Norethisterone 5mg Tablets

Norethisterone 5mg Tablets

Active Ingredient:

norethisterone

Company:  

Wockhardt

ATC code: 

L02AB

Prescription only medicine

Tablet.

Norethisterone 5mg Tablets are 6.5mm, round, white, uncoated tablets with “NE 5” on one side and a break line on the other.

Therapeutic indications

At low dose:

Dysfuntional uterine bleeding

Polymenorrhoea

Menorrhagia

Metropathia

Haemorrhagia

Pre-menstrual syndrome

Postponement of menstruation

At high dose:

Disseminated carcinoma of the breast.

Posology

Low dose

Posology and method of administration

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polymenorrhoea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea and metropathia haemorrhagia: 1 tablet three times daily for 10 days; bleeding usually stops within 48 hours. Withdrawal bleeding resembling true menstruation occurs a few days after the end of treatment. One tablet twice daily, from days 19 to 26 of the two subsequent cycles, should be given to prevent recurrence of the condition.

Endometriosis: 1 tablet three times daily for a minimum treatment period of six months. The dosage should be increased to 4 or 5 tablets a day if spotting occurs. The initial dosage should be resumed when bleeding or spotting stops.

Postponement of menstruation: 1 tablet three times daily, starting three days before the expected onset of menstruation. Menstruation usually follows within three days of finishing the treatment.

Pre-menstrual syndrome: 1 tablet daily from days 16 to 25 of the menstrual cycle.

High dose

For disseminated breast carcinoma the starting dose is 8 tablets (40mg) per day increasing to 12 tablets (60mg) if no regression is noted.

Method of administration

Oral Administration

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1

Pregnancy

Previous idiopathic or current venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)

Active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction)

Disturbance of liver function

History during pregnancy of idiopathic jaundice

Severe pruritus or pemphigoid gestationis

Undiagnosed irregular vaginal bleeding

Porphyria

Special warnings and precautions for use

If menstrual bleeding should fail to follow a course of Utovlan, the possibility of pregnancy must be excluded before a further course is given.

Therapy should be discontinued if the following occur:

– Jaundice or deterioration in liver function

– Significant increase in blood pressure

– New onset of migraine-type headache

Progestogens may cause fluid retention. Special care should be taken when prescribing norethisterone in patients with conditions which might be aggravated by this factor:

– Epilepsy

– Migraine

– Asthma

– Cardiac dysfunction

– Renal dysfunction

Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Long term use of low dose progestogens as part of combined oral contraception or combined hormone replacement therapy has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, although the role of progestogens in this aetiology is uncertain. A patient who develops symptoms suggestive of thromboembolic complications should have her status and need for treatment carefully assessed before continuing therapy.

Any patient who develops an acute impairment of vision, proptosis, diplopia or migraine headache should be carefully evaluated ophthalmologically to exclude papilloedema or retinal vascular lesions before continuing medication.

Generally recognised risk factors for VTE include a personal history or family history, severe obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins in VTE.

Treatment with steroid hormones may add to these risk factors. Personal or strong family history of thromboembolism or recurrent spontaneous abortion should be investigated in order to exclude a thrombophillic predisposition. Until a thorough evaluation of thrombophillic factors has been made or anticoagulant treatment initiated, use of progestogens in these patients should be viewed as contraindicated. Where a patient is already taking anticoagulants, the risks and benefits of progestogen therapy should be carefully considered.

The risk of VTE may be temporarily increased with prolonged immobilisation, major trauma or major surgery. As in all post-operative patients, scrupulous attention should be given to prophylactic measures to prevent VTE. Where prolonged immobilisation is likely to follow elective surgery, particularly abdominal or orthopaedic surgery to the lower limbs, consideration should be given to stopping progestogen therapy 4-6 weeks pre-operatively. Treatment should not be restarted until the patient is fully remobilised.

If VTE develops after initiating therapy the drug should be withdrawn. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately if they become aware of a potential thromboembolic symptom (e.g., painful swelling in the leg, sudden pain in the chest, dyspnoea).

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interaction with other medicines

The metabolism of progestogens may be increased by concomitant administration of compounds known to induce drug-metabolising enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes. These compounds include anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) and anti-infectives (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, tetracyclines, ampicillin, oxacillin and cotrimoxazole)

Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong inhibitors, by contrast exhibit inducing properties when used concomitantly with steroid hormones. Herbal preparations containing St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) may induce the metabolism of progestogens. Progestogen levels may therefore be reduced.

Aminoglutethimide has been reported to decrease plasma levels of some progestogens.

Concurrent administration of cyclosporin and norethisterone has been reported to lead to increased plasma cyclosporin levels and/or decreased plasma norethisterone levels.

When used in combination with cytotoxic drugs, it is possible that progestogens may reduce the haematological toxicity of chemotherapy.

Special care should be taken when progestogens are administered with other drugs which also cause fluid retention, such as NSAIDs and vasodilators.

Other forms of interaction

Progestogens can influence certain laboratory tests (e.g., tests for hepatic function, thyroid function and coagulation).

Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Norethisterone is contraindicated in pregnancy

Undesirable effects

Progestogens given alone at low doses have been associated with the following undesirable effects:

Genitourinarybreakthrough bleeding, spotting, amenorrhoea, abnormal uterine bleeding, (irregular, increase, decrease), alterations of cervical secretions, cervical erosions, prolonged anovulation
Breastgalactorrhoea, mastodynia, tenderness
Central Nervous Systemdepression, headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, somnolence, confusion, euphoria, loss of concentration, vision disorders
Gastrointestinal/Hepatobiliarynausea, vomiting, cholestatic icterus/jaundice, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, disturbed liver function
Metabolic & Nutritionalaltered serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles, increased fasting glucose levels, increased fasting insulin levels, decreased glucose tolerance, adrenergic-like effects (e.g., fine hand tremors, sweating, cramps in calves at night), corticoid-like effects (e.g., Cushingoid syndrome), diabetic cataract, exacerbation of diabetes mellitus, glycosuria
Cardiovascularthrombo-embolic disorders, cerebral and myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, increased blood pressure, palpitations, pulmonary embolism, retinal thrombosis, tachycardia, thrombophlebitis
Skin & Mucous Membranesacne, hirsutism, alopecia, pruritis, rash, urticaria
Allergyhypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis & anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema)
Miscellaneousoedema/fluid retention, bloating, weight gain, pyrexia, change in appetite, change in libido, hypercalcaemia, malaise

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Overdose

Overdosage may be manifested by nausea, vomiting, breast enlargement and later vaginal bleeding. There is no specific antidote and treatment should be symptomatic.

