early stage symptoms. There is no pain and vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. It is always shown when the disease starts to spread in the whole eye resulting in blurred vision.

Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of eye conditions including

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Diabetic macular edema (DME)
  • Cataract
  • Glaucoma
  • DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

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As its name shows, this eye disease is related to “diabetes” and “retina”. The high blood sugar affects the tiny blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eyes, causing diabetic retinopathy. It can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or hemorrhage (bleed), distorting vision. Thus, it is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes.

It is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults. Because diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed until vision loss occurs, people with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Who is likely to get diabetic retinopathy?

Anyone suffering with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy. It is estimated that 40-45% of those with diagnosed diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy.

How is it diagnosed?

Eye examination is done to detect diabetic retinopathy. The eyes should be dilated during the exam, which means eye drops are used to enlarge the pupils. This dilation allows the eye care professional to see more of the inside of the eyes to check for signs of the disease.

  • DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA (DME)

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A consequence of diabetic retinopathy, DME is swelling in an area of the retina called the macula. This occurs due to the building-up of fluid called edema in the macula. The macula is very important for the sharp, straight-ahead vision which is important for reading, driving and recognizing faces.

DME is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals with diabetic retinopathy. About half of the people with diabetic retinopathy will develop DME. Although, it is more likely to occur as the diabetic retinopathy worsens, DME can happen at any stage of the disease.

Often, DME is associated with:

  • Diabetes for an extended amount of time
  • Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Fluid retention
  • Hypo-albuminemia (low levels of protein in body fluids)
  • Hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood)

What could be the symptoms for DME?

Common symptoms of DME are blurry vision, floaters, double vision and eventual blindness if it goes untreated.

  • CATARACT 3

Diabetic Cataract is a condition when the eye’s naturally clear lens becomes cloudy. Adults with diabetes are 2-5 times more likely than those without diabetes to develop cataract. Cataract also tends to develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes.

How diabetes contributes in developing cataract?

Light doesn’t pass through the lens as it should and isn’t properly reflected onto the retina (the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye). As a result, vision becomes cloudy, distorted or blurry. 

The eye’s lens gets its nutrients from aqueous humor which is the fluid filling the front portion of the eye. Aqueous humor provides oxygen and glucose as an energy source for the body’s cells. In diabetic condition, sugar levels rise in the aqueous humor and in the lens. High levels of glucose in the lens cause it to swell, affecting clarity of the vision.

The lens also has an enzyme that converts glucose to a substance called sorbitol. When sorbitol collects in the lens, it can affect cells and naturally-occurring proteins, causing the lens to become less clear and more opaque. This condition eventually leads to cataract formation.

  • GLAUCOMA

Diabetic Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve – the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the eye to the brain. Some types of glaucoma are associated with elevated pressure inside the eye. In adults, diabetes nearly doubles the risk of glaucoma.4

How diabetes contributes in developing glaucoma?

Under diabetic condition (high blood glucose), the retina becomes starved of oxygen and starts to develop new blood vessels & stimulus for these newly developed blood vessels. This triggers new blood vessel formation in the ocular anterior segment and interferes with the normal internal drainage system of the eye leading to elevated intraocular pressure, a condition referred to as glaucoma. If the pressure is high or continues for a long time, usually years, the nerve at the back of the eye may become damaged, and eventually the sight may be affected.

What are the symptoms of this eye problem (glaucoma)?

There may be no symptoms of this eye problem at all until the disease is very advanced and there is significant vision loss. In the less common form of this eye problem, symptoms can include headaches, pain in the eye, blurred vision, watering eyes, halos around lights and loss of vision.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

  • Treatment of diabetes: If you are diabetic, you can help prevent or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy by treating diabetes through: 5
  • Taking the prescribed medication for diabetes
  • Sticking to diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Controlling high blood pressure
  • Avoiding alcohol and smoking
  • Treatment of diabetic retinopathy varies depending on the extent of the disease. People with diabetic retinopathy may need laser surgery to seal leaking blood vessels or to inhibit other blood vessels from leaking. Your doctor might need to inject medications into the eye to decrease inflammation or stop the formation of new blood vessels.

