Knowledge Is Power

Antibiotic Resistance

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 23:01:00 +0000

What is an antibiotic?

Antibiotic – drug used to prevent and treat bacterial infections.

How do antibiotics work?

–Bactericidal (kill bacteria)

–Bacteriostatic (prevent bacteria from multiplying)

What is meant by antibiotic resistance?

− this occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics used to combat infection. The bacteria survive and continue to multiply, worsening the course of infection.

According to CDC:

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic. It is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems as antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread to close contacts and threaten the community. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are often more difficult to kill and more expensive to treat. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Repeated use of antibiotics kill sensitive bacteria but allow resistant bacteria to multiply resulting in an increase in the number of drug-resistant bacteria.

Bacteria can become resistant through several ways:

–Neutralize an antibiotic by changing it in a way that makes it harmless
–Learn how to pump the antibiotic back outside of it before it can do any harm
–Change their outer structure so the antibiotic has no way to attach to the bacteria it is designed to kill

If even one bacterium becomes resistant to antibiotics, it can multiply and replace all the bacteria that were killed. Bacteria may also become resistant through mutation of their genetic material.

There are 4 core actions outlined by CDC with regards to fighting the spread of antibiotic resistance:
1. Preventing infections from occurring and preventing resistant bacteria from spreading
2. Tracking resistant bacteria
3. Improving the use of antibiotics
4. Promoting the development of new antibiotics and new diagnostic tests for resistant bacteria

According to WHO:

Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is accelerating the process. A growing number of infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and gonorrhoea are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective. This leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality (i.e death). The world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics. Even if new medicines are developed, without behaviour change, antibiotic resistance will remain a major threat. Behaviour changes must also include actions to reduce the spread of infections through vaccination, hand washing, practising safer sex, and good food hygiene.

Antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. Where antibiotics can be bought for human or animal use without prescription, the emergence and spread of resistance is made worse. Without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill. When infections can no longer be treated by first-line antibiotics, more expensive medicines must be used. A longer duration of illness and treatment, often in hospitals, increases healthcare costs as well as the economic burden on families and societies.

UPDATE:

No Evidence Stopping Antibiotics Early Increases Resistance...

According to a recently published article, no longer should patients be advised to complete the course of antibiotics as this is not backed by evidence. It is important to reduce antibiotic use to avoid an increase in antibiotic resistance. Goes against WHO recommendation of using antibiotics as prescribed. There is no evidence that stopping antibiotics early encourages antibiotic resistance. Using antibiotics longer than necessary increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Targeted selection

–It is known that certain microorganisms causing infections can replicate in such a way that antibiotic-resistant mutations can occur if an inadequate dose of antibiotics are given or only one antibiotic is used.

–This occurs with infections such as gonorrhoea, tuberculosis and malaria.

However, most bacteria do not develop resistance through targeted selection. Instead antibiotics affect harmless bodily flora, allowing opportunistic, resistant strains to replace them. This is called collateral selection. It is argued that the longer the opportunistic strains are exposed to antibiotics the greater the likelihood for resistance.

It is understood that with some infections, such as otitis media, a shorter duration of treatment may not be as effective. Also there is a lower risk for further or resistant infection in some patients with pneumonia on shorter courses of treatment. Clinical trials are required to determine the recommended duration of antibiotic treatment. No clinical trials have found increased resistance with use of shorter course of antibiotics. Now recommended to disregard WHO’s advice and advise patients to stop treatment when they feel better.

Take home message...less is more.

(Please note that this blog post is not intended for you to go against any medical advice given. It merely is meant to educate you with some information recently published.)

Diet, Exercise & Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 19:22:00 +0000

We put on weight when the amount of calories we eat exceeds the amount of calories we burn through normal day-to-day activities and exercise. Most adults need to eat less and get more active. The only way to lose weight healthily and keep it off is to make permanent changes to the way you eat and exercise. A few small changes, such as eating less and choosing drinks that are lower in fat, sugar and alcohol, can help you lose weight dramatically. Poor eating habits such as frequent consumption of fast food and large volumes of sweetened beverages, eating large portions, skipping breakfast, eating high-fat snacks or other foods high in energy density, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and irregular meal frequency and snacking patterns can lead to an increase in weight.

There are several types of diets out there. The top 5 diets recommended by most nutritionists are:
1. Weight watchers - offers two diet plans: The Points Plan: In the points plan, foods are assigned a certain number of points based on the food's calorie, total fat, and dietary fiber content. Participants are allowed to eat any foods they choose and are allotted a certain number of points each day.

2. The South Beach diet – the aim of this plan is to limit carbs in favour of foods higher in protein and fat. It is broken down into three phases. The first phase involves cutting out all starches, sugary foods and alcohol. The second phase involves adding whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and also focuses on healthy snacking. The third and final phase is the final maintenance phase after achieving your weight goal and consists of smarter eating choices that have been developed along the way.

3. The Zone diet - involves dividing a plate into 3 equal sections, filling two-thirds with non-starchy carbs and the remaining third with low fat protein no bigger/thicker than the palm of your hand.

4. The DASH diet - this stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and consists of a diet which cuts down on sodium intake and includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats.

5. The Mediterranean diet - each meal includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, beans, nuts, legumes, seeds, herbs and spices. Fish is recommended twice a week. Poultry, egg, cheese and yogurt can be daily or weekly staples. Other meats and sweets are eaten only occasionally.

Exercise:

150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise is generally recommended which should be
divided into 30 minutes of exercise 5 days per week. In order to lose weight, the duration
and/or intensity of exercise should be increased.

Weight Loss:

A 5-15% weight loss (or 0.5-1 kg per wk) is generally recommended over a 6 month
period. A greater (20% or more) weight loss may be considered for those with greater
degrees of obesity (body mass index ⩾ 35 kg/m²).

Weight lost goals should always be individualized and aimed at long term results.

