Most people are aware of the fact that a diet that’s too rich in sugar and the lack of physical activity can make them prone to gaining excess weight and developing type 2 diabetes. This ailment occurs when blood sugar levels remain elevated for too long and can be caused by an insufficient production of insulin or by the organism’s inability to use this hormone efficiently for moving glucose from the bloodstream to cells.

People affected by diabetes are at higher risk for high cholesterol and blood pressure and are more likely to develop heart diseases and to suffer a stroke. Also, they’re likely to experience vision problems, to gain weight, to suffer from slow-healing wounds and from fatigue.

However, this ailment doesn’t always get the deserved attention, maybe because in its initial stages the symptoms aren’t that easy to recognize, or because people don’t realize how threatening this condition is and how much it can damage their overall health. Given below are 11 of the most serious effects of diabetes on one’s health and body.

1. Diabetes damages the kidneys and increases the risk of kidney failure. When there’s too much sugar in the bloodstream, the transport of oxygen and nutrients to kidneys is altered, and these organs can’t function properly. Their ability to filter waste products from the blood is impaired, and debris can accumulate, leading to diabetic nephropathy.

This condition doesn’t manifest through specific symptoms in the early stages, but left untreated it can lead to irreversible kidney damage and failure. You may however notice some signs that can tell you that your kidneys aren’t working properly, such as swelling in your feet and legs.

2. Diabetes affects the blood vessels and favors hypertension. When the levels of blood sugar remain elevated for too long, the risk of plaque formation increases, and once the fatty materials accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, blood flow is restricted. The fatty deposits can lead to the hardening of blood vessels walls and to higher than normal blood pressure.

3. Hyperglycemia can harm your nerves and increase the risk of diabetic neuropathy. It is estimated that about 70% of people dealing with this condition are suffering from neuropathy, which can be either peripheral diabetic neuropathy or autonomic neuropathy.

The former affects the hands and toes and leads to pain and the loss of sensation in feet, while the latter affects the nerves that control the internal organs, leading to problems like dizziness, fainting, gastroparesis, sexual problems and urination problems. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy is more common and manifests not only through a decreased sensation in the extremities, but also through cold feet and wounds that heal very slowly.

Due to the decreased sensation and poor blood flow, one may not notice an injury or infection and this increases the risk of developing leg ulcers, and of having a foot amputated.

4. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is common among people affected by this ailment, and people who don’t manage to keep their diabetes under control are twice as likely to suffer a stroke as people who have normal blood sugar levels.

5. People affected by this condition suffer from dry and cracked skin. Like all the other cells in your body, skin cells receive nutrients, water and oxygen through the bloodstream, and when the composition of this fluid is altered by too much sugar, skin problems can occur.

The typical issues diabetes sufferers have to deal with include dry and cracked skin, as well as an increased risk of skin infections and calluses, which can lead to ulcers if left untreated. Boils and infections of the hair follicles are common in diabetes sufferers, and nails tend to be unhealthy as well.

6. Diabetes affects your eyes and increases the risk of retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. Retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the retina become damaged as a result of hyperglycemia. This condition is asymptomatic in the early stages, but can be detected with specific tests, early treatments reducing the risk of further eye damage.

Cataracts occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and leads to distorted vision and increased sensitivity to glare. Glaucoma appears when fluid builds up inside the eyes at higher than normal levels. This creates pressure inside the eye and can lead to irreversible damage.

7. Pregnant women can develop gestational diabetes, and this increases the risk of preeclampsia. Gestational diabetes occurs when the pregnancy hormones interfere with the organism’s ability to process insulin, and sugar remains in the bloodstream for too long. It is estimated that about 4% of pregnant women develop this condition each year.

8. Diabetes affects the health of teeth and increases the risk of gum disease. People suffering from this condition are more likely to have red and swollen gums and to experience frequent bleeding and tooth infections. In the long run, this can lead to tooth loss.

9. People suffering from this ailment are more prone to having high levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. These increase the risk of high blood pressure and obesity, and can contribute to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

10. Diabetes may make one more prone to depression due to its metabolic effect on the brain, and to the variations in blood sugar levels.

11. Diabetes weakens the immune system, making you more prone to illness. People suffering from this condition experience flu and cold episodes more often and are more likely to become sick.

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Insideout

11:34 PM

Go Natural To Prevent Psoriasis

Mayo Clinic defines Psoriasis as a common skin condition that changes the life cycle of skin cells. This chronic disease causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form a thick silvery layer on the skin which sometimes becomes painful.
The body naturally produces new skin cells every month to replace the dead skin cells that sheds or flakes off. However, those who suffer from psoriasis the new skin cells form within days rather than weeks. So these newly formed cells accumulate on the skin surface causing acute discomfort. Psoriasis can happen to anyone and people belonging to the age group of 15-35 years are susceptible to this persistent disease reports National Psoriasis Foundation.