Gastric lavage may be employed if the overdosage is large and the patient is seen sufficiently early (within four hours).

What is a migraine?

By Dr Aman Aditya Pandey ,on through the facts, the questions, and the answers to help you better understand this condition.

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so bad that it interferes with your daily activities.

For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking.

Medications can help prevent some migraines and make them less painful. The right medicines, combined with self-help remedies and lifestyle changes, might help.

Symptoms

Migraines, which affect children and teenagers as well as adults, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. Not everyone who has migraines goes through all stages.

Prodrome

One or two days before a migraine, you might notice subtle changes that warn of an upcoming migraine, including:

    Constipation.

    Mood changes, from depression to euphoria.

    Food cravings.

    Neck stiffness.

    Increased urination.

    Fluid retention.

    Frequent yawning.

Aura

For some people, an aura might occur before or during migraines. Auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. They’re usually visual but can also include other disturbances. Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes and can last up to 60 minutes.

Examples of migraine auras include:

    Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light.

    Vision loss.

    Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg.

    Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body.

    Difficulty speaking.

Attack

A migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. How often migraines occur varies from person to person. Migraines might occur rarely or strike several times a month.

During a migraine, you might have:

    Pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides.

    Pain that throbs or pulses.

    Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch.

    Nausea and vomiting.

Post-drome

After a migraine attack, you might feel drained, confused and washed out for up to a day. Some people report feeling elated. Sudden head movement might bring on the pain again briefly.

When to see a doctor

Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you regularly have signs and symptoms of migraine, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Then make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your headaches.

Even if you have a history of headaches, see your health care provider if the pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different.

See your health care provider immediately or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following signs and symptoms, which could indicate a more serious medical problem:

    An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap.

    Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness in any part of the body, which could be a sign of a stroke.

    Headache after a head injury.

    A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement.

    New headache pain after age 50.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Antibiotics can be taken in different ways:

  • Orally (by mouth). This could be pills, capsules, or liquids.
  • Topically. This might be a cream, spray, or ointment that you put on your skin. It could also be eye ointment, eye drops, or ear drops.
  • Through an injection or intravenously (IV). This is usually for more serious infections.

What do antibiotics treat?

Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and E. coli.

You may not need to take antibiotics for some bacterial infections. For example, you might not need them for many sinus infections or some ear infections. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed won’t help you, and they can have side effects. Your health care provider can decide the best treatment for you when you’re sick. Don’t ask your provider to prescribe an antibiotic for you.

Do antibiotics treat viral infections?

Antibiotics do not work on viral infections. For example, you shouldn’t take antibiotics for:

  • Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
  • Most sore throats (except strep throat)
  • Flu
  • Most cases of bronchitis

What are the side effects of antibiotics?

The side effects of antibiotics range from minor to very severe. Some of the common side effects include:

  • Rash
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Yeast infections

More serious side effects can include:

  • C. diff infections, which cause diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and sometimes even death
  • Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
  • Antibiotic resistance infections

Call your health care provider if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.

Why is it important to take antibiotics only when they’re needed?

You should only take antibiotics when they are needed because they can cause side effects and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance happens when the bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic. This means that the bacteria continue to grow.

How do I use antibiotics correctly?

When you take antibiotics, it is important that you take them responsibly:

  • Always follow the directions carefully. Finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop taking them too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
  • Don’t save your antibiotics for later.
  • Don’t share your antibiotic with others.
  • Don’t take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects
  • What DO antibiotics treat?
  • Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:
  • Strep throat
  • Whooping cough
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Antibiotics are also needed to treat life-threatening conditions caused by bacteria, such as sepsis, which is the body’s extreme response to infection.
  • What DON’T antibiotics treat?
  • Antibiotics DO NOT work on viruses, such as those that cause:
  • Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
  • Most sore throats (except strep throat)
  • Flu
  • Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis)
  • Antibiotics also ARE NOT needed for some common bacterial infections, including:
  • Many sinus infections
  • Some ear infections
  • This is because these illnesses will usually get better on their own, without antibiotics.
  • Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed won’t help you, and their side effects can still cause harm.
  • Viruses are germs different from bacteria. They cause infections, such as colds and flu. However, antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses.
  • For more information on common illnesses and when antibiotics are and aren’t needed, visit Common Illnesses.
  • What are the side effects of antibiotics?
  • Anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects. Common side effects range from minor to very severe health problems and can include:
  • Rash
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Yeast infections
  • More about:
  • C. diff infection
  • Antibiotic-resistant infections
  • More serious side effects can include:
  • C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death
  • Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
  • Antibiotic-resistant infections
  • Call your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic
  • Why is it important to take antibiotics only when they’re needed?
  • For more information on antibiotic resistance, visit Antibiotic Resistance Questions and Answers.
  • Antibiotics are important to treat infections and have saved countless lives. However, anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance, one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health.
  • When antibiotics are needed, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects or antibiotic resistance. However, too many antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily and misused, which threatens the usefulness of these important drugs.
  • This is why it’s important that we all use antibiotics ONLY when we need them to protect us from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use and to combat antibiotic resistance.
  • What is unnecessary antibiotic use?
  • Unnecessary antibiotic use happens when a person is prescribed antibiotics when they’re not needed, such as for colds and flu.
  • Unnecessary use also happens when a person is prescribed antibiotics for infections that are sometimes caused by bacteria that do not always need antibiotics, like many sinus infections and some ear infections.
  • Antibiotics aren’t always the answer when you’re sick. It’s important to use antibiotics only when they are needed to protect yourself from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use and combat antibiotic resistance.
  • What is misuse of antibiotics?
  • Misuse of antibiotics happens when a person is prescribed
  • the wrong antibiotic,
  • the wrong dose of an antibiotic, or
  • an antibiotic for the wrong length of time.
  • Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your illness.