Of note, diet is superior to exercise with respect to weight loss. However, exercise is
superior to diet in maintaining weight loss. Diet and exercise in combination are superior
to diet or exercise alone.

I'm back...:-)

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 15:14:00 +0000

Good day everyone,

I'm back finally and ready to see what more info I can add to the blog and I will try to update my previous posts as I go along. I'm currently working as a general practitioner soon to be officially working as a family physician.

I love and have chosen family medicine because it focuses on the patient as a whole and places more emphasis on how different aspects/determinants of health can contribute to what is considered an 'illness experience'. I've learnt a lot with regards to interacting with patients and coming up with the best diagnosis using my consultation skills, first and foremost, and my examination skills.

I'm still of the belief that knowledge is power and I intend to share it...

Nicole.

Greetings!

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Greetings and a happy new year to you all...

It's been a long while since I've made a post. I've been relatively busy as my journey to becoming a qualified doctor continues. I truly believe that anything you put your mind to, you can do. It just takes a lot of effort and strong will to make it happen. I'm grateful to be where I'm at and I thank God for all he is doing in my life and continues to do...

I would like to extend my appreciation to all my readers and I hope that in the near future I will be able to add a multitude of topics that may cover the topic areas that persons would like to be more familiar with. I'll try not to go too in depth and detail with the topics and try to keep the info relatively concise.

All the best for the new year...
Nicole.

~ Greetings ~

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Greetings everyone,

I've finally finished my second year of study and I'm awaiting the next academic year. I got my highest mark in the course 'Muscles, Bones & Joints'.

As usual, I'm trying to keep myself busy and trying to learn what I can. I'm currently assisting in a medical lab. I like it here and I'm lucky enough to be given the chance to perform some medical tests without supervision...guess I'm doing a good job :). I'm spending most of my time in the Haematology department, where tests like Full Blood Count (FBC/CBC), Blood grouping, etc are done. Today I got a chance to view some blood taking and interact with patients. I enjoy listening to what patients have to say. I'm going to practice using the needle and syringe and get a chance to do some blood taking using my work colleagues. I'm excited.

As always, I'll try to make some new posts before my summer vacation is over and then I'm back to studying in September.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and may God continue to bless each and everyone of you despite the circumstances you may face. Stay faithful.

Nicole.

So Sorry

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:46:00 +0000

I'm disturbed that I don't really have the time to post anything new at the time. This summer I will start back posting.

I'm currently studying all the muscles, bones and joints of the body. This is the last bodily system I have to study. I also have end of year exams coming up so I'm trying to study a little each day. I'm awaiting results for my last course (Endocrine & Reproduction).

Have a wonderful day and God bless you all.

Thanks for understanding...
Nicole.

Home Sweet Home For The Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:20:00 +0000

I've been home for almost 2 weeks now but I didn't really get a chance to check up on my blog. I've been to two christmas parties, shopping and spending time with my significant other. I really love the christmas season and I hope all of you enjoy it as well.

Before I return to med school, I'll try to make some posts. I think my next post will be peripheral artery disease, depending on what I decide.

Once again, Merry Christmas and God's richest blessings!
Nicole.

Still Here...

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:54:00 +0000

Hi readers,

So sorry that it has been so long since I last posted. My laptop stopped working about 2 weeks ago and I just got an Acer. I love it so far. Compared to my other laptop that was just a year, I think it's a great improvement. I was pretty unhappy that my 1yr old laptop was giving so much trouble. I guess Compaq is really not a good brand for laptops.

Anyways, I'm currently into my neurosciences and behaviour course. It's suppose to be very interesting but so far I don't think it is that interesting to study but I guess it's not that bad. The brain is quite interesting. I'm still awaiting my mark from my last course (Respiration). I have about 5 weeks and it's back home. Yay!

Have a wonderful day and God bless!
Nicole.

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:26:00 +0000

Hi all readers,

Unfortunately I won't be able to post anytime soon. Medical school is time-consuming and I hardly have free time. I try to stay on top of my work so that I learn as much as I could since it's alot of information to grasp. So far, my class schedule doesn't seem too full but I need as much time to keep up with the information taught and possibly read ahead when I could.

At the moment I'm studing respiration which is known to be the hardest course here for some reason. The course is for 5 weeks and then I have two exams (practical & written). I'll continue to keep in touch. I appreciate all the feedback I receive through linkreferral and otherwise and I will continue to work on my posts, etc to better serve those interested. Thank you for your support! May God continue to bless each and every one of you and keep you in good health.

Nicole.

Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:03:00 +0000

Good day all,

I haven't posted for days because I've been busy dancing, working and playing housewife (just kidding) and I'm now preparing to go back to school. It has been a long and very rewarding vacation and it has been one of the best I've had yet. The next topic I'll be posting on is peripheral artery disease. If you have any suggestions on any topic you'd like me research and summarize feel free to leave me a comment.

Do enjoy your day!

Nicole.

Coronary Artery Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:10:00 +0000

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease and ischemic heart disease, is a special type of atherosclerosis that occurs in the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries, which supply most of the tissues of the heart, become narrowed with plaque and this can lead to blood clot formation (thrombosis). Blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow. Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can cause angina (chest pain or discomfort usually relieved by rest) or a heart attack (myocardial infarction). It is also possible to develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue on exertion due to a reduced blood flow to the rest of the body secondary to reduced flow to the heart muscle. Ultimately, coronary artery disease may weaken the heart muscle extensively, as it is deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, and furthermore lead to heart failure and arrhythmias (abnormalities in the rhythm or speed of the heartbeat).

