admin

Are patients with heart disease, diabetes or hypertension at increased risk to get coronavirus infection? No, people with hypertension, diabetes or heart diseases are at no greater risk of getting the infection than anyone else. Among people with above diseases, is there an increased risk of severe illness or complications once infected? The majority (80%) of people diagnosed with COVID-19 will have...

Prediabetes is a widespread medical condition affecting a substantial percentage of the adult population worldwide. It is a borderline diabetes condition with frequent high blood sugar levels in the body. Fluctuations in the diet can worsen the condition. Eating healthy during the weekdays and binging on sweets on the weekend can increase the risk of acquiring diabetes type 2. Obesity, sedentary...

Potassium and high blood pressure Potassium regulates the heartbeat and ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves. It is vital for synthesizing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates.  The diet of our ancestors included significant component of potassium but sodium has replaced it in modern diet. Higher use of sodium instead of potassium is one of the key drivers of high blood...

Diabetes is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including its more severe manifestations of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevation of hepatic transaminases i.e., SGOT & SGPT enzymes are associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. To assess the damage  due to the fatty liver disease ,one...

People with diabetes who smoke and people with diabetes exposed to secondhand smoke have a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, premature deaths, microvascular  complications, and worse glycemic control when compared to those who do not smoke. Smoking may have a role in development of type 2 diabetes also. A routine and total assessment of tobacco use is essential to prevent smoking...

Sugar is present in several food products and sometimes  food can be unappetizing if it’s not present. It is added to products like breads, dairy-based foods, salad dressings, and sauces. The sugar is added not just to impart sweetness. It’s also used to extend shelf life and adjust attributes like the texture, body, color, and browning capability of food. You...

Hypoglycemia is a state where blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg percent and is and clearly defined medical emergency . This situation may arise in cases where there has been a long gap of food intake despite taking the medicine or undertaking unaccustomed exercises thereby creating an imbalance between the blood sugar and the level of the oral medicine...

Taking a blood pressure reading is common these days, whether in your home of getting it measured in a clinic. It is important to measure your reading correctly as there can be a difference of as high as 10% based on way of measuring.  This difference can lead to incorrect decisions about your medication plan. There are guidelines on the...

Diabetes is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including its more severe manifestations of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevation of hepatic transaminases i.e., SGOT & SGPT enzymes are associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. To assess the damage  due to the fatty liver disease ,one...

Diabetes is linked to diseases of the exocrine pancreatitis which may disrupt the global architecture  or physiology of Pancreas often resulting in both exocrine and endocrine dysfunction. Up to 1 of 2 patients with diabetes may have some degree of impaired exocrine pancreatic function. People with diabetes are at an approximately two fold higher risk of developing a Acute Pancreatitis. Conversely, pre-diabetes...

Use of non-nutritive sweeteners does not appear to have a significant effect on glycemic management but they can reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake. There is a mixed evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analysis for non-nutritive sweeteners use with regard to weight management, with some finding benefit in weight loss while others are suggested weight gain so it is a...

Diabetes patients are often advised by experts to exercise as this can improve sensitivity toinsulin, and reduce excess fat. Experts believe that this can eventually help in controlling the sugar levels in blood. While exercise is helpful, one has to be cautious before creating an exercise plan if the person has existing diabetes. The exercise plan can be created in...

Diabetes is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including its more severe manifestations of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevation of hepatic transaminases i.e., SGOT & SGPT enzymes are associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. To assess the damage  due to the fatty liver disease ,one...

Moderate alcohol intake does not have major detrimental effect on long-term blood glucose management in diabetic patients. Risks associated with alcohol consumption include hypoglycemia and / or delayed hypoglycemia (particularly for those using insulin or secretagogue therapy i.e., sulfonylureas (brand names: Amaryl, Diamicron, Cyblex, Glimer…..). Also there is a resultant Weight gain, and hyperglycemia as a result of intake of excessive...

Potassium and high blood pressure Potassium regulates the heartbeat and ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves. It is vital for synthesizing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates.  The diet of our ancestors included significant component of potassium but sodium has replaced it in modern diet. Higher use of sodium instead of potassium is one of the key drivers of high blood...

Use of non-nutritive sweeteners does not appear to have a significant effect on glycemic management but they can reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake. There is a mixed evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analysis for non-nutritive sweeteners use with regard to weight management, with some finding benefit in weight loss while others are suggested weight gain so it is a...

Blood sugar charting is an important pillar of diabetes management. Advanced glucometers should be bought like Acu-check instant, which are supposed to be very accurate. The frequency of blood sugar charting is  at least five times a day in majority of patients and a sixth time in some individual in special cases. One should do the charting and in a fasting...

Perform a comprehensive foot evaluation at least annually to identify risk factors for ulcers and amputations. Patients with evidence of sensory loss or prior ulceration or amputation should have their feet inspected at every visit. Obtain a prior history of ulceration, amputation, Charcot foot, angioplasty or vascular surgery, cigarette smoking, retinopathy, and renal diseases Assess current symptoms of neuropathy that is pain,...

Are patients with heart disease, diabetes or hypertension at increased risk to get coronavirus infection? No, people with hypertension, diabetes or heart diseases are at no greater risk of getting the infection than anyone else. Among people with above diseases, is there an increased risk of severe illness or complications once infected? The majority (80%) of people diagnosed with COVID-19 will have...

People with diabetes who smoke and people with diabetes exposed to secondhand smoke have a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, premature deaths, microvascular  complications, and worse glycemic control when compared to those who do not smoke. Smoking may have a role in development of type 2 diabetes also. A routine and total assessment of tobacco use is essential to prevent smoking...