All About Diabetes

Quit smoking now and prevent further health risks. Not news for most but a recent study confirms the direct link of smoking cessation to the recovery of damaged arteries due to cigarettes. Although it may take more than a decade for the arteries to heal, Dr. Noor A. Jatoi of the Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland pointed out that the adverse effects of smoking to the blood vessels are reversible. The findings supported studies showing that the risk of heart attack and stroke falls among smokers when they quit three to 20 years after, he said.

“Our study reinforces the message that smoking cessation is an important step smokers can take to enhance the quality and length of their lives,” Jatoi said. “The longer one stops smoking the better.” The study showed that smoking a single cigarette or exposure to “second-hand” smoke all lead to stiffer arteries, which eventually lead to high blood pressure. Jatoi’s research team found that the arterial stiffness parameters of ex-smokers showed some improvements after one to 10 years of cigarettes, but reached normal levels only after more than a decade.

Among the 150 current smokers, 136 ex-smokers and 268 nonsmokers in the study, current and ex-smokers of only one year had significantly narrowed arteries compared to nonsmokers, the team reported in the medical journal Hypertension. The ex-smokers were categorized as to how long they were off cigarettes-under 1 year, more than 1 but less than 10 years and more than 10 years, of smoking cessation, Jatoi explained.

Anger is a fact of life. Each of us, at some point experiences that feeling of irritation or rage for a certain individual or situation which harmed us or posed a threat to our well-being. If not managed well, anger may result in domestic abuse, road rage, workplace violence and addictions. Long term, it is linked to chronic headaches, sleep disorders, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and even heart attack. On the other hand, properly managed anger can lead to positive change. Read more… »

Having diabetes alone can sometimes amp one’s stress and anxiety meter due to insulin shots here and there, often striking at any given time and place. Adding to the anxiety is the instance when one has to undergo a surgical procedure. To clear your blurry head of questions like “How long will it take for my wound to heal?” and “Will I be able to balance my blood sugar during operation?”, here are some pointers: Read more… »

Filipino children today live in an age where things are going instant and processed, at the same time, digital and virtual. Today’s commercialism has influenced kids to rather stay indoors, take fast-food meals, junk food and sodas while watching their favorite show on TV or play computer games. Read more… »

What is a miracle? How do you define it? Would you know one when you see one? Orestes Ignacio, 61, came face-to-face with one of the biggest miracles during his 58th year of existence. This is his story. Read more… »

When a diabetic undergoes surgery. People with diabetes may undergo surgery due to complications such as cardiovascular problems and infection that may develop in their bodies or due to other conditions unrelated to their diabetes. During these times, people with diabetes must adhere to certain special requirements and considerations to help ensure surgical success. Read more… »

A significant cause of complications in patients undergoing surgical procedures is post-operative wound infection. The occurrence of post-operative infections depends on the complex interaction of several factors. These include 1) patient-related factors, such as the person’s immunity, nutritional status, and the presence or absence of diabetes, 2) procedure-related factors, such as placement of foreign bodies/prosthesis and severity of trauma to the patient, 3) microbial factors that contribute to the aggressiveness or invasiveness of the bacteria, and 4) the use of antibiotics before and after surgery. Read more… »

Mr. Reyes is a 41-year old father of three who has had diabetes since 10 years ago. He is scheduled for a cholecystectomy, an operation to remove his gallbladder. He is feeling very nervous about the upcoming operation. In particular, he says that: “I am afraid that I will be in a lot of pain after I wake up from the operation.” After talking with Mr. Reyes, his doctor notes that he has a lot of questions and worries. Read more… »

Obesity often occurs with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. At least 8 out of 10 people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or frankly obese. In fact, the rising number of people with diabetes in the last 20-30 years has been attributed to the rising number of people who are overweight or obese. This is observed worldwide, alerting health experts to the continuing twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity. Read more… »

Diabetes mellitus presents numerous challenges to patients and physicians constantly battling to stave off its deleterious effects on various organs in the body. While end-organ damage in diabetic patients targets vital organs like the kidney, heart, brain and lungs, a less known organ called the gallbladder likewise deserves attention. Read more… »