Causes and Associated Risk Factors
Coronary artery disease usually begins with any damage to the inner layer of a coronary artery that may lead to the accumulation of plaque. This can start as early as childhood at times. The initial insult to the inner lining of the coronary artery may be as a result of:
· Diabetes
· High blood pressure
· High cholesterol
· Radiation therapy to the chest, which may be used for certain types of cancers
· Smoking
Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:
· Age - the older you are, the greater the risk.
· Diabetes - high blood sugar can encourage plaque formation.
· Gender - males are more susceptible but the risk for post-menopausal women is high.
· Family history - a family history of heart disease is associated with a higher risk for developing CAD, especially if the parent developed it at an early age.
· High cholesterol levels - this increases the risk for plaque formation and eventually atherosclerosis.
· High blood pressure - this can lead to the hardening and thickening of the arteries, eventually narrowing the space through which blood flows.
· High stress - unrelieved stress can cause damage to arteries as well as worsen other risk factors for CAD such as high blood pressure.
· Obesity - excess weight can worsen other factors such as high cholesterol levels and diabetes.
· Physical inactivity - lack of exercise can contribute to the development of CAD and may be associated with some of the other risk factors, for instance obesity.

Research is also being done on these possible risk factors:
1. C-reactive protein - produced by the liver in response to injury or infection. It plays a central role in atherosclerosis.
2. Fibrinogen - a protein present in the blood which is activated in response to injury or inflammation and plays an important role in blood clotting.
3. Homocysteine - an amino acid (basic unit of proteins) used to make certain proteins and to build and maintain tissue. Excessive levels of this amino acid may increase the risk of CAD and other cardiovascular diseases.
4. Apoprotein A - a structural component of high density lipoprotein (HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol). It may disrupt the body’s ability to dissolve blood clots. High levels of apoprotein A may be associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, including CAD and heart attack.

Diagnosis
One or more of the following diagnostic tests may be performed to determine whether coronary artery disease is evident:
· Blood tests - check the levels of certain fats, cholesterol, sugar and proteins in the blood.
· Cardiac catheterization - a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel in the arm, groin (upper thigh) or neck and directed towards the coronary arteries. This is used with coronary angiography.
· Chest X-ray – gives a picture of the organs and structures inside the area of the chest.
· Coronary angiography – uses dye and special x-rays to show the insides of the coronary arteries.
· Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) - measures the electrical activity of the whole heart. Certain patterns may suggest CAD is likely. Other signs such as a previous heart attack may also be detected.
· Echocardiography - uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart and can identify areas of poor blood flow to the heart, whether the heart muscle isn’t contracting properly and there was previous injury to the heart caused by poor blood flow.
· Electron-Beam Computed Tomography (EBCT) – finds and measures calcium deposits in and around the coronary arteries. This test is not routinely done to diagnose coronary artery disease because of uncertainty or its accuracy.
· Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) – uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to check for areas of narrowing or blockages. The details are not as clear as those from coronary catheterization.

Treatment
Medical treatment for coronary artery disease may consist of medicines and medical procedures. Lifestyle changes are also very important for the treatment process. Treatment seeks to:
· Lower the risk of blood clot formation.
· Reduce any risk factors in order to delay, stop or reverse the progression of plaque build-up.
· Relieve any related symptoms.
· Prevent complications associated with CAD.
· Widen or bypass clogged arteries.

Medicines may be prescribed to:
· Decrease the workload on the heart
· Decrease the possibility of having a heart attack or sudden death
· Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure
· Prevent blood-clotting
· Prevent the need for medical procedures to treat CAD.
Drugs/medicines used to treat CAD include:
· Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors – decrease blood pressure and may help prevent CAD progression.
· Aspirin – can reduce the blood’s tendency to clot but should not be taken if you have a bleeding disorder orypu’re already taking another blood thinner.
· Beta-blockers – slow heart rate and decrease blood pressure while decreasing the heart’s oxygen demand
· Calcium channel blockers – relax the heart muscle that may surround coronary arteries and encourage the vessels to open, increasing blood flow to the heart. They may also control high blood pressure.
· Cholesterol-modifying medications – lower the amount of ‘bad’ cholesterol in order to decrease the primary material involved in the accumulation of deposits in the coronary arteries. For example: statins, niacin, fibrates and bile acid sequestrants.
· Nitroglycerin – can control chest pain and pressure by dilating (opening up) the coronary arteries and reducing the heart’s demand for blood.

The following medical procedures are usually opted for to treat severe forms of CAD:
· Angioplasty and stent placement – a long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the narrowed part of the affected artery. A wire with a deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the narrowed area. The balloon is then inflated, compressing the deposits against the artery walls. A stent may be left in the artery to keep it open. Some stents release medication slowly to keep the artery open.
· Coronary artery bypass surgery – a graft is created to bypass (make an alternate pathway) coronary arteries using a vessel from another part of the body, e.g. a segment of the great sephenous vein of the lower limb, which does not possess valves to control blood flow. This allows blood to flow around the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This procedure is usually only done when there are multiple narrowed coronary arteries, since open-heart surgery is required.

Heart Failure

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Heart failure doesn’t suggest that the heart has completely stopped or is in the process of stopping but indicates the inefficiency of the cardiovascular system to function properly. This means that, for some reason, the pumping action of the heart is limited in such a way that sufficient blood is not being pumped or any part of the heart (heart chamber) does not fill with an adequate amount of blood to be pumped elsewhere and as a result fluid congestion manifests. Fluid congestion, simply, refers to the excess fluid that develops due to the compensatory response of the body. This fluid collects as it fails to flow to where it is needed. This fluid congestion may result from the actions of the kidney, in response to reduced blood flow, by fluid retention, which causes an increase in blood volume. Consequently, excess fluid enters the lungs and other parts of the body and swelling occurs. It is important to note that heart failure is not the only reason swelling can occur in certain parts of the body.

Heart failure is a progressive disorder in which the body tries to overcome any serious change in the circulatory system (the cycle that transports blood from the heart to bodily tissues and back to the heart) that prevents the heart from functioning as it should. As the condition worsens, the heart’s capability to do its job lessens and many circulatory problems may surface. With treatment, this condition can be controlled and cured. However, if heart failure is not diagnosed and continues to progress, years of survival are reduced with time. The incidence of heart failure increases as you get older.