Think carefully before eating any other thing with papaya

Unhealthy Food: Papaya is such a fruit which is very easy to digest and its taste does not decrease even when eaten. But, one should think carefully before eating any other thing with papaya because there are many foods which can prove to be harmful for health if eaten with papaya. Let us know which food combination is bad with papaya and why you should not eat them with papaya.


Papaya and Lemon
The combination of lemon and papaya is said to be fatal. These two especially should not be eaten together. This causes anemia and hemoglobin imbalance and can cause huge damage to children.


Papaya and Orange
Like lemon, orange is also sour while papaya is a sweet fruit. Eating these two together has an adverse effect on the body, which can cause upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea and abdominal pain.


Papaya and Yogurt
Although curd is often eaten with many fruits, but it is advised to avoid consuming it with papaya, one of the reasons being that both of them have different cold and hot effects. Skin allergy can occur if eaten together.


Papaya and Watermelon
Be it watermelon or melon, it is best to eat them alone. These fruits have high water content and they digest fast. Eating these with any other fruit can cause stomach upset.


Papaya and Cucumber
Cucumber is also a cold effect food which is not eaten with papaya. On eating these two together, there can be a problem of cold and heat in the body and it can even lead to cold and flu.

Please Consult your dietician before going to any opinion.

Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. It can help you to cope. The anxiety may give you a boost of energy or help you focus. But for people with anxiety disorders, the fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are conditions in which you have anxiety that does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

    Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).People with GAD worry about ordinary issues such as health, money, work, and family. But their worries are excessive, and they have them almost every day for at least 6 months.

    Panic disorder. People with panic disorder have panic attacks. These are sudden, repeated periods of intense fear when there is no danger. The attacks come on quickly and can last several minutes or more.

    Phobias. People with phobias have an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Their fear may be about spiders, flying, going to crowded places, or being in social situations (known as social anxiety).

What causes anxiety disorders?

The cause of anxiety is unknown. Factors such as genetics, brain biology and chemistry, stress, and your environment may play a role.

Who is at risk for anxiety disorders?

The risk factors for the different types of anxiety disorders can vary. For example, GAD and phobias are more common in women, but social anxiety affects men and women equally. There are some general risk factors for all types of anxiety disorders, including:

    Certain personality traits, such as being shy or withdrawn when you are in new situations or meeting new people

    Traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood

    Family history of anxiety or other mental disorders

    Some physical health conditions, such as thyroid problems or arrhythmia

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

The different types of anxiety disorders can have different symptoms. But they all have a combination of:

    Anxious thoughts or beliefs that are hard to control. They make you feel restless and tense and interfere with your daily life. They do not go away and can get worse over time.

    Physical symptoms, such as a pounding or rapid heartbeat, unexplained aches and pains, dizziness, and shortness of breath

    Changes in behavior, such as avoiding everyday activities you used to do

Using caffeine, other substances, and certain medicines can make your symptoms worse.

How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?

To diagnose anxiety disorders, your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may also have a physical exam and lab tests to make sure that a different health problem is not the cause of your symptoms.

If you don’t have another health problem, you will get a psychological evaluation. Your provider may do it, or you may be referred to a mental health professional to get one.

What are the treatments for anxiety disorders?

The main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy (talk therapy), medicines, or both:

    Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is often used to treat anxiety disorders. CBT teaches you different ways of thinking and behaving. It can help you change how you react to the things that cause you to feel fear and anxiety. It may include exposure therapy. This focuses on having you confront your fears so that you will be able to do the things that you had been avoiding.

    Medicines to treat anxiety disorders include anti-anxiety medicines and certain antidepressants. Some types of medicines may work better for specific types of anxiety disorders. You should work closely with your health care provider to identify which medicine is best for you. You may need to try more than one medicine before you can find the right one.

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety is a vital part of several different disorders. These include:

    Panic disorder. This means you experience recurring panic attacks at unexpected times.

    Phobia. This is an excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

    Social anxiety disorder. This is an extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations.

    Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This means you have recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific, repeated behaviors.

    Separation anxiety disorder. This means you have a fear of being away from home or your loved ones.

    Illness anxiety disorder. This is anxiety about your health (formerly called hypochondria).

In addition, a number of mental health and medical conditions may feature anxiety as a symptom. These include:

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is anxiety following a traumatic event.

    Major depressive disorders. A strong relationship exists between depression and anxiety.

    Chronic disease. Managing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes may result in anxiety symptoms.

    Inflammatory conditions. Anxiety can lead to chronic inflammation and diseases such as arthritis

    Substance use disorders: many people with anxiety may try to self-medicate to help manage their symptoms.

    Chronic pain. Anxiety is often foundTrusted Source in those with chronic pain disorders.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety feels different depending on the person experiencing it. Feelings can range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You might feel out of control like there’s a disconnect between your mind and body.

You may have a general feeling of fear and worry, or you may fear a specific place or event. In some cases, you may experience a panic attack.

SymptomsTrusted Source of anxiety can include:

    anxious thoughts or beliefs that are difficult to control

    restlessness

    trouble concentrating

    difficulty falling asleep

    fatigue

    irritability

    unexplained aches and pains

Your anxiety symptoms might be different from someone else’s. That’s why it’s essential to know how anxiety can present itself. Read about the many types of anxiety symptoms you might experience.

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a feeling of intense fear that comes on suddenly and peaks within 10 to 20 minutes. The initial trigger of the fear can be known or unknown.

