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Tag: lifestyle changes

  • Why Symptoms of Diabetes are Not Detected Early

    Do you think you have diabetes but are unsure if you should be concerned? If so, you are not alone. diabetes is one of the most commonly occurring chronic conditions, affecting millions. Unfortunately, many of those affected may not be aware of the symptoms of diabetes or their significance. First, let’s find out about the types of diabetes.

    Type 1 diabetes

    Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition wherein the body’s immune system attacks and terminates the pancreatic cells producing insulin.

    Type 2 diabetes

    Type 2 diabetes is an ailment in which the body cannot process and adequately use the insulin produced. This leads to a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream.

    What are the symptoms of early diabetes?

    The most common symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, and unintended weight loss. These symptoms can occur in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, though they may be more pronounced in type 1. Other early symptoms may include:

    • Fatigue

    • Blurred vision

    • Slow healing of wounds

    • Frequent infections

    • Unexplained weight loss

    Other signs of early diabetes

    In addition to the symptoms listed above, some physical signs can indicate the presence of diabetes.

    • Darkened skin in certain areas

    • Numbness or tingling in the feet and hands

    • Itchy skin

    • Dry mouth

    • Excessive thirst

    • Unexplained weight loss

    • Frequent urination

    • Blurred vision

    Why is diabetes not detected early?

    Symptoms of diabetes are often not detected early because the condition often does not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

    It is known as silent diabetes, which arises when high blood sugar levels are present but not yet high enough to display symptoms such as frequent urination, thirst, and fatigue.

    Another reason why diabetes may not be detected early because the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. For example, frequent urination and thirst can be caused by a urinary tract infection, and a lack of sleep or anaemia can cause fatigue.

    Additionally, some people may not be aware of the risk factors for diabetes, such as:

    • Excess body weight

    • Having a family history of the condition

    • Aged above 45 years

    Without knowledge of these risk factors, people may not consider diabetes a possibility when experiencing symptoms.

    To help detect diabetes early, it is essential to be attentive to the risk factors and to plan regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may also suggest testing for diabetes.

    By detecting diabetes early, you can take steps to manage the condition and lower your risk of difficulties such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. This consists of eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

    How to test for diabetes?

    Several tests can detect silent diabetes, which refers to the condition’s early stages when symptoms may not yet be present. Some commonly used tests include:

    • Fasting blood sugar test

    • Haemoglobin A1C test

    • Oral glucose tolerance test

    • Random blood sugar test

    It is essential to be mindful of the risk factors and schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. They may suggest testing for diabetes if they suspect you are at high risk.

    Diabetes is manageable

    Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people around the world.

    It is important to remember that early detection and management of diabetes can significantly improve your chances of successfully managing the condition.

    • Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

    • Follow a healthy diet.

    • Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.

    • Quit smoking.

    • Maintain a healthy weight.

    • Take medication as prescribed.

    • Control stress levels.

    • Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.

    While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are essential, doctors may also prescribe oral medications to help control blood sugar levels. For example, EMPAONE 25MG Tablet/Linares E Tablet is commonly used alongside diet and exercise to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus effectively, supporting better long-term outcomes.

    Following these action points can help control your diabetes and lower your risk of complications. Managing diabetes is a long-term commitment, but you can successfully control the condition and maintain good health with the proper support and resources.

    You can buy all your medicines for diabetes on Medkart, your trusted online pharmacy.

    FAQs

    What is silent diabetes?

    It is a condition where diabetes goes undetected because the condition often does not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It occurs when blood sugar levels are high but not high enough to cause symptoms such as frequent urination, thirst, and fatigue.

    How helpful is early detection of diabetes?

    When diabetes is detected early, individuals can make necessary lifestyle changes and start treatment before serious complications develop. Early treatment can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and other diabetes-related complications.

    Is pre-diabetes reversible?

    Pre-diabetes can sometimes be reversed through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and increased physical activity. These changes can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve overall health.

  • Can Thyroid Disorders Be Managed By Lifestyle Changes?

    Can Thyroid Disorders Be Managed By Lifestyle Changes?

    Thyroid Disorders image

    Thyroid disorders are prevalent across the world. They make up a significant portion of all endocrine conditions. Research says thyroid diseases affect nearly 42 million people in India. The common causes of thyroid-related health conditions are – lifestyle, diet, eating habits, stress, iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases, etc.