Heart Failure Classifications/Terms
Depending on the location of the insult affecting the heart or the way in which the heart functions as a result of heart failure, heart failure can be classified in the following terminology:

§ Right Heart Failure – the inability of the right side of the heart, which receives deoxygenated (low oxygen content) blood from the veins of the body, to adequately pump the venous blood towards the lungs, which plays a role in the pulmonary circulatory system.

§ Left Heart Failure – the inability of the left side of the heart to pump oxygenated blood received from the pulmonary circulation (lungs) to the other parts of the body (systemic circulation).

As a result of left and right heart failures, these heart failures can be further classified into:
§ Backward Heart Failure – the heart is able to pump blood efficiently ONLY when filling pressure of the heart is abnormally high (in other words, only when a chamber of the heart is filled with a greater amount of blood than usual).

§ Congestive Heart Failure – fluid collects in the lungs or body due to inadequate pumping from the heart and high heart filling and venous pressures.

§ Forward Heart Failure – the inability of the heart to pump blood sufficiently to meet the oxygen demands of the body at exercise or at rest.

Signs & Symptoms
With respect to the effect of heart failure on the body, certain signs and symptoms may be acquired. The most common signs and symptoms of heart failure are shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea), fatigue (tiredness), and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and sometimes the veins in the neck. Fluid congestion can cause shortness of breath and oedema (swelling as a result of pooling of fluid into certain parts of the body). Reduced blood flow to the bodily tissues can cause difficulty exercising, fatigue and dizziness (due to low blood pressure). Other signs and symptoms are angina, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss.

Causes and Risk Factors
Conditions which damage the heart muscle (myocardium) or make it work too hard to pump sufficient blood to where it is needed can cause heart failure. The heart then weakens with the continued stress it endures. Certain proteins and other substances may be released into the blood.

The major causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension). Some other causes of heart failure include, but are not limited to: arrhythmias (irregular heart beats), heart defects present at birth (congenital heart defects), heart muscle diseases (e.g. cardiomyopathy), heart valve disorders (e.g. valvular heart disease). Alcohol abuse, cocaine and other illegal drug use, HIV/AIDS, intake of too much vitamin E, thyroid disorders, and treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy may damage the heart muscle and lead to heart failure. Conditions such as lung impairment, anemia, kidney impairment and pericardial disease (very rare) can surface heart failure symptoms.

Some risk factors for heart failure are having a family history of heart failure, being obese, having a large salt intake in diet, consuming large amounts of alcohol or abusing drugs and having sustained rapid heart rhythms.

Diagnosis
Based on medical and family histories, a physical examination, and tests, a heart failure diagnosis can be made. The symptoms of heart failure are also common in other conditions and so the doctor will seek to: (i) discover any damage to the heart and determine how well the heart pumps blood, (ii) find out whether there is an underlying disease causing heart failure symptoms, (iii) rule out any other causes of heart failure symptoms.

In the physical exam, the doctor will look for swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and the veins in the neck, and listen to the lungs for sounds that aren’t normal and for sounds of excess fluid build-up.

For testing, initially the doctor may order for an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), a chest xray and a BNP blood test to be done. If you are referred to a cardiologist, other tests may be ordered such as a Doppler test, which measures the speed and direction of blood flow, a nuclear heart scan to give an indication of how well blood is passing through the heart and how much blood is reaching the heart muscle, a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows the structures and beating of the heart and can help the doctor determine if the heart has been damaged, and thyroid function tests.

Treatment
Treatment for heart failure depends on the type of heart failure presented and how severe it is (stage of heart failure). Generally, treatment seeks to:
o Deal with the underlying cause of the type of heart failure, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), high blood pressure or diabetes.
o Reduce symptoms.
o Stop heart failure from worsening.
o Increase survival years (lifespan) and improve quality of life.

Treatment will also include lifestyle changes, medicines and ongoing care. If you or your loved one have/has a severe heart failure, surgery may be necessary and other medical procedures.

In depth, heart failure therapy pays particular attention to three things: (1) the reduction of the loading condition on the heart as the heart muscle relaxes to be filled with blood (preload), (2) the reduction of the load against which the ventricle of the heart must contract when it ejects blood into the arteries (afterload), and the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and vasoconstrictor factors produced by the sympathetic nervous system in patients with heart failure. The RAAS involves actions of the kidney and a few other bodily tissues which work together to increase blood volume in an attempt to maintain an adequate amount of blood flow to bodily tissues. Vasoconstrictor factors refer to those hormones which cause constriction of blood vessels. The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the nervous system which responds to ‘life or death’ or ‘flight or fright’ situations. This system is responsible for the ‘adrenaline rush’.

A number of medications can be used to accomplish heart failure therapy, for example nitroglycerine (for preload reduction), loop diuretics such as furosemide, vasodilators which reduce both preload and afterload, digoxin which can aid the heart in contractility, sympathomimetic agents like dopamine and adrenaline, beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as metoprolol and carvedilol.

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Myocardial Infarction is a vascular (relating to blood vessels) disease of the heart characterized by changes to the myocardium (heart muscle) due to inadequate or interrupted blood flow to the heart muscle. It is most commonly caused by coronary insufficiency resulting from atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. In this event, a coronary artery may become blocked by a blood clot. Blockage of the coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen causing injury to the heart muscle. From then on, the heart muscle dies unless the coronary artery is unblocked or the dying heart muscle receives blood and oxygen from elsewhere by surgical intervention. Chest pain and chest pressure sensation are usually felt at the onset of injury to the heart muscle. If blood flow to the heart muscle is not restored within up to about 40 minutes, the heart muscle irreversibly dies until completely dead and scar tissue replaces the dead heart muscle.