The physical symptoms can mimic a heart attack. Once you’re experiencing a panic attack, the symptoms may get worse if you believe you may be having a heart attack or having a mental health emergency. Another common fear that may exacerbate a panic attack is the fear that you might be judged negatively if you’re having an attack in public.

Panic attacks can vary greatly, and symptoms may differ among individuals. In addition, the many symptoms of anxiety don’t happen to everyone, and they can change over time.

Common symptomsTrusted Source of a panic attack include:

    chest pain

    feeling of choking

    fear of losing control

    feeling of impending doom

    sweating, chills, and hot flashes

    shaking

    numbness and tingling of hands, feet, or face

    nausea or upset stomach

    shortness of breath

    fear of dying

When you experience repeated panic or anxiety attacks, you may have a panic disorder.

What causes anxiety?

Experts aren’t sure of the exact cause of anxiety. But it’s likely that a combination of factors play a role.

The causes of anxiety may include:

    stress

    other medical issues such as depression or diabetes

    first degree relatives with generalized anxiety disorder

    environmental concerns, such as child abuse

    substance use

    situations such as surgery or occupational hazard

In addition, researchers believe that it stems from the areas of the brain responsible for controlling fear and the storing and retrieval of emotional and fear-related memories.

Who is at risk of anxiety disorders?

With each type of anxiety, there are different risk factors. But there are some general influencesTrusted Source, including:

    Personality traits. This includes shyness and nervousness in childhood.

    Life history. This includes being exposed to negative or stressful live events.

    Genetics. Of those who have a diagnosis of anxiety, 25 percentTrusted Source have a first degree relative who also has a diagnosis of anxiety.

    Other health conditions. Thyroid problems and other health conditions can make you prone to anxiety.

    Stimulants. Consuming caffeineTrusted Source, specific substances, and medications can worsen your symptoms.

Are there tests that diagnose anxiety?

A single test can’t diagnose anxiety. Instead, an anxiety diagnosis requires a lengthy process of physical examinations, mental health tests, and psychological questionnaires.

Some doctors or healthcare professionals may conduct a physical exam, including blood or urine tests to rule out underlying medical conditions that could contribute to the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Several anxiety tests and scales are also used to help a doctor assess the level of anxiety you’re experiencing. Reach about each of these tests.

What are treatments for anxiety?

Once you’ve received a diagnosis of anxiety, you can explore treatment options with a doctor.

But treatment can help you overcome the symptoms and lead a more manageable day-to-day life.

Treatment for anxiety falls into three categories:

    Psychotherapy. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention.

    Complemental health techniques. Mindfulness, yoga, and self-management strategies such as stress management are ways to treat your anxiety using alternative methods.

    Medication. Doctors prescribe antianxiety and antidepressant drugs.

Meeting with a therapist or psychologist can help you learn tools to use and strategies to cope with stress when it occurs.

The Mental Health Resources page can provide tips on finding a psychiatrist, or a doctor who specializes in mental health, to fit your needs.

Medications typically used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines for short-term symptom relief, but they’re avoided if possible due to the high risk of dependence. Other antianxiety or antidepressant medications such as escitalopram effectively alter your brain chemistry to improve mood and reduce stress.

Some other commonly used medications include:

    Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine are common SSRIs.

    Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Duloxetine and venlafaxine are common SNRIs.

    Antipsychotics. Quetiapine and aripiprazole are common antipsychotics.

    Benzodiazepines. Diazepam and clonazepam are common benzodiazepines.

    Anxiolytics. Buspirone is a common anxiolytic.

What natural remedies are used for anxiety?

Lifestyle changes can effectively relieve some of the stress and anxiety you may cope with every day. Most natural “remedies” consist of caring for your body and participating in healthy activities while eliminating unhealthy ones.

These include:

    getting enough sleep

    meditating

    staying active and exercising

    eating a healthy diet

    avoiding alcohol

    avoiding caffeine

    quitting smoking cigarettes if you smoke

If these lifestyle changes seem like a positive way to help you eliminate some anxiety, read about how each one works—plus, get more great ideas for treating anxiety.

Anxiety and depression

If you have an anxiety disorder, you may also be experiencing depression. While anxiety and depression can occur separately, it’s not unusual for mental health disorders to happen together.

Anxiety can be a symptom of clinical or major depression. Likewise, worsening symptoms of depression can become triggered by an anxiety disorder.

You can manage symptoms of both conditions with many of the same treatments: psychotherapy (counseling), medications, and lifestyle changes.

How to help children with anxiety

Anxiety in children is natural and expected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9.4%Trusted Source of children and adolescents ages 3 to 17 have had a diagnosis of anxiety.

As children grow up, they should outgrow the worries and fears they felt when they were younger. It may be considered an anxiety disorder if they’re afraid to be away from their parents, exhibit extreme fear, and other anxiety symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day lives.

Anxiety in children can also become chronic and persistent, with uncontrolled anxiety leading them to avoid interacting with their peers or family members.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorderTrusted Source in children might include:

    anger

    irritability

    trouble sleeping

    feelings of fear

    fatigue

    headaches

    stomachaches

Anxiety treatment for children includes cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy) and medications. Learn more about the symptoms of an anxiety disorder and techniques to help calm your child’s anxiety.

How to help teens with anxiety

Teenagers may have many reasons to be anxious. Tests, college visits, and first dates all pop up in these important years. But teenagers who feel anxious or experience anxiety symptoms frequently may have an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety in teenagers may include nervousness, shyness, isolationist behaviors, and avoidance. Likewise, anxiety in teens may lead to unusual behaviors.

For example, they may act out, perform poorly in school, skip social events, and even engage in substance or alcohol use.

In some teens, depression may accompany anxiety. Diagnosing both conditions is essential so that their treatment can address the underlying issues and help relieve symptoms.

The most common treatments for anxiety in teenagers are talk therapy and medication. These treatments also help address depression symptoms.