Psoriasis also occurs if your immune system is not functioning properly. A type of white blood cell called T lymphocyte or T cell detects and fights foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria. If you are suffering from psoriasis then the T cells attack the healthy skin cells by mistake as if to fight an infection or heal a wound. Overactive T cells trigger other immune responses which include dilation of blood vessels in the skin surrounding the plaques and a rapid increase of white blood cells that reach the outer layer of the skin. These changes bring about an increased production of healthy skin cells, T cells and other white blood cells. As a result the new skin cells move to the outermost layer of the skin in a matter of days and dead skin cells can’t slough off that quickly. This forms thick scaly patches on the skin.

Researchers say that genes and environmental factors are responsible for the malfunction of T cells in people with psoriasis. Here are some factors that can trigger psoriasis-

• Infections like strep throat and other skin infection.
• Injury to the skin like bug bites and cuts
• Severe sunburn
• Uncontrolled stress
• Cold weather
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Certain medicines like lithium, high blood pressure medicines, anti-malarial drugs and iodides.
• Obesity

The symptoms of psoriasis vary from one person to another, some common symptoms include:

• Red patches of skin with silvery scales
• Children have small scaling spots
• Dry cracked skin that bleeds
• Itching, burning and soreness
• Thick, pitted and ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints
• Psoriasis patches often resemble dandruff like scaling but sometimes severe eruptions covering large areas can occur.

To understand the symptoms better it is important to know about different types of psoriasis-

Plaque Psoriasis: It is the most common form of psoriasis that causes dry, raised, red skin lesions or plaques covered with silvery scales. It can occur anywhere in your body like soft tissues inside your mouth.

Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis can also affect fingernails and toenails. In severe cases the nails can crumble and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). In normal cases the nails become discoloured and pitted.

Scalp Psoriasis: Psoriasis on the scalp resembles red, itchy areas with silvery white scales. The affected areas can extend beyond the hairline. So every time you scratch your scalp you will find the white flakes on your shoulders and hair.

Guttate Psoriasis: This commonly occurs in children and young adults. This type of psoriasis is usually triggered by bacterial infection like strep throat. Water-drop shaped sores appear on the trunk, arms, legs and scalp. These sores are covered with fine scales.

Inverse Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis is triggered by fungal infection and is aggravated by chafing and sweating. Inverse psoriasis affects the skin in the armpits, groin, genitals and area under the breasts. The skin turns red and inflamed.

Pustular Psoriasis: This rare type of psoriasis is marked by pus filled blisters that appear hours after the skin becomes red and tender. Sometimes pustular psoriasis can cause fever, chills, severe itching and diarrhea. The rashes can occur in widespread patches in smaller areas of your hands, fingertips and feet.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis can occur on your entire body and cause red peeling rash that itch or burn severely.

Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of psoriasis can affect any joint and the symptoms can be both mild and severe. Psoriatic arthritis is not as crippling as other form of arthritis but it can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage that may lead to permanent deformity.


If you are suffering from any the symptoms mentioned above it is time to visit your doctor for an examination. Also inform the doctor if you are suffering from discomfort and pain. Also, if performing routine tasks become difficult for example if you are having joint swelling or swiftness. Consult the physician if the appearance of your skin doesn’t look normal.

If you are already scared reading the symptoms remember that psoriasis can be cured and prevented. Doctor or dermatologists often prescribe creams or ointments that include-

• Topical corticosteroids
• Vitamin D Analogues
• Topical Retinoid
• Salicylic Acid
• Moisturizer

Sometimes doctor prescribe light therapy where skin is exposed to ultraviolet light rays under medical supervision to slow down the growth of new skin cells. If the treatments don’t work then the doctor will prescribe medicines to suppress your immune system.

You can also opt for natural remedies to cure psoriasis. However, it is best to consult your doctor before you take them, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have preexisting medical conditions like diabetes. This is because natural remedies sometimes can interact with medications causing adverse reactions. If you are having any side effects report to the doctor and discontinue using the natural product.


Here are some common natural remedies that you use at get relief from discomfort-

Aloe Vera: Gel from the aloe plant can be applied on the skin thrice a day. This will reduce the redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. Use creams that contain 0.5% Aloe Vera.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Applying apple cider vinegar provides relief from scalp itch caused by psoriasis. You can dilute the cider vinegar with water in 1:1 ratio to prevent the burning sensation. However don’t apply apple cider vinegar if your scalp is cracked or bleeding this will worsen the situation. If apple cider vinegar works for you then you will see the results within a few weeks.