Coronary arteries are the blood vessels responsible for taking blood to all the tissues of the heart, excluding certain layers of the pericardium (protective sac that encloses the heart and functions to prevent the sudden overfilling of the heart). They originate from the aorta, which is the major artery that receives oxygenated blood from the heart and allows the blood to flow to all parts of the body, and are commonly two in number (right and left). The branches of the coronary arteries are referred to as ‘end arteries’ because the area in which they are distributed is not supplied by any other branch of another large artery. In this way, the death of tissue of a particular area of the heart muscle can be appreciated more. When a branch of a coronary artery is blocked, loss of blood supply to the area results in dead tissue in a matter of hours. The most common site of atherosclerosis, leading to a heart attack, is the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery, which supplies the left and middle aspects of the heart in front.

Causes

The most common cause of myocardial infarction is the narrowing of blood vessels of the heart due to atheromatous (referring to atherosclerosis) plaques. Plaque rupture can result in a blood clot and further blockage of the coronary arteries, along with varying degrees of vasospasm (narrowing of the artery).

Besides atherosclerotic causes, the inflammation of the coronary arteries, a stab wound to the heart, a blood clot forming elsewhere in the body (for instance, in a heart chamber), cocaine abuse which can cause spasms of the coronary arteries, use of amphetamines, complications from heart surgery, coronary artery vasospasm, chest trauma and some other rare heart problems may cause the onset of a heart attack.

Risk Factors

Similar to other cardiovascular diseases, the risk factors for myocardial infarction are smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol level, lack of exercise, obesity, a poor diet and excess alcohol intake. Having diabetes can also contribute to its occurrence. Ethnicity, gender (being male), and having a family history of heart disease or a stroke that occurred in a father or brother aged below 55 or in a mother or sister below 65.

Diagnosis

ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) or heart tracing, which measures the electrical activity of the whole heart, is used to point out changes to the normal pattern of a heart tracing, indicating the occurrence of a heart attack. Among the abnormal patterns for myocardial infarction are ‘pathological Q waves’, ST elevation (when the infarction spans the entire thickness of the heart wall) and possibly T wave inversions. Note that it is possible to have had a heart attack and not be detected by an ECG but this usually occurs if a lot of time has passed since the heart attack or it could have been a very mild heart attack.

Blood Tests
A blood test that measures certain substances, which may be associated with heart muscle cells, can also be used to confirm a myocardial infarction. A substance, troponin, is present in heart muscle cells and, in the event of damage to heart muscle, it is released into the bloodstream at a level above normal. Creatinine kinase may also be released into the bloodstream in response to damage to heart muscle. These substances are usually at their highest level in the blood stream within 1-2 days of having a heart attack but soon decrease in level after a few days up to a couple weeks.

Other tests may also be used to verify the diagnosis such as an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), etc.

Severity

A substantial number of people die from myocardial infarctions each year. Most of the time, a heart attack may go unnoticed or is not paid special attention to because it may have been minor. Once you’ve had a heart attack, it does not usually end there. You may seem fine for the time being, until a couple of years later when your heart might have suffered more damage. Note that many people do recover from a myocardial infarction and have no complications, which may be associated with a change from bad lifestyle habits. The larger the myocardial infarction, the more life-threatening it is and the more complications may result. Some possible complications are heart failure, as the heart muscle becomes unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to the rest of the body, and abnormal heart rhythms, e.g ventricular fibrillation, which can result in collapse and sudden death.

Treatment

Treatment may vary depending on the situation. The possibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Restoration of Blood Flow
Emergency angioplasty – a tiny wire with a balloon is carefully guided to the blocked coronary artery and is used to open up the artery wide enough for adequate blood to pass through.

An injection of a thrombolytic (clot-busting) drug, e.g. streptokinase.

2. Beta-blocker Drug
Beta-blockers block the action of certain hormones which can increase the rate and force of contractions of the heart. They also help to prevent abnormal heart rhythms from developing.

After having a myocardial infarction, normally it is advised to take regular medication for the rest of your life. To prevent further myocardial infarction and to help prevent complications, the following may be prescribed:

Aspirin – helps to prevent blood clots from forming.

A beta-blocker – (mentioned previously)

An Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor – has a number of actions that prove to be protective to the heart.

A statin drug – can lower cholesterol levels in the blood (see post on high cholesterol).

Atherosclerosis

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:49:00 +0000

Atherosclerosis is a subtype of arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a general term for the hardening of arteries and, in its progression, the walls of arteries become thick and stiff, sometimes preventing the flow of blood to organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and some other substances accumulate in the inner lining (intima) of artery. Collectively, the accumulated substances are referred to as plaque. Over time, plaque continues to accumulate, hardens and eventually narrows the lumen of arteries. Ischaemia or reduced blood flow can lead to serious problems, depending on the specific artery affected.

The typical progression of atherosclerosis begins when tears or fatty streaks in the inner lining of blood vessels attract monocytes (type of white blood cell) and stimulate the cellular immune response. Advanced lesions (any abnormality of tissue in any area of the body) develop when cholesterol, calcium crystals, and cellular debris builds up within the inner lining (intima). The increase in size of the affected intima narrows the lumen of the vessel. Clotting factors (substances produced in response to injury) and platelets (smallest type of blood cell) are activated by contact with the lesions. Thrombi (blood clots) may build on lesions or move downstream, potentially blocking the artery.
A condition or disease masy result due to the advanced progression of atherosclerosis in particular areas of the body. For instance:

Peripheral arterial disease develops when arteries supplying the limbs are affected, consequently circulation problems in the arms and legs may occur.
Coronary artery disease develops when arteries supplying the heart are affected and there’s a possibility of experiencing chest pain (angina) or a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Transient ischemic attack or stroke arises when arteries supplying blood to the brain are affected.

Also, atherosclerosis can possibly also lead to a bulge in the wall of an artery, which may be referred to as an aneurysm.

Signs & Symptoms
Atherosclerosis usually doesn’t show signs or symptoms until it progresses to a point where an artery is partially or fully blocked. In most cases, it takes a medical emergency to give an indication of progressing atherosclerosis. Otherwise, the signs and symptoms experienced depend on which arteries are severely affected. For instance:

Obstruction of arteries supplying the brain, i.e. carotid arteries in the neck, may cause symptoms of a stroke, such as dizziness, sudden numbness or weakness.