People with advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy might need a surgical procedure to remove and replace the gel-like fluid in the back of the eye, called the vitreous. Surgery may also be needed to repair a retinal detachment. This is a separation of the light-receiving lining in the back of the eye.

  • Treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) can be treated with several therapies that may be used alone or in combination. Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the vitreous gel to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can stimulate abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak fluid. Available anti-VEGF drugs include bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating DME.

In focal/grid macular laser surgery, a few to hundreds of small laser burns are made to leaking blood vessels in areas of edema near the center of the macula. Laser burns for DME slow the leakage of fluid, reducing swelling in the retina.

Corticosteroids, either injected or implanted into the eye, may be used alone or in combination with other drugs or laser surgery to treat DME. But DME patients who use corticosteroids should be monitored for increased pressure in the eye and glaucoma.

  • Treatment of glaucoma requires lowering the eye’s pressure by increasing the drainage of aqueous humor or decreasing the production of the fluid. Medications can accomplish both of these goals. The basic treatment for glaucoma in diabetes is eye drops, and the commonest is one of the beta-blocker drops such as betaxalol, teoptic (cartelol), or timolol.
  • Treatment of cataract involves surgery in which the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one.Cataract surgery is generally safe, so the point at which an operation is undertaken depends partly on the individual.

REFERENCES

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blog Cancer Prostate Prostate Health

Know about Prostate Cancer

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in a man’s prostate, the walnut-sized gland just below the bladder that produces some of the fluid in semen. It’s the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm. But some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In the early stages, men may have no symptoms. Later, symptoms can include:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination
  • Weak or interrupted urinary stream
  • Painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
  • Blood in urine or semen

Advanced cancer can cause deep pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

 

Enlarged Prostate or Prostate Cancer?

3The prostate can grow larger as men age, sometimes pressing on the bladder or urethra and causing symptoms similar to prostate cancer. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s not cancer and can be treated if symptoms become bothersome. A third problem that can cause urinary symptoms is prostatitis. This inflammation or infection may also cause a fever and in many cases is treated with medication.

 

Risk Factors You Can’t Control

4Growing older is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer, particularly after age 50. After age 70, studies suggest that most men have some form of prostate cancer, though there may be no outward symptoms. Family history increases a man’s risk: having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk. African-Americans are at high risk and have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world.

 

Risk Factors You Can Control

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Diet seems to play a role in the development of prostate cancer, which is much more common in countries where meat and high-fat dairy are mainstays. The reason for this link is unclear. Dietary fat, particularly animal fat from red meat, may boost male hormone levels. And this may fuel the growth of cancerous prostate cells. A diet too low in fruits and vegetables may also play a role.

 

Myths About Prostate Cancer

6Here are some things that will not cause prostate cancer: Too much sex, a vasectomy, and masturbation. If you have an enlarged prostate (BPH), that does not mean you are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers are still studying whether alcohol use, STDs, or prostatitis play a role in the development of prostate cancer.

 

Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early?

7Screening tests are available to find prostate cancer early, but government guidelines don’t call for routine testing in men at any age. The tests may find cancers that are so slow-growing that medical treatments would offer no benefit. And the treatments themselves can have serious side effects. The American Cancer Society advises men to talk with a doctor about screening tests, beginning at:

  • Age 50 for average-risk men who expect to live at least 10 more years
  • Age 45 for men at high risk; this includes African-Americans and those with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65
  • Age 40 for men with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age

 

Screening: DRE and PSA

8Your doctor may initially do a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel for bumps or hard spots on the prostate. After a discussion with your doctor, a blood test can be used to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by prostate cells. An elevated level may indicate a higher chance that you have cancer, but you can have a high level and still be cancer-free. It is also possible to have a normal PSA and have prostate cancer.