Anxiety and stress

Stress and anxiety are related but different. Stress is a typical and healthy reaction to an identifiable event that’s making you nervous, such as an upcoming test, presentation, wedding, or other major change in your life.

Stress will go away once the trigger goes away. Anxiety, on the other hand, persists beyond any trigger and may exist without a known trigger. A person may need treatment for anxiety to go away.

Both anxiety and stress respond well to physical activity, good sleep hygiene, and a well-balanced diet. But if your anxiety and stress don’t respond well and you feel your day-to-day functioning is impaired, a mental health professional can help you determine a treatment plan.

Physical symptoms of anxiety

When you experience symptoms of anxiety, they can manifest as physical symptoms such as:

    dizziness

    tiredness

    heart palpitations

    muscle aches and tensions

    shaking

    dry mouth

    excessive sweating

    stomachache

    headache

    insomnia

Neither stress nor anxiety is always bad. Both can provide you with a boost or incentive to accomplish the task or challenge before you. But if these feelings become persistent, they can begin to interfere with your daily life. In that case, it’s important to get treatment.

The long-term outlook for people with untreated depression and anxiety includes chronic health issues, such as heart disease. Learn why anxiety and stress occur and how you can manage the conditions.

Anxiety and alcohol

If you’re anxious frequently, you may decide you’d like a drink to calm your nerves. After all, alcohol is a sedative. In addition, it can depress the activity of your central nervous system, which may help you feel more relaxed.

Some people with anxiety disorders abuse alcohol or other drugs regularly to feel better, creating dependency and addiction.

It may be necessary to treat an alcohol or drug problem before doctors can address the anxiety. But chronic or long-term use can ultimately worsen the condition. Read more to understand how alcohol can worsen anxiety symptoms.

Can foods treat anxiety?

Doctors commonly use medication and talk therapy to treat anxiety. But lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep and regular exercise, can also help. In addition, some research suggests the foods you eat may have a beneficial impact on your brain if you frequently experience anxiety.

These foods include:

    flax and chia seeds

    fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon

    turmeric

    vitamin D

    magnesium

    tryptophan

Read more about how these foods can boost your brain health and lower your anxiety.

Anxiety prevention

Children and teens

It’s not known why anxiety develops in children and teenagers. But there are excellent public health approaches that work to prevent the disorder, and they include:

    suicide prevention

    bullying prevention

    youth violence prevention

    child maltreatment prevention

    mental health programs

As parents, you can communicate openly and honestly with your child while ensuring they’re making healthy decisions.

To learn more about how to support your child’s mental health, please check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resource pageTrusted Source.

In addition, in cases of children and teens experiencing anxiety in response to something happening within their family or in their home, it’s a good idea to get family therapy. This is important especially because children and teens may not find it so easy to talk about their feelings or be aware of their anxiety.

Adults

There are many ways to prevent anxiety and its symptoms. Please see the below options:

    Avoidance. Avoiding people, places, and situations can lessen your stress and anxiety. But this would be a short-term strategy. In the long term, it’s better if you get treatment so you no longer need to avoid a trigger.

    Stress management and mindfulness. Practicing stress management and mindfulness prevents strain.

    Restrict caffeine. Caffeine can worsen anxiety symptoms.

    Support groups. Speaking with others is an opportunity to share coping strategies and experiences.

    Therapy. Speaking with a therapist can help you develop more effective ways to cope with fears and stress that lead to anxiety.

    Speak with a doctor about your medications. Regularly speaking with a doctor about your medications’ dosing, effectiveness, and side effects ensures any health condition is treated adequately and monitored for any possible anxiety-related side effects.

Outlook

You can treat your anxiety with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.

But some people who have a mild anxiety disorder, or a fear of something they can easily avoid, decide to live with the condition and don’t get treatment.

Avoiding the trigger, however, can actually make anxiety worse in the long term. Treatment can help you overcome the need to avoid a trigger.

It’s important to understand that anxiety disorders can be treated, even in severe cases. Although anxiety usually doesn’t go away, you can learn to manage it and live a happy, healthy life.

Sources Internet, various health websites and Google search

What causes high in cholesterol?

    High cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood.

    It’s mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It can also run in families.

    You can lower your cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise. Some people also need to take medicine.

    Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels. It makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.

    High cholesterol does not cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.

Check if you have high cholesterol

High cholesterol does not cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.

Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high.

This may be because of your age, weight or another condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes).

Having a cholesterol test

There are 2 ways of having a cholesterol test.

Taking blood from your arm

Some blood will usually be taken from your arm with a needle.

This is sent to a lab to check your cholesterol level. You should get the result in a few days.

You might be asked not to eat anything for up to 12 hours before the test. But this is not always needed.

Finger-prick test

If you’re over 40, you may have a test during your Health Check. You can also get this check at a pharmacy.

This is a check-up that can help spot early signs of problems like heart disease and diabetes.

The test can be done by pricking your finger. A drop of blood is put on a strip of paper. This is put into a machine that checks your cholesterol in a few minutes.

What happens next

If you have high cholesterol, a doctor or nurse will talk to you about how you can lower it.

This might include things like changing your diet or taking medicine.

They may also work out your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years.

They can do this using your:

    cholesterol levels

    blood pressure

    height and weight

    age, sex and ethnicity

Lowering your cholesterol can help lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

About your cholesterol result

A cholesterol test can measure:

    total cholesterol – the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both “good” and “bad” cholesterol

    total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (TC:HDL) – the level of good cholesterol in your blood compared to your overall cholesterol level

    good cholesterol (called HDL) – this makes you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke

    bad cholesterol (called LDL and non-HDL) – this makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke

    triglycerides – a fatty substance similar to bad cholesterol

When you get your result, you may just be told your total cholesterol.

You might be able to get separate results for your good and bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and your total cholesterol to HDL ratio. Ask your doctor or nurse.