Obstruction of arteries to the heart (coronary arteries) may cause symptoms of a heart attack, e.g. angina pectoris (chest pain which is normally relieved after a few minutes of rest, in contrast to a heart attack in which the pain is more intense and is not relieved by rest.)

Obstruction of the arteries supplying the arms and legs may cause symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, such as leg pain when walking, numbness or sometimes serious infections.

Men may go through sexual dysfunction because of hardening of the arteries.

Causes and Associated Risks

Although the exact cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, it is suspected to begin with damage to the inner layer of an artery. The damage may be as a result of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, an irritant such as nicotine or certain diseases like diabetes. Thus, the risk factors of atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking and having a family history of an aneurysm or early heart disease.

Screening and Diagnosis

Diagnosis is normally based on three (3) things:

your medical and family histories

risk factors

results of a physical exam and dianostic tests.

During a physical exam, signs of narrowed, enlarged or hardened arteries may be found. These signs may include:

Whooshing sounds over arteries, heard with a stethoscope.

Evidence of poor wound healing in the area where blood flow is being restricted.

A weak or absent pulse below the narrowed area of the artery.

Decreased blood pressure in an affected limb.

Signs of a pulsating bulge (aneurysm) in the abdomen or behind the knee.

Depending or the results of a physical exam, one or more diagnostic tests may be performed, including:

1. Angiogram - a special dye may be injected into the arteries before a chest x-ray is done to give an indication of how blood is flowing through the vessels and whether there are any blockages.

2. Ankle-Brachial Index - used to compare the blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm. Any abnormal difference may indicate peripheral vascular disease.

3. Blood tests - increased levels of cholesterol, blood sugar and other substances that may increase the risks of atherosclerosis may be detected.

4. Doppler Ultrasound - a special ultrasound device is used to measure blood pressure at various points of the arms and legs to determine the degree of any blockages, as well asthe speed of blood flow in the arteries.

5. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – records electrical signals as they move through the heart. It can give an indication of how nerve impulses pass through the heart and whether a myocardial infarction is progressing or has occurred recently.

6. Other imaging tests – can also be used to study the arteries, such as an ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).

Treatment
The main treatment for atherosclerosis is lifestyle changes. Medicines and medical procedures may also be required. Treatment seeks to: relieve any symptoms; reduce risk factors in an effort to slow, stop or reverse the build-up of plaque; lower the risk of blood clots forming; widen or bypass clogged arteries; prevent diseases related to atherosclerosis.

Lifestyle changes can promote healthier arteries. Sometimes, these changes may be the only treatment necessary. Otherwise, medication or surgical procedures may be recommended as well.

Medication

Anticoagulants – such as heparin, can aid in blood thinning to prevent clots from forming.
Anti-platelet medications – such as aspirin, can lessen the likelihood of platelets clumping in narrowed arteries.
Blood pressure medications – can help slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol medications – (see post on high cholesterol)
Other medications – can be used to control specific risk factors or treat symptoms of atherosclerosis.

Procedures
In severe cases, any one of the following procedures may be necessary:

1. Angioplasty – a long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the narrowed part of the artery. Then a wire with a deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the narrowed area. The balloon is inflated, compressing the deposits against the artery walls in the hopes of reopening the artery, if blocked.

2. Bypass surgery – a graft bypass using a vessel from another part of the body or a tube made of synthetic fabric is created to give rise to an alternate path for blood to flow.

3. Endarterectomy – fatty deposits are surgically removed from the walls of a narrowed artery.

4. Thrombolytic therapy - a clot-dissolving drug may be inserted into the artery to break up a blood clot blocking the artery.

High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:02:00 +0000

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a sterol (a group of unsaturated alcohols of the steroid group) present in cell membranes, the brain and lipoproteins. It can be utilized to produce all the steroids of the body. About 1g of cholesterol is synthesized per day in humans. Cholesterol is normally converted into bile salts, vitamin D3 and steroid hormones, which includes testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Cholesterol is mainly excreted in the form of bile salts in stool. Free cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins in the circulation. Cholesterol ester is a storage form of cholesterol found in most tissues. Cholesterol esters are formed by the esterification of cholesterol to fatty acids. This esterification occurs in the body by transfer of PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids). This step is important in the regulation of cholesterol level. The normal blood level is 150-220 mg/dL. Increased cholesterol levels lead to atherosclerosis as cholesterol accumulates in the arteries causing narrowing of blood vessels. Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids help in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol and, in so doing, prevents atherosclerosis.

Note that hypercholesterolemia is more common in men younger than 55 and in women older than 55 years. The risk for high cholesterol increases with age.

Causes

With more than enough cholesterol in the bloodstream, which is usually due to an unbalanced diet, cholesterol is carried throughout the blood bound to proteins along with a few other substances, e.g fatty acids, and is called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins can directly contribute to atherosclerosis progression. The main types of lipoproteins are: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is also known as 'bad cholesterol' and is responsible for transporting cholesterol throughout the body, and High-density lipoprotein (HDL), which transports cholesterol from the bodily tissues back to the liver for excretion. With an adequately balanced diet, the HDL and LDL levels can be altered to maintain acceptable cholesterol levels. Increasing the intake of linoleic acid (and other related polyunsaturated fatty acids) lowers cholesterol levels, although not as significantly as saturated fatty acids raise it.