Capsaicin: This ingredient in chili peppers makes them hot and if added to ointments it can soothe pain by blocking the nerve endings. Capsaicin can reduce pain, redness, inflammation and scaling caused by psoriasis.

Dead Sea Salts: Adding Dead Sea Salt or Epsom Salt in your warm bath water and soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes can help to remove the scales and reduce the itching. Just apply moisturizer just after bath.

Oats: Applying oat paste on the skin or taking a bath in oats can reduce redness and relieves itchy skin.

Tea Tree Oil: This oil is derived from a plant that is native to Australia. Tea Tree oil has antiseptic properties and is skin-friendly. Applying shampoos containing tea tree oil will help to fight scalp psoriasis.

Turmeric: This herb is known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin present in turmeric can alter the gene expression (TNF cytokine expression). This makes turmeric the first choice in preventing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares. You can have it as a pill or supplement or add turmeric liberally in your food. Ask your naturopath your own turmeric dose.
Oregon grape (Mahonia Aquifolium) – This is a power-packed anti-microbial herb that can control the immune response. This herb belongs to the alkaloid family and applying ointment with 10% Mahonia is very effective in treating both mild and moderate psoriasis.

Fish Oil: Applying fish oil directly on the skin helps to cure psoriasis. Also vitamin D, Evening Primrose oil and Milk Thistle help to relieve the skin irritation. Make sure that these supplements doesn’t interfere with re-existing medical conditions or have harmful side effects.

Olive Oil: Applying olive oil on the affected areas can help to loosen some plaques next time you take a shower.

Other Tips to Control Psoriasis
Here are some additional tips to get cured of psoriasis-


Use Humidifier: Keep the air around your room moist with a humidifier since this will prevent skin dryness. Also sensitive-skin moisturizers help to prevent psoriasis outbreaks.

Apply Soaps without Dyes and Fragrance: Most soap has dyes and fragrances to make you smell great. However, if you are already suffering from psoriasis don’t use these soaps. Instead go for products that are labeled ‘for sensitive skin’.

Diet: Eliminate red meat and fatty foods to manage psoriasis. The National Institute of Psoriasis lists soy beans, nuts, chocolates and cranberries as ‘functional’ foods that can alleviate symptoms caused by psoriasis. Cut down on sugar, foods with gluten, white flour and caffeine to cure the sores.

Keep Skin Hydrated: Apply some thick ointments like Vaseline (petroleum jelly), olive oil and heavy skin creams. However don’t apply a very thick layer in the summer because sweat mixed with the ointment can make psoriasis worse. Pat yourself dry just after bath and apply the cream to seal in the moisture.

Be Careful While Taking Bath: Avoid hot water while taking a bath. Don’t use towel while robbing since chafing can worsen psoriasis. Add bath salts or oats while taking a bath since plain water can cause skin dryness. Take fewer showers in the winter to prevent skin dryness.

Follow Doctor’s Prescriptions: It doesn’t feel great to apply thick creams on the affected areas daily. However, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Expose Your Skin to Sunlight: Ultraviolet rays of the Sun can help to treat psoriasis, so a bit of natural Vitamin D will do no harm. However don’t overexpose since this can cause sunburn. Apply sunscreen on areas that is not affected with psoriasis; make sure it is above SPF 30. Consult your doctor to know how much of sun exposure you need.

Quit Smoking: Smoking makes psoriasis worse so it is best to quit smoking. Also this will reduce other health risks like cardiovascular and lung cancer.

Cut Down on Alcohol: Psoriasis is common in people who drink heavily so restrict your consumption. It is however best to avoid alcohol.

Tend to your Mental Health: This is important in managing psoriasis but it is often overlooked. Talk to a therapist to resolve your problems. Stay stress free.
Medicines that work on someone might not work on others. Find out what suits you best and incorporate that in your daily routine. So stay hydrated, think and look healthy always!


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Insideout

12:35 AM

What are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis?

A person infected with TB is usually symptom free. Once the infection flares into disease the patient has symptoms like-

• Cough for 3-weeks or more. Coughing up of sputum and/or blood.
• Evening rise of temperature 
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Fatigue

If the infection spreads to other organs, the symptoms depend upon the organs involved. 

How can we Diagnose Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis symptoms can be diagnosed using sputum test, Mantoux test, chest X-ray, CT scan and blood tests.

Sputum test -

Microscopic sputum analyses or cultures can find Tb bacteria in the sputum.

Three sputum samples (2 on the spot and 1 overnight collection) are collected and tested. Based on the results the patients are classified as-

• If the sputum is positive then the patient is sputum positive TB patient.
• If the sputum is negative but the Chest X-ray shows features suggestive of active TB then the patient is a sputum negative TB patient.

Mantoux test -

The most common diagnostic test for tuberculosis is a simple skin test called the Mantoux test. This test consists of a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin that is injected into the forearm.