Type of cholesterolAnyone 19 or youngerMen aged 20 or overWomen aged 20 or over
total cholesterolless than 170 mg/dl125–200 mg/dl125–200 mg/dl
non-HDLless than 120 mg/dlless than 130 mg/dlless than 130 mg/dl
LDLless than 100 mg/dlless than 100 mg/dlless than 100 mg/dl
HDLmore than 45 mg/dl40 mg/dl or higher50 mg/dl or higher
Source Medical News

Check what your cholesterol levels should be

This is just a guide. The levels you should aim for might be different. Ask your doctor or nurse what your levels should be.

Healthy levels for different types of cholesterol.

Result   Healthy level (mmol/L)

Total cholesterol                                                          5 or below

HDL (good cholesterol)                                             1 or above

Non-HDL (bad cholesterol)                                       4 or below

Total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio               6 or below

Fasting triglycerides (when you’re asked not to eat for several hours before the test)     1.7 or below

Non-fasting triglycerides (when you eat as normal before the test)         2.3 or below

Ways to lower your cholesterol

Eat less fatty food

To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat.

You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat.

Check labels on food to see what type of fat it has in it.

Try to eat more:

    oily fish, like mackerel and salmon

    brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta

    nuts and seeds

    fruits and vegetables

Try to eat less:

    meat pies, sausages and fatty meat

    butter, lard and ghee

    cream and hard cheese, like cheddar

    cakes and biscuits

    food that contains coconut oil or palm oil

Exercise more

Aim to do at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise a week.

Some good things to try when starting out include:

    walking – try to walk fast enough so your heart starts beating faster

    swimming

    cycling

Try a few different exercises to find something you like doing. You’re more likely to keep doing it if you enjoy it.

Stop smoking

Smoking can raise your cholesterol and make you more likely to have serious problems like heart attacks, strokes and cancer.

If you want to stop smoking, you can get help and support from:

your GP 

They can give you useful tips and advice about ways to stop cravings.

Cut down on alcohol

Try to:

    avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week

    have several drink-free days each week

    avoid drinking lots of alcohol in a short time (binge drinking)

Ask your GP for help and advice if you’re struggling to cut down.

Medicine to lower your cholesterol

You might need medicine to lower your cholesterol if:

    your cholesterol level has not gone down after changing your diet and lifestyle

    you’re at a high risk of having a heart attack or stroke

Ask your doctor about the medicines you can take.

Statins

Statins are the most common medicine for high cholesterol.

They reduce the amount of cholesterol your body makes.

You take a tablet once a day. You usually need to take them for life.

Other medicines for high cholesterol

Other medicines may be used if statins do not work or you do not want to take statins.

These include:

    other tablets – such as ezetimibe, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants (also called resins) and bempedoic acid

    injections – such as alirocumab, evolocumab and inclisiran

Source NHS UK

dengue

Dengue Symptoms and Treatment

Key Facts

    1 in 4: About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick.

    For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.     Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and often requires care at a hospital

Symptoms

    Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash.

Graphic of human body showing most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: eye pain, headache, muscle pain, rash, bone pain, nausea/vomiting, joint pain

The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:

    Nausea, vomiting

    Rash

    Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)

    Any warning sign

Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week.

Treatment

    There is no specific medicine to treat dengue.

    Treat the symptoms of dengue and see your healthcare provider.

If you think you have dengue

    See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue. Tell him or her about your travel.

    Rest as much as possible.

    Take acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol ) to control fever and relieve pain.

        Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen!

    Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Drink water or drinks with added electrolytes.

    For mild symptoms, care for a sick infant, child, or family member at home.

Sign for emergency room

Symptoms of dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency.

Severe dengue

    About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue.

    Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.

    If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop severe dengue.

    Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk for developing severe dengue.

Symptoms of severe dengue

Warning signs of severe dengue

Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hours after your fever has gone away.

Immediately go to a local clinic or emergency room if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms.

    Belly pain, tenderness

    Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)

    Bleeding from the nose or gums

    Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool

    Feeling tired, restless, or irritable

Treatment of severe dengue

    If you have any warning signs, see a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room immediately.

    Severe dengue is a medical emergency. It requires immediate medical care at a clinic or hospital.

    If you are traveling, find health care facility as soon as possible.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Also known as Diabetes mellitus, Adult onset diabetes, Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), Hyperglycemia and High blood glucose

Overview

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in which the body fails to effectively use insulin. According to the WHO, more than 95% of people with diabetes worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was thought to be affecting only adults above the age of 40 years. However, due to stress and an inactive lifestyle, even people in their 20s are also at a high risk of diabetes.

Initially, Type 2 diabetes is mostly asymptomatic. Also, the symptoms tend to develop slowly and go unnoticed for a long time which makes it difficult to diagnose the condition. You might be at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes if anyone in your family has diabetes along with other risk factors such as obesity, inactive lifestyle, etc.

The gold standard test to diagnose type 2 diabetes is HbA1c as it gives you an idea of your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. However, other tests such as fasting glucose and postprandial glucose tests are also commonly used. Once diagnosed, it is important to go for regular health check-ups and manage your diabetes properly because if left uncontrolled, it can impact other organs such as the kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves and legs.

Type 2 diabetes is managed with the help of diet control, exercise and use of oral medications. In cases of uncontrolled diabetes or high glucose levels, your doctor might recommend the use of insulin injections or pens. 