Other factors that influence the amount of 'bad cholesterol' in the blood include genetics, body weight, viscous dietary fiber, soy protein, plant sterols, antioxidants and flavonoids (fat-soluble antioxidants). In a rare cholesterol disorder, the NPC(Neiman-Pick type C)1 gene malfunctions impairing the normal movement of cholesterol within cells. The genetic makeup of a person may change the way LDL cholesterol is removed or cause the liver to produce too much cholesterol. Being overweight tends to increase cholesterol and so, losing weight can help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as raise HDL and lower triglyceride levels. Oxygen free radicals (hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, etc) are sometimes generated by cellular activities of the body. These compounds bring about damage to blood vessels by oxidizing/altering lipids (primarily LDL) and turning certain cells called macrophages into foam cells, which contribute to plaque formation in blood vessels. Water-soluble antioxidants, e.g Vitamin C, and fat-soluble antioxidants protect against free radicals.

Risk Factors

Cigarette smoking damages the walls of blood vessels making them more susceptible/vulnerable to fatty deposit accumulation. Smoking may also lower HDL cholesterol levels, which is the 'good cholesterol'.

High blood pressure can damage arteries, contributing to the rate of fatty deposit accumulation.

High blood sugar alters LDL and HDL cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol becomes high while HDL cholesterol becomes low). High blood sugar can also damage the lining of arteries.

Treatment

After having a blood test to determine a complete lipid profile, which measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and hypercholesterolemia is evident, the choices of medication include:

Statins - prevent the liver from making cholesterol and with this cholesterol is depleted in the liver cells, allowing them to take up cholesterol for excretion. They may also aid in reabsorbing fatty deposits that may have accumulated in the wall of arteries.

Examples: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor).

Bile-acid-binding resins -binds to bile acids produced by the liver, preventing them from being recycled. This causes cholesterol to be taken up by the liver cells to be converted to bile acids, reducing blood cholesterol levels in the process.

Examples: Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), colesevelam (Welchol) and colestipol (Colestid).

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors- prevents the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine.

Example: ezetimibe (Zetia), which can be used in combination with any of the statin drugs.

For high triglycerides:

Fibrates- decrease triglycerides by reducing the production of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), precursor to LDL (meaning that VLDL is used to make LDL), and by speeding up the removal of triglycerides from the blood. Triglycerides are the major component of VLDL.

Niacin (Niaspan)- decreases triglycerides by limiting the production of VLDL and LDL by the liver.

Most medications do not cause complications. However, the most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea.

Why Is A Change In Lifestyle Important?

Lifestyle changes can improve your cholesterol level significantly. Regular physical activity can help raise HDL and lower LDL and is especially important for those with high triglyceride and/or low HDL levels who are overweight with a large waist. Weight management plays a central role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Dietary recommendations include saturated and trans fatty acid intake less than or equal to 8% of total calories; cholesterol intake less than 300 mg/day; at least 2 servings of fish per week; a diet which includes fruits,vegetables, and whole grains; limiting sodium intake to less than 2300mg/day; limiting alcohol to 2 drinks or less per day for men and 1 drink per day for women; and limiting added sugar. This healthy eating pattern should assist in acheiving desirable body weight, cholesterol and lipoprotein profile and blood pressure. Lifestyle changes can reduce excessive LDL concentrations by 20-40%. For this reason, lifestyle changes are essential in the treatment process.

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:11:00 +0000

Greetings all!

I'm finally almost over my first year in med school. I must admit it's pretty challenging but I've found my balance and to me, the most important aspect of studying and preparing for exams, is making sure you understand the information; that is what i try to do with my posts make them understandable.

Studying is coming along pretty good. I'll be home by next month. I will try to add some more info and make some changes to my previous posts where i can.

Enjoy your day.
Nicole.

Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 03:35:00 +0000

Greetings all! It's amazing how time goes by. I look forward to my summer vacation so i can finally have actual free time to make some posts and do whatever i desire. I'm doing well in my classes. I try to stay focussed and try to manage my time efficiently and so on. My grades get better each time and for that I'm pleased. I want to be a medical professional so much. I'm grateful to be where I'm at and I'm thankful for this opportunity.

God bless to all my readers....
Have a great day!
Nicole.

I'm Back

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Back to medical school....aww

I hate not having the internet at my finger tips but I'll get accustomed since my internet back home has been cut off since i'm not staying there. It sucks but what can i do. I've begun studying my first system in the body and that is the digestion and metabolism. So far it is pretty interesting.

Have a good day folks. I'll check back in every now and then to see how many visitors have been stopping by and keep everyone informed in where i'm at.

Until next time...
Nicole.

Good Day

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:19:00 +0000

Hi all...I've been very busy with classes but I intend to post on some more conditions and disorders. It's so much better now since I have a medical library a few minutes away at my disposal. To allow time for study and posting I'll try to post information on the conditions I've researched for my classes. I'll try not to be to technical and break down terms as I've tried to before. It however sucks now that the wireless internet I've been using is not working so I have to go the medical library to get a chance to use the internet. Can't wait to start posting again.

Enjoy your day folks and thanks for visiting!!

Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 18:26:00 +0000

I'm currently on campus and having a splendid time. I've met people from many countries including Botswana and Caribbean islands such as Bahamas and St. Lucia. I arrived here on the 25th August 2007 and I must say I'm not really missing home as much. I feel somewhat like a new person. I know this is where I want to be and where my heart is. I've spent the past couple of hours trying to make sure I'm not 'in the dark' pertaining to financial clearance and registration. God has brought me this far and I hope I'm here to stay...until I finish my degree.
I've settled into my new residence and I know the names of most of the females in my flat. Everyone seems to be cooperating so far. I hope everything stays well. Classes begin 7th September 2007. Until next time...God bless and peace be with you.

Nicole.

Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:49:00 +0000

At the moment, I'm still preparing to get ready for Medical School. Classes are starting soon and I want to be as organized as possible. It's going to be a while until i get a chance to post again :-(. I appreciate all the good comments I've been receiving through linkreferral and on my blog. I enjoy reading and researching information on health and summarizing it for all to understand.

My prayers are with those who've suffered and continue to suffer from the many illnesses out there in the world and may God continue to give you strength and courage in your time of need.

I hope to post again soon.

Nicole.