 

PSA Test Results

9A normal PSA level is considered to be under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood, while a PSA above 10 suggests a high risk of cancer. But there are many exceptions:

  • Men can have prostate cancer with a PSA less than 4.
  • A prostate that is inflamed (prostatitis) or enlarged (BPH) can boost PSA levels, yet further testing may show no evidence of cancer.
  • Some BPH drugs can lower PSA levels, despite the presence of prostate cancer, called a false negative.

If either a PSA or DRE test are abnormal, your doctor will order other tests.

 

Prostate Cancer Biopsy

10If a physical exam or PSA test suggests a problem, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. A needle is inserted either through the rectum wall or the skin between the rectum and scrotum. Multiple small tissue samples are removed and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the best way to detect cancer and predict whether it is slow-growing or aggressive.

 

Biopsy and Gleason Score

11A pathologist looks for cell abnormalities and “grades” the tissue sample from 1 to 5. The sum of two Gleason grades is the Gleason score. These scores help determine the chances of the cancer spreading. They range from  2, less aggressive, to 10, a very aggressive cancer. Gleason scores helps guide the type of treatment your doctor will recommend.

 

Prostate Cancer Imaging

12Some men may need additional tests to see if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. These can include ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI scan (seen here). A radionuclide bone scan traces an injection of low-level radioactive material to help detect cancer that has spread to the bone.

In the MRI scan shown here, the tumor is the green, kidney-shaped mass in the center, next to the prostate gland (in pink).

 

Prostate Cancer Staging

13Staging is used to describe how far prostate cancer has spread (metastasized) and to help determine the best treatment.

  • Stage I: Cancer is small and still within the prostate.
  • Stage II: Cancer is more advanced, but still confined to the prostate.
  • Stage III: Cancer has spread to the outer part of the prostate and nearby seminal vesicles.
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes, nearby organs or tissues such as the bladder or rectum, or distant organs such as bones or lungs.

 

Prostate Cancer Survival Rates

14The good news about prostate cancer is that it usually grows slowly. And 9 out of 10 cases are found in the early stages. Overall, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100% for men with disease confined to the prostate or nearby tissues, and many men live much longer. When the disease has spread to distant areas, that figure drops to 28%. But these numbers are based on men diagnosed at least 5 years ago. The outlook may be better for men diagnosed and treated today.

 

Treatment: Watchful Waiting

15With low-risk cancer, one option is to watch and wait. This is determined by your biopsy, PSA test, and Gleason scores. Your doctor will order periodic testing. Other treatments — with the risk of sexual or urinary problems — may not be necessary. Some men who are older or have serious health conditions may not need treatment. However, more aggressive treatment is usually recommended for younger men or those with more aggressive disease.

 

Treatment: Radiation Therapy

16External beam radiation to kill cancer cells can be used as a first treatment or after prostate cancer surgery. It can also help relieve bone pain from the spread of cancer. In brachytherapy, tiny radioactive pellets about the size of a grain of rice are inserted into the prostate. Both methods can impair erectile function. Fatigue, urinary problems, and diarrhea are other possible side effects.

There are some centers that provide proton therapy (a form of radiation therapy) for prostate cancer.

Treatment: Surgery

Removing the prostate, or radical prostatectomy, is used to eliminate the cancer when it is confined to the prostate. New techniques use smaller incisions and seek to avoid damaging nearby nerves. If lymph nodes are also cancerous, prostatectomy may not be the best option. Surgery may impair urinary and sexual function, but both can improve over time.

 

Treatment: Hormone Therapy

17Hormone therapy may shrink or slow the growth of cancer, but unless it is used with another therapy it will not eliminate the cancer. Drugs or hormones block or stop the production of testosterone and other male hormones, called androgens. Side effects can include hot flashes, growth of breast tissue, weight gain, and impotence.

 

Treatment: Chemotherapy

18Chemotherapy kills cancer cells throughout the body, including those outside the prostate, so it is used to treat more advanced cancer and cancer that did not respond to hormone therapy.  Treatment is usually intravenous and is given in cycles lasting 3-6 months. Because the chemotherapy kills other fast-growing cells in the body, you may have hair loss and mouth sores. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

Treatment: Cryotherapy

19Cryotherapy freezes and kills cancerous cells within the prostate (like the highly magnified cells shown here.) It is not as widely used because little is known about its long-term effectiveness. It’s less invasive than surgery, with a shorter recovery time. Because the freezing damages nerves, as many as 80% of men become impotent after cryosurgery. There can be temporary pain and burning sensations in the bladder and bowel.