Key Facts

Usually seen in

  • Adults above 20 years of age

Gender affected

  • Both men and women

Body part(s) involved

  • Pancreas
  • Eyes
  • Nerves
  • Feet
  • Heart
  • Kidneys
  • Skin
  • Reproductive system

Prevalence

  • Worldwide: 462 million (2017)

Mimicking Conditions

  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Infections
  • Cushing syndrome

Necessary health tests/imaging

  • Glucose-random blood (RBG) test
  • Glucose-fasting blood (FBG) test
  • Glucose postprandial blood (PPBG) test
  • Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test

Treatment

  • Biguanides: Metformin 
  • Sulphonylureas: Glimepiride & Glipizide
  • Thiazolidinediones: Pioglitazone
  • Meglitinides: Repaglinide & Nateglinide
  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: Acarbose & Miglitol
  • DPP-4 inhibitors: Sitagliptin & Saxagliptin
  • Incretin mimetics: Exenatide, Liraglutide & Dulaglutide
  • Insulin: Lispro,  Insulin Isophane &  Glargine

Specialists to consult

  • Endocrinologist
  • Diabetologist

Related NGOs

  • Home – DIYAbetes India
  • Diabetes foundation India – DFI
  • Diabetes care foundation of India
  • Indian council for diabetic care | NGO

Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is initially asymptomatic, which means it does not show symptoms for a long time. Moreover, it progresses at a very slow pace, which makes it difficult for any of the key warning signs to appear early. This is the reason why it is often said that NO symptoms are one of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

However, there are some symptoms that may indicate type 2 diabetes which include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased hunger
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blurry eyesight
  • Lack of energy/fatigue
  • Delayed healing of cuts and other injuries
  • Frequent yeast infections
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Areas of darkened skin, usually affecting the armpits and neck
  • Dry skin

Causes Of Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is located below and behind the stomach. Insulin helps to move blood sugar (glucose) into the cells. Glucose is then stored inside the cells and later used for energy.

In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond correctly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Thereby, blood glucose does not get into cells to be stored for energy. When glucose is not able to enter cells, a high level of glucose builds up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia. 

As blood glucose levels increase, the pancreas is triggered to release more insulin. Over a long time, the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin to meet the body’s demands. This leads to the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors Of Type 2 Diabetes

The factors that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes are as follows:


Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45 years.

Family history: The risk of type 2 diabetes is higher in case parents or siblings have the condition. Also, genetic predisposition of high cholesterol, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease can also predispose to type 2 diabetes.

Race and ethnicity: People of certain races and ethnicities like African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Unhealthy eating habits: Eating a calorie-dense diet with processed foods and beverages, and a diet low in whole, nutrient-rich foods, can significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Being overweight or obese: Moreover, fat stored in the belly or abdomen region with waist circumference above 40 inches (101.6 centimeters) for a man or above 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) for a woman poses a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Sedentary lifestyle: Less physical activity can lead to weight gain and obesity thereby increasing the risk of diabetes.

Blood cholesterol levels: Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can predispose to type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes: In prediabetes, the blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be categorized as diabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes often leads to type 2 diabetes.

Pregnancy related issues: Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a child weighing more than 4 kgs increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS which is characterized by irregular menstrual cycle, excessive facial hair growth and obesity also increases the risk of diabetes.

Smoking: The chemicals in cigarettes cause inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, when these chemicals react with oxygen in the body, they cause cell damage, called oxidative stress. Both oxidative stress and inflammation caused by smoking are related to increased risk of diabetes.

Sleep habits: Sleep disturbances can affect the body’s balance of insulin and blood sugar by increasing the demand on the pancreas thereby leading to diabetes.

Stress: Stress can stimulate the release of various hormones, which can predispose to high blood sugar levels.

Anxiety and depression: Psychological problems like depression are known to increase the risk of diabetes.

Diagnosis Of Type 2 Diabetes

The common lab tests include blood tests and urine tests. In addition to that, your doctor might conduct a thorough physical examination to check for signs of any skin problems. Also, imaging tests might also be advised in some cases to check the effect of diabetes on the nerves and other body organs. Psychiatric evaluation can also be recommended in people during the initial stages as most people tend to go through a rejection phase before finally accepting the fact that they have diabetes.

The commonly recommended blood tests used to diagnose diabetes include:

1. Random blood sugar test
The random blood glucose test is done to measure the levels of glucose circulating in the blood. This test is done to diagnose diabetes. You can take this test at any time of the day as it doesn’t need you to fast unlike other tests for diabetes. However, other tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. The test is done as a part of routine preventive health check-up or if you have symptoms of high blood glucose/hyperglycemia. Diabetes is confirmed, if your blood glucose levels are greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl.

2. Fasting plasma glucose test (FPGT)
This is one of the most common tests prescribed for diabetes. It is a blood test that measures the levels of glucose in the blood in the fasting state (empty stomach). Ideally, it is advised to not eat or drink anything (except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. It is the simplest as well as the fastest test to diagnose and monitor diabetes. If your blood glucose levels are greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl, diabetes is confirmed.

3. Postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) test
It is performed to measure glucose levels in the blood after a period of 2 hours from the start of the last meal. It is usually recommended to screen for prediabetes and also monitor treatment efficacy in patients undergoing treatment for diabetes. The test is usually recommended when the blood glucose level falls between 140 and 200 mg/dl.

4. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test
It is a blood test that measures a person’s average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. It is ideally used to check how well your diabetes is managed with medication. However, if your fasting and postprandial levels are high, then HbA1c is advised to confirm the diagnosis. HbA1c levels of 5.7% to 6.4% indicate prediabetes whereas levels higher than 6.5% indicate diabetes.

5. Other tests
If diagnosed with diabetes, you may need to undergo several health tests periodically to prevent complications and learn the effects of high glucose levels on other parts of the body. These include:

  • Blood pressure
  • Eye examination 
  • Foot examination
  • Lipid profile
  • Kidney function test (KFT)
  • Liver function test (LFT)
  • Vitamin B12 test
  • Dental check-up

Celebs affected

Halle Berry

Halle BerryThe Academy-award winning American actress Halle Berry was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to genetic predisposition but she makes sure to keep her diabetes under control.

Tom Hanks

Tom HanksOn the American Talk show “The Late Show” in the year 2013, Oscar winning Hollywood actor Tom Hanks had revealed that he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes

With simple lifestyle changes such as diet control, staying active, keeping a tab on your weight and staying away from vices, you can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Here are a few tips to get started.

