Diabetic Services
Hypertension
Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is a medical disorder in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too strong. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers: systolic (the higher number) and diastolic (the lower number).
Adults’ normal blood pressure range is normally 120/80 mmHg. When blood pressure continuously exceeds 130/80 mmHg or higher, hypertension is diagnose.
- Lifestyle factors :Unhealthy habits such as a high-sodium, low-potassium diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking can all lead to hypertension.
- Genetics: Having a family history of hypertension increases the likelihood of having the illness.
- Age: As arteries lose flexibility and stiffen, the risk of hypertension rises.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can lead to high blood pressure.
Chronic renal disease: Blood pressure management can be affected by impaired kidney function.
- Stress: Chronic stress may play a role in hypertension.
Hypertension Complications: Hypertension is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” since it may not have obvious symptoms, yet it can have serious health effects if left untreated.
Among the complications are:
heart disease: High blood pressure can cause coronary artery disease, heart failure, and other heart-related issues.
Stroke: High blood pressure raises the risk of stroke by damaging blood arteries in the brain.
Kidney damage: Uncontrolled hypertension can harm and impair the kidneys’ function.
Vision loss: Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in vision issues or even blindness.
Peripheral artery disease: Peripheral artery disease is characterised by the narrowing and hardening of blood arteries in the legs, which can result in impaired circulation and amputation.
Treatment and Management:
Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet low in sodium, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking can help manage hypertension.
Medications: Doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medications to control blood pressure when lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient.
Regular check-ups: Monitoring blood pressure regularly and working closely with a healthcare provider is essential to manage hypertension effectively.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a chronic metabolic illness that affects how your body uses glucose (sugar), the primary source of energy for cells. Diabetes is classified into two types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. There is also a less common kind of diabetes known as gestational diabetes, which arises during pregnancy.
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells, where it can be used for energy.
People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to survive.
The actual aetiology of type 1 diabetes is unknown, however genetic and environmental factors are thought to have a role.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most frequent type, accounting for 90-95% of all diabetes occurrences.
It occurs when the body develops insulin resistance, and the pancreas may not generate enough insulin to overcome this resistance.
Overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, a family history of diabetes, and certain ethnic backgrounds are all risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is frequently manageable with lifestyle modifications such as a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and weight loss, as well as medications if necessary.
Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when the body’s insulin production is insufficient to satisfy the increased insulin needs.
Although it normally cures after childbirth, women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Some common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. However, some people with type 2 diabetes may have mild or no symptoms, and the condition can go undiagnosed for years.
Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases are a class of medical problems that affect the respiratory system, which includes the organs that allow us to breathe. These illnesses can range from mild, self-limiting illnesses to severe, chronic diseases that can have a substantial influence on a person’s quality of life. Here are some examples of common respiratory disease.
Influenza (Flu):- Influenza is a highly contagious viral virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and weariness. While most people recover without difficulties, the flu can be severe or even fatal, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical disorders.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an illness that causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus. Bacteria, viruses, or fungus can all cause it. Fever, cough with mucus or pus, difficulty breathing, and chest pain are all symptoms. Depending on the cause and the individual’s health, pneumonia can be minor or fatal.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary condition): COPD is a progressive lung condition that makes breathing difficult. It encompasses diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritants, particularly tobacco smoke. Chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and frequent respiratory infections are all symptoms.
Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, although it can also have an effect on other organs. Coughing, weight loss, night sweats, and exhaustion are all symptoms. Antibiotics can treat tuberculosis, but drug-resistant strains offer considerable control and treatment issues.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the uncontrollable proliferation of abnormal cells in the lungs. It is frequently associated with smoking, however nonsmokers can acquire lung cancer due to other risk factors such as radon, asbestos, and air pollution. A prolonged cough, chest pain, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss are all possible symptoms.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a serious lung illness that can be caused by infection, trauma, or breathing toxic substances. It causes significant respiratory difficulties, low blood oxygen levels, and organ failure.
ILDs (Interstitial Lung Diseases): ILDs are a set of illnesses characterised by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue (interstitium). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis are two examples. They can lead to progressive respiratory problems and decreased lung function.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops and begins repeatedly during sleep. It can cause daytime weariness, headaches in the morning, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
Treatment for respiratory disorders varies according on the condition and severity. Medication, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, and, in some situations, surgical interventions may be included.
Thyroid
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland found immediately below the Adam’s apple in the front of the neck. It regulates several bodily activities by creating hormones that affect metabolism, energy production, and general body growth and development. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Key functions of the thyroid gland and its hormones include:
Metabolism regulation: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, which controls how the body consumes energy from food. They influence the pace at which calories are burnt and aid in the maintenance of a healthy body weight.
Growth and development: Thyroid hormones are essential for the correct development of the brain and central nervous system, especially in infants and children.
Body temperature regulation: The thyroid gland aids in the maintenance of a normal body temperature.
Heart function: Thyroid hormones have an effect on heart rate and the contraction of the heart muscles.
Muscle control: Thyroid hormones influence muscle strength and coordination.
Digestive function: Thyroid hormones are hormones that assist regulate the rate at which food travels through the digestive tract.
Menstrual cycle regulation: Thyroid hormones can have an effect on menstruation regularity in women.
Thyroid problems:
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to generate enough thyroid hormones. Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation are all common complaints.
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. Weight loss, elevated heart rate, anxiety, heat intolerance, and shaky hands are all possible symptoms.
Goitre: A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland caused by a variety of factors such as iodine shortage, inflammation, or certain thyroid diseases.
Thyroid nodules: Thyroid nodules are irregular growths or lumps in the thyroid gland. While the majority of nodules are benign, some are malignant.
Treatment and diagnosis:
Thyroid diseases are diagnosed using a combination of physical examination, blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, and imaging techniques such as ultrasound or thyroid scans.
Thyroid diseases are treated differently depending on the condition.
Synthetic thyroid hormone replacement drugs are routinely used to treat hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism can be treated with hormone-lowering medicines, radioactive iodine treatment, or, in certain cases, surgery to remove a portion of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid nodules may necessitate further investigation, as well as biopsies or surgical removal in some situations.
Infection Diseases
Infectious diseases, often known as communicable diseases or transmissible diseases, are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms such bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These germs can be passed from person to person, from animal to human, or via contaminated food, drink, or vectors (such as mosquitos, ticks, or other carriers).
Types of Infectious Diseases:
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bacterial pneumonia, are caused by bacteria and can affect numerous regions of the body.
Viral Infections: Infections induced by viruses can result in illnesses such as the common cold, influenza (flu), HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and COVID-19.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections are caused by fungi and can damage the skin, nails, and internal organs. Athlete’s foot and candidiasis (yeast infections) are two examples.
Parasitic Infections: Infections caused by parasites such as protozoa and helminths include malaria, amoebic dysentery, and intestinal worm infections.
Transmission Modes:
Direct Contact: Infections can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual, such as touching, kissing, or sexual contact.
Indirect Contact: Infections can be transmitted indirectly by contacting contaminated objects, surfaces, or food.
Airborne Transmission: Microorganisms can be disseminated through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, and others inhale the droplets.
Vector-Borne Transmission: Some diseases are spread by vectors such as mosquitos (malaria, dengue fever) or ticks (Lyme disease).
Waterborne and Foodborne Transmission: When swallowed, contaminated water and food can cause diseases.
Prevention and Control:
Vaccination: Immunization is a crucial preventive measure against many infectious diseases, and it helps protect individuals and communities from outbreaks.
Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing, maintaining personal hygiene, and proper sanitation can reduce the spread of infections.
Quarantine and Isolation: Isolating infected individuals and quarantining those exposed can help prevent the further spread of certain diseases.
Vector Control: Measures like mosquito nets and insecticides help control vector-borne diseases.
Safe Food and Water: Proper handling, cooking, and storage of food and access to clean drinking water are essential to prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesse.
Treatment:
Infectious disease treatment differs depending on the type of microorganism involved. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections, while antiviral medicines are used to treat viral infections.
Some viral infections are self-limiting, and the immune system of the body clears the virus without the need for treatment.
Antifungal drugs can treat fungal infections, however parasitic infections may require specialist medications to target the parasite.
Global Impact:
Infectious diseases have serious public health consequences around the world, affecting communities, economy, and healthcare systems.
Some infectious diseases have been successfully controlled or eliminated thanks to global initiatives such as vaccination programmes, improved sanitation, and surveillance systems.
Dietitians
Dietitians are medical specialists with extensive knowledge of nutrition and food. They are qualified to evaluate, identify, and treat nutritional issues as well as offer dietary guidance that is catered to a person’s particular requirements. Here are some crucial details concerning dietitians
Expertise: Dietitians operate in a range of environments, such as hospitals, clinics, private practises, community health centres, schools, and food service establishments. They could have areas of expertise in clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, paediatric nutrition, and other related fields.
Role in Healthcare: Dietitians are essential in promoting wellness and managing a variety of medical disorders. They collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide individualised nutrition recommendations for patients.
Dietitians’ principal responsibilities include offering individualised nutrition counselling. They examine a person’s eating patterns, medical history, and lifestyle to develop a personalised meal plan that fulfils their nutritional needs and aids in the achievement of their health objectives.
Public health and education: Dietitians also participate to community education campaigns and public health projects. To spread the word about wholesome eating practises and illness prevention, they could provide conferences, seminars, and materials.
Continuing Education: Dietitians, like many other healthcare professionals, participate in continuing education to keep current on the newest findings and advancements in the field of dietetics and nutrition.
