1. DIABETES

Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder that occurs due to high blood sugar levels. It is one of the leading causes of death in the world

What are the different types?

Type 1 Diabetes

Occurs due to lack of insulin production. Type 1 diabetes can be caused when the body’s immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. It can be a genetic or environmental factor, the exact cause of which is unknown.

Type 2 Diabetes

Occurs due to insufficient use of insulin. It is caused by many factors including genetic and lifestyle factors, such as:

• Family history
• Overweight
• Age (Chances increase with age)
• Certain medicines
• Pregnancy (Gestational diabetes), etc.
• Excess intake of sugar

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR!

The 3 P’s

• Polyuria Frequent urination
• Polydipsia Feeling very thirsty
• Polyphagia Feeling hungry frequently

Other symptoms may also include unintended weight loss, slow healing of wounds & blurred vision.

Diagnosis: Diabetes can be diagnosed by testing blood glucose levels in fasting and 2 hours after food consumption and other criteria called HbA1C.

Know the Normal!      

Healthy tips for diabetes management

• Manage both the type and quantity of carbohydrates. Limit the amount simple sugars.
• Choose foods with low Glycemic Index (GI) and High Fiber.
• Include foods rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc an antioxidant such as Vitamin C & E.
• Avoid fasting or feasting
• Include small frequent meals such as Fibre rich snacks in between all main meals.
• To avoid the risk of obesity it is important to control the intake of saturated and trans fats.
• Include healthy fats such omega 3 & 6 in your daily diet.
• Engage in light to moderate exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes

2. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.

Heart attacks and strokes are mainly caused by a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the heart or brain.

The most common reason for this is a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the heart or brain. 

Common symptoms of CVD

Often, there are no symptoms of the underlying disease of the blood vessels. A heart attack or stroke may be the first sign of underlying disease.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest; and/or the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back. The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg, most often on one side of the body. 

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Hypertension
• Elevated LDL levels
• Low HDL levels

Non-Modifiable Rish Factors

• Age (older than 45 years for men, 55 years for women)
• Family history
• Heredity

Two important health issues related to CVD are:

1. HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA: Hypercholesterolemia can be defined as the presence of high plasma cholesterol levels.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that our body needs for good health, but in the right amounts. Unhealthy levels of cholesterol can lead to a condition called high blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol in our blood is carried on lipoproteins:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL),also called “bad” cholesterol
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also called “good” cholesterol

Unsaturated fats are good for health as it lowers LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol whereas saturated fats raise both good and bad cholesterol levels thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.