The test results are noted after 48 to 72 hours. A hard, raised red bump at the injection site usually indicates a positive test for TB

Chest X-ray and CT-scan of lungs -

Chest x-rays and computer tomography (CT) scans of the lungs are also used to diagnose TB.

If the immune system traps the tuberculosis bacteria and creates scar tissue, this tissue and the lymph nodes may harden like stone in the calcification process. This results in granuloma i.e. rounded marble-like scars that often appear on X-rays and CT scans.

Blood tests-

Blood tests may also be used to determine whether TB is active or latent (inactive).

Other tests for diagnosing pulmonary TB are-

• Bronchoscopy
• Bronchoalveolar lavage
• MRI of lungs
• Lung biopsy
• Fundoscopy
• Biopsy of the affected tissue (rare)
• Interferon-gamma release blood test such as the QFT-Gold test to test for TB infection
• Thoracentesis

1

Insideout

10:31 PM

How does Tuberculosis Spread?

Tuberculosis infection generally involves the lung tissue and is called pulmonary tuberculosis.

Pulmonary TB can be of two types based on whether the patient produces the TB germs in his sputum or not-

•  Patients who have TB germs in the sputum are called sputum positive pulmonary TB patients.

•  Patients whose sputum is negative are called the sputum negative pulmonary TB patients. 

Generally the sputum positive TB patients are the people who spread the disease in the community. A single infected untreated person can spread the disease to 10-15 individuals in his community.

Tuberculosis is transmitted from an infected person to a susceptible individual through airborne particles known as droplet nuclei. Tuberculosis bacteria are not transmitted by surface contact. This means touching cannot spread tuberculosis unless the bacteria are breathed in.

The infectious droplet nuclei, 1–5 microns in diameter, are tiny water droplets with the bacteria that are released when people with active pulmonary or laryngeal tuberculosis cough, sneeze, laugh, shout, speak etc. The droplet nuclei remain suspended in the air for up to several hours.

Infection with tuberculosis germs does not denote disease. The initial infection might not be associated with any symptoms. The germs are harbored in the body and they lie in the dormant state. 10% of the people who harbor the infection develop the disease in a time span of 60 years.

The chances of developing tuberculosis disease in such an infected person becomes higher when the person’s immunity goes down in conditions such as diabetes, cancer, chronic illness, malnutrition, HIV or treatment with immunosuppressive drugs as in after transplant surgery.

People who are at an increased risk of tuberculosis -

•  Infants
•  Elderly people
•  People with weak immune systems due to AIDS, chemotherapy, diabetes or immunosuppressant medicines.

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Insideout

9:11 PM

ABOUT TB

 Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Generally, tuberculosis affects the lungs (known as pulmonary tuberculosis) but may spread to other organs including the lymph nodes, gastro intestinal tract, genito-urinary tract, brain, coverings of the brain (meninges) or heart (pericardium), bones, joints, skin, eyes or almost any other organ in the body. Only the hair and nails are not affected by TB.

When a person is infected with pulmonary tuberculosis, the bacteria in the lungs multiply and cause pneumonia along with chest pain, hemoptysis and a prolonged cough. The lymph nodes near the heart and lungs become enlarged. As the TB bacteria tries to spread to other parts of the body, the body's immune system often interrupts the process and forms scar tissue or fibrosis around the TB bacteria. This helps fight the infection and prevents the disease from spreading in the body and to other people. If the body's immune system is unable to fight the bacteria the disease returns to an active state with pneumonia and damage to kidneys, bones, and the meninges that line the spinal cord and brain.

Tuberculosis can be classified as latent or active.

Latent tuberculosis is when the bacteria in the body are in an inactive state and the person shows no symptoms. Latent tuberculosis is not contagious.

Active tuberculosis is contagious and can make a person sick.

TB is spread through the air when people with an active pulmonary tuberculosis infection cough, sneeze, shouts or spit.

The treatment can continue for several months and the patient has to take the medicines at the given time regularly for the prescribed duration. If TB medications are not taken as per the healthcare providers recommendations the infection may become much more difficult to treat and sometimes the TB bacteria may become resistant to treatment.

TB is a preventable disease. BCG vaccination is given to people in countries where there is high prevalence of tuberculosis.

Lately the incidence of tuberculosis is increasing due to increased HIV cases and appearance of drug resistant strains of TB.

In 1826 a physician Laennec said this about tuberculosis -
"Whatever the form in which the tuberculous matter develops, it begins as a grey, semi-transparent matter that little by little becomes yellow, opaque, and dense. Then it softens, and slowly acquires liquidity like pus. This pus when expelled through the airways leaves cavities, commonly called ulcers of the lung; that we will designate as tuberculous excavations."

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Insideout

10:12 PM