1. Make healthy food choices

  • Taking care of your diet is one of the most essential components to manage and prevent diabetes.
  • Switch to oils with high volume of monounsaturated fats & polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil or rice bran oil. Limit intake to one tablespoon a day.
  • Restrict intake of foods that have a high glycemic index like white breads, white rice, fatty foods, and soda.
  • Consume foods with low glycemic index like multigrain flour, whole grains, pulses, and non-starchy vegetables.
  • Limit consumption of fast food. 

Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes

With simple lifestyle changes such as diet control, staying active, keeping a tab on your weight and staying away from vices, you can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Here are a few tips to get started.

1. Make healthy food choices

  • Taking care of your diet is one of the most essential components to manage and prevent diabetes.
  • Switch to oils with high volume of monounsaturated fats & polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil or rice bran oil. Limit intake to one tablespoon a day.
  • Restrict intake of foods that have a high glycemic index like white breads, white rice, fatty foods, and soda.
  • Consume foods with low glycemic index like multigrain flour, whole grains, pulses, and non-starchy vegetables.
  • Limit consumption of fast food. 

5 simple rules you must follow to keep your blood glucose level under control.
2. Watch your weight

  • Lose weight to attain body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9.
  • Pay more attention to losing abdominal or belly fat as it can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes more than fat on any other part of the body like thighs, hips, and buttocks.

3. Exercise regularly

  • Regular exercise can lower blood glucose and possibly reduce the amount of medication you need to treat diabetes, or even eliminate the need for medication.
  • Even if you do not lose any weight, exercise can help keep type 2 diabetes under control.
  • Start slowly with a low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming or jogging.
  • Exercise at least three times a week for about 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Warm up for 5 minutes before starting to exercise and cool down for 5 minutes after exercise.
  • Be more active throughout the day.  Avoid sitting for more than 2 hours at a stretch in a day.
  • Parking your car far away, opting for stairs instead of the elevator or walking instead of sitting while talking on the phone can be handy tips to increase physical activity.

4. Manage stress better

  • Stress can make blood sugar levels harder to control. 
  • It is very important to avoid unnecessary stress and indulge in activities that can help you relieve stress such as reading, traveling, sports, and other hobbies.
  • Mind-body practices such as tai chi & yoga can help in managing stress and thereby preventing diabetes.
  • You may join a yoga club nearby or dedicate 10-15 minutes every day for meditation.

Here are 6 amazing ways to battle chronic stress effectively. 
5. Get a good quality sleep

  • Make lifestyle changes to get sound sleep like going to bed and getting up at the same time every night and keeping electronics out of the bedroom.
  • Sleep problems like sleep apnea can increase the risk of diabetes. If you have trouble sleeping, consult the doctor at the earliest. 

6. Quit smoking

  • Smoking has been found to directly increase the risk of several diabetes complications such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, eye diseases, nerve damage, and kidney damage.
  • It has also been found to reduce blood flow to the feet and other body extremities. This can lead to problems in feet and slow down the healing of injuries. 
  • Hence, it is wise to quit smoking to lower your risk of diabetic complications. Talk to your doctor for measures that can help you to quit smoking.

7. Drink in moderation

  • Excessive drinking can cause unexpected spikes in blood glucose which can significantly affect your overall health, especially if you have diabetes. 
  • Men should consume no more than 2 drinks per day, and women no more than 1 drink per day. And in case you already are diabetic, alcohol can make it worse.
  • Do not drink on an empty stomach. 

Doctor To Visit


If you have been experiencing symptoms such as tingling sensation or numbness of the limbs, feeling excessively hungry or thirsty, or unexplained weight loss, then it is wise to consult following specialists:

  • Endocrinologist
  • Diabetologist

If you are already diagnosed with diabetes, then getting a regular health check-up is a must. This is because chronic or uncontrolled diabetes can impact other major organs of the body such as the eyes, legs, nerves, kidneys, and gums. So, if you suffer from any complications due to diabetes, then getting in touch with the respective specialist can help you to manage and prevent these problems. Some of the specialists who can help depending on the complication are:

  • Nephrologist
  • Neurologist
  • Cardiologist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Dentist
  • Dietician

Consult India’s best doctor’s online with a single click. Click here to book an appointment.

Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes 


Diabetes can be treated with medications and injections along with few lifestyle modifications. Based on your blood glucose level, your doctor might recommend medicines/injections to control diabetes. Some of the common types of medicines for diabetes include:

A. Oral antidiabetics

1. Biguanides

This class of drug helps to improve glucose control by suppressing glucose production by the liver, decreasing the absorption of glucose by the intestine and increasing the insulin sensitivity. Metformin is the most commonly used biguanide to treat diabetes.

2. Sulphonylureas

These drugs are known to increase the secretion of insulin by the pancreas to manage diabetes. Some of the common examples of drugs belonging to this class include:

  • Glimepiride
  • Glipizide

3. Thiazolidinediones

This class of drugs help control diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity in the muscles and fat tissues. Examples of this class of drug include:

  • Pioglitazone
  • Rosiglitazone

4. Meglitinides

They increase secretion of insulin by the pancreas to treat diabetes. Examples of this class of drugs include:

  • Repaglinide
  • Nateglinide

5. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

As the name suggests, this class of drugs inhibit the enzyme alpha glucosidase thereby decreasing the absorption of glucose by the intestine. Some of the commonly available drugs under this class include:

  • Acarbose
  • Miglitol

6. DPP-4 Inhibitors

It works by improving the secretion of insulin by the pancreas thereby helping in the treatment of diabetes. Examples of this class of drugs are:

  • Sitagliptin
  • Vildagliptin
  • Saxagliptin

7. Incretin mimetics

This class of oral antidiabetics are known to increase the secretion of the hormone insulin and help in controlling diabetes. Commonly known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists or GLP-1 analogues, this class includes drugs such as:

  • Exenatide
  • Liraglutide
  • Dulaglutide

B. Injectables
This includes insulin (mainly human insulin) which increases the uptake of glucose by the cells and helps to control diabetes