Treatment: Prostate Cancer Vaccine

20This vaccine is designed to treat, not prevent, prostate cancer by spurring your body’s immune system to attack prostate cancer cells. Immune cells are removed from your blood, activated to fight cancer, and infused back into the blood. Three cycles occur in one month. It’s used for advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy. Mild side effects can occur such as fatigue, nausea, and fever.

 

Hope for Advanced Cancer

21Your doctor will continue to monitor your PSA levels and may perform other tests after treatment for prostate cancer. If it recurs or spreads to other parts of the body, additional treatment may be recommended. Lifestyle choices may matter, too. One study found that prostate cancer survivors who exercised regularly had a lower risk of dying, for example.

 

Coping With Erectile Dysfunction

22Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of prostate cancer treatments. Generally, erectile function improves within two years after surgery. Improvement may be better for younger men than for those over age 70. You also may benefit from ED medications. Other treatments, such as injection therapy and vacuum devices, may help.

 

Food for Health

23A cancer-conscious diet may be the best choice for survivors who want to bolster their health and those hoping to lower their risk. That means:

  • Five or more fruits and veggies a day
  • Whole grains instead of white flour or white rice
  • Limit high-fat meat
  • Limit or eliminate processed meat (hot dogs, cold cuts, bacon)
  • Limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day (if you drink)

Foods high in folate may have some action against prostate cancer (such as spinach, orange juice, lentils). Studies found mixed results on lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes.

 

Source- http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/ss/slideshow-prostate-cancer-overview?ecd=wnl_men_012517&ctr=wnl-men-012517_nsl-ld-stry_1&mb=0Pr4CIOfW73AFmF7R4FSJeHnVev1imbCwl%2fJ9StOSgE%3d

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blog Diabetes Fenfuro Blogs

SPORTS & EXERCISE TO CONTROL BLOOD GLUCOSE

Maintaining the blood glucose levels under required range is always a difficult task for diabetic individuals. It is always under attention for diabetics to know what to do to keep the blood glucose (or sugar) in range, even under the most challenging circumstances.

There are many prevention and treatment strategies to lower the sudden hikes in the blood glucose levels, which are either suggested by the doctor or healthcare professional or practiced by the diabetic individual itself. The initial step taken by any diabetic individual is to increase the physical activity, which is also suggested by doctors. It is reported that physical activity contributes highly in maintaining blood glucose levels in the body.

HOW THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS ARE LINKED?

  • Physical activity can lower the blood glucose for up to 24 hours or more after work out by making the body more sensitive to insulin.
  • Checking the blood glucose levels frequently before and after exercise can help to see the benefits of activity.
  • The results of blood glucose help to see how the body reacts to different activities.
  • Understanding these patterns can help to prevent the blood glucose from going too high or too low.

HOW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACT INSIDE BODY TO LOWER BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS?

Blood glucose levels are increased when either the insulin is not synthesized inside the body or the insulin is not responding to the blood glucose to transfer it to the cells (insulin resistance). Any of the two conditions can develop diabetes.1

During exercise, the demand for fuel increases inside the body and the body responds accordingly.

  • Glucose stored in the muscle is burned very quickly.
  • At about the same time, glucose stored in the liver is released into the bloodstream (like fast fuel injection).
  • Fat is released from special cells called adipocytes. This fat along with glucose makes its way through the bloodstream to the muscles to be used for fuel.
  • Once the fuel reaches the muscle, it must enter through special pathways so that the muscles can use it for energy.