Diabetes And Nutrition

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:52:00 +0000

Importance of A Proper Diet For Diabetics

The impairment of carbohydrate metabolism, that is the breakdown of glucose, from which energy is gained, due to impaired insulin action or absence of insulin can cause some problems if not properly dealt with. Insulin is required for the cells of the body to absorb/take up the glucose from the blood for utilization (to be used). Insufficient (not enough) insulin can cause the accumulation of glucose in the blood leading to a state of hyperglycemia. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus causes the fat stores of the body to be the main source of energy and are degraded very quickly. This excessive breakdown results in the production of a substance called acetyl CoA. In excess, acetyl CoA is converted to ketone bodies, namely acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone. A high level of ketone bodies in the blood is referred to as ketonemia while a high level of them in the urine is referred to as ketonuria. Prolonged starvation can also lead to ketone body formation. For this reason, maintaining just the right amount of glucose in the blood is important. You may ask yourself "what is so harmful about these ketone bodies?". There is usually a small quantity of ketone bodies in the blood but with overproduction and insufficient glucose levels, the vital organs of the body switch over to utilizing ketone bodies, in place of glucose. The preferred energy source for the vital organs of the body, especially the brain, is normally glucose. The liver makes ketone bodies in response to high levels of acetyl CoA but cannot utilize themfor energy.

Alcohol should be avoided in excessive amounts. Alcohol causes inflammation of the stomach, pancreas and intestines which impairs the digestion of food and absorption into the blood. The liver is responsible for the preparation of its removal and, in this process, acetaldehyde is produced, which interferes with the activation of vitamins. The conversion of alcohol can also prevent gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose by the liver, most importantly, and kidneys) and cause hypoglycemia from the lack of production of glucose. Alcohol conversion by the liver can also encourage higher lipid (fats and oils) levels in blood which contributes to the progression of a heart attack.

Generally, diabetics should limit sweets, eat less fat, limit alcohol usage, eat often in adequate proportions being careful about when and how many carbs (carbohydrates) they eat, and eat lots of whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables.

Everyone has their individual requirements so speak to your doctor about what is necessary for you.

Here's a link you can take a look at--- Eating and Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:24:00 +0000

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only pregnant women develop. Gestational diabetes affects around 4% of all pregnant women. In gestational diabetes, the woman's blood sugar is higher than normal as other hormones produced during pregnancy interfere with insulin produced normally. Generally, women enduring gestational diabetes have a normal blood sugar level through the critical first stages of their pregnancy. However, around the 26th week of pregnancy (just before 7 mths), gestational diabetes is diagnosed. Once the baby is born, this type of diabetes goes away.

Having gestational diabetes does not mean there is a risk for a baby with birth defects but complications can be caused if particular attention to diet and blood sugar levels is not taken.

Two main signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes are: excessive thirst; and increased urination.

Some complications that may affect the baby after birth are:

Macrosomia - Extra glucose can cross the placenta and end up in the baby's blood. When that happens, the baby's pancreas makes extra insulin to process the extra glucose, and this can cause the baby to grow too large (macrosomia). For a full-term pregnancy, this means a birth weight of 4,500 grams (9 pounds, 14 ounces) or more. Very large babies may have difficulty during delivery and are more likely to sustain birth injuries or be born by Caesarean delivery.
Jaundice - This involves yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It can occur up to 1 week after birth. Although not a disease, it should be carefully monitored by a doctor.
Hypoglycemia - Sometimes babies of mothers with gestational diabetes develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth.
Stillbirth or death.

Some complications that may affect the mother are:

Preeclampsia - involves a significant increase in blood pressure.
Operative delivery
Gestational diabetes in another pregnancy
Type 2 diabetes - women who've had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Here's a nice video on gestational diabetes....click here.

Types of Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:04:00 +0000

Above, the diagram on the left shows the range of blood glucose levels for the Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) while the diagram on the right shows the range of blood glucose levels for the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).

Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a serious condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Those who have pre-diabetes almost always develop type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes does not only affect adults, it can also affect adolescent males and females aged 12 through 19. Having pre-diabetes does not necessarily mean that you will develop type 2 diabetes but it is very likely if no action is taken. With the help of maintaining a nutritiously balanced diet, managing your blood glucose and engaging in physical activity, the affected can bring their blood glucose levels back to normal and avoid developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (previously known as Juvenile diabetes) is a form of diabetes which most commonly affects children and young adults but can also develop in matured adults. Persons with this type of diabetes produce no insulin to support his/her daily intake of food. As a result, the affected must receive daily injections of insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Without insulin, sugar (glucose) in the blood cannot be converted to energy to be used by the cells of the body, and so the end result is high blood sugar also known as Hyperglycemia. Long-term health problems are evident if this condition is left untreated. Living with type 1 diabetes can be challenging but all hope is not lost. Learning as much as you can about this type of condition can help you to stay healthy and avoid any complications by monitoring blood sugar levels and routinely taking insulin or other medication as prescribed.

Some of the signs and symptoms are: frequent urination along with increased thirst, fatigue, weight lost, extreme hunger even though you may have just eaten and feel bloated, and blurred vision.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population. Those who have type 2 diabetes produce insufficient insulin and may be incapable of utilizing the insulin made by his/her body.

The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes include: flu-like symptoms; red, swollen, tender gums; weight fluctuations; slow-healing sores and some women may have frequent bladder or vaginal infections; nerve damage; and blurred vision. Some risk factors are: being overweight; family history; inactivity; and women who developed gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. In terms of treatment, some affected by type 2 diabetes can keep it under control by balancing their blood sugar and engaging in adequate exercise alone, while others may require medication in addition to lifestyle changes.

Good News

noreply@blogger.com (Colachampagne) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:05:00 +0000

Good day to all,

I've been recently accepted in to medical school. As soon as I get everything in order, I'll continue posting. I'm going to continue with a breakdown of the types of diabetes and then continue from there.

Have a blessed and wonderfully enriched day...

Nicole.