    ​Studies suggest that making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising, eating right, and sleeping well, play a crucial role in thyroid management. Although thyroid disorders are often lifelong, you can manage them by modifying your diet and lifestyle alongside medication.

    Read on to learn about the changes you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep thyroid issues at bay. However, before moving on, let us get to know more about the thyroid gland.

    The thyroid gland and its function

    The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. It constitutes a significant part of your endocrine system and produces three vital hormones T3, T4, and calcitonin. These hormones regulate your metabolism and other bodily functions.

    When this gland secretes too little or too high amounts of these hormones and develops inflammation or outgrowths, it may indicate thyroid disorders.

    List of Thyroid disorders

    Some of the most common thyroid-related conditions include the following:

    1. Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland produces less than normal amounts of hormones
    2. Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland releases excess amounts of hormones
    3. Thyroid tumours: Non-cancerous outgrowths on the thyroid gland
    4. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition that damages the thyroid gland leading to hypothyroidism and goitre (enlarged thyroid gland).

    Lifestyle changes to incorporate For Proper Management of thyroid disorders

    Lifestyle changes to manage thyroid disorders

    1. Tame your stress levels.

    Your thyroid works as a team with your adrenal gland (located on the top of your kidneys). When you are stressed, the adrenal gland releases cortisol, a stress hormone. When cortisol level goes up in your blood, it is likely to interfere with thyroid hormone secretion. Thus, to keep thyroid disorders at bay, it is crucial to manage your stress and anxiety levels. Including activities like yoga, meditation, and morning or evening walks can help.

    2. Too much sugar can be bitter on your thyroid gland.

    Excessive sugar intake may cause inflammation in your body, which eventually affects the conversion of T4 to T3. To kick-start your metabolism, your body needs to convert T4, the inactive hormone, to T3, the active one. When you have inflammation, the conversion of T4 to T3 slows down. This worsens the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Therefore, cut down on your sugar intake to ensure a healthy thyroid gland.

    3. A healthy and iodine-rich diet can help maintain your thyroid gland function

    Your thyroid function largely relies on iodine. If your diet does not contain adequate iodine, you may develop hypothyroidism or goitre. Therefore, you need to include iodine-rich foods in your diet. These include dairy products, seaweed, shrimp, tuna, etc. However, if you suffer from hyperthyroidism, you may be prescribed a low-iodine diet. To help you maintain a healthy weight, eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, avoid soy-based foods; vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli; and frozen and processed food.

    4. Physical fitness is the way to good health

    Physical fitness is an important aspect of maintaining your health. So, whether you have a thyroid disorder or not, regular exercise can be beneficial. It helps improve your muscle mass, strength, cardiovascular health, and mood. When it comes to managing symptoms of a thyroid-related condition, cardio exercises are the safest bet. However, make sure to consult your doctor before starting any particular workout regime.

    To sum up

    If you have been diagnosed with thyroid disease, which is a chronic condition, do not worry. You can control your symptoms and lead a healthy and happy life with proper medication and lifestyle changes. Follow a healthy diet, exercise in moderation but regularly, and manage your stress levels with yoga and meditation. Consult your doctor routinely and take your prescribed medicines at the same time each day.

    To order your thyroid medications online, visit Medkart, India’s leading and most trusted online pharmacy that sells generic medicines at competitive prices. Visit their website to Know more about my Medicines and place your orders on the Medkart App.

    Frequently Asked Questions related Thyroid disorders

    1. What foods to steer away from if you have a thyroid disorder?

    If you suffer from hypothyroidism, to manage the health of your thyroid gland, you need to avoid certain food products. These include the following:

    • Cruciferous vegetables
    • Soy-based foods
    • Frozen meats
    • Processed foods

    If you suffer from hyperthyroidism you may have to follow a low-iodine diet and avoid foods like:

    • cheese
    • milk
    • eggs
    • iodized salt
    • saltwater fish

    2. Is drinking alcohol advisable if you have a thyroid disorder?

    Excessive alcohol intake can affect your thyroid function to a great extent. Therefore, it is wise to avoid it and drink occasionally in moderation if you have to.

    3. Which gland produces the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)?

    Your pituitary gland produces the TSH. As the name suggests, it stimulates your thyroid gland to secrete T4 and T3 hormones.