By using the above given pathways, physical activity or exercise maintains blood glucose levels in any of the following ways:

  • Insulin sensitivity: Insulin sensitivity is increased with regular exercise, so the cells are better able to use available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity. This enhanced insulin sensitivity may continue for many hours after the exercise is over, depending on the extent of the activity. The more intense and prolonged the activity, the longer and greater the enhancement in insulin sensitivity.
  • Energy production: When the muscles contract during activity, it stimulates another mechanism that is completely separate of insulin. This mechanism allows the cells to take up glucose and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not.
  • Weight management: Exercise burns calories and builds muscles, which in turn helps the body burn more calories. In people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, having too much body fat inhibits insulin from working (to control blood glucose levels). To reach and maintain a healthy weight, just eating right isn’t enough – people need to exercise.

This is how exercise can help lower blood glucose in the short term. And when the body is active on regular basis, it can also lower the glycosylated hemoglobin.

CAREFUL SELECTION OF EXERCISE

Exercise to lower blood glucose levels should be chosen after complete advice from healthcare professional and after completely studying the pros & cons of that specific exercise.

  • Rise in blood glucose due to exercise: It has been suggested that instead of lowering blood glucose levels, some exercises or physical activities raise the glucose levels too.

Reason: It is not unusual to experience a blood glucose rise at the onset of high-intensity exercise. This is caused by a flow of stress hormones that oppose insulin’s action and cause the liver to dump extra glucose into the bloodstream. The supply of glucose becomes more than the requirement by the body. The muscles cannot burn the glucose as fast as the liver is producing it, resulting in increase in blood glucose levels.

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Exercises, which increase blood glucose levels

  • Weight lifting (particularly when using high weight and low repetitions)
  • Sports that involve intermittent “bursts” of activity like baseball or golf
  • Sprints in events such as running, swimming and rowing
  • Events where performance is being judged, such as gymnastics or figure skating
  • Sports activities in which winning is the primary objective
  • Fall in blood glucose due to exercise: Exercise contributes quite well in maintaining blood glucose in diabetic patients. Sometimes, the blood glucose levels fall more than the required levels. This can be understandable by concentrating the mechanism of lowering blood glucose by exercise.

Reason: The muscle cells have special receptors (called insulin receptors), like doors, that allow glucose to pass from the bloodstream to the muscle. These doors do not open unless they are unlocked by insulin. The good news is that exercise has an insulin-like effect, making insulin work better in the body. During physical activity, the doors swing open easily, allowing more and more glucose to enter the muscle cells to be burned up for energy. The problem is that as you continue to exercise and glucose continues to leave the blood, you may end up with low blood glucose. Thus, the exercise to lower or maintain glucose levels should be chosen after accurate advice from health professional.

Exercises, which maintain blood glucose levels

  • Aerobic exercise: 3Aerobic exercise helps the body to useinsulin  It makes the heart and bones strong, relieves stress, improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering blood glucose and blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

Recommendation: 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week or a total of 150 minutes per week is recommended to maintain blood glucose.

Aerobic exercises include brisk walking, indoor cycling, dancing, low-impact aerobics, swimming, tennis, stair climbing, jogging, hiking, ice-skating, etc.

  • Strength training: 4Strength training (also called resistance training) makes the body more sensitive to insulin and can lower bloodglucose. It helps to maintain and build strong muscles and bones, reducing the risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn – even when your body is at rest.

Recommendation: It is recommended that doing some type of strength training at least 2 times per week in addition to aerobic activity is helpful in maintaining blood glucose levels.

Some of the strength training activities include weight machines, lifting light weights, heavy gardening to keep & build muscles, etc.

  • Light activities: 5If you are sitting for a long time, such as working at a desk or watching TV, do some light activity for 3 minutes or more every half hour to maintain the blood glucose levels.

Light activities include leg lifts or extensions, overhead arm stretches, walking in place, torso twists, side lunges, etc.

Thus, moderate physical activity advised by health professional should be chosen to lower blood glucose levels. If you combine physical activity with a reduced-calorie eating plan, it can lead to even more benefits. The additional benefits may include improved cholesterol levels, less sleep apnea and being able to move around more easily.

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BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE. BE PATIENT. BE DIABETES-FREE.

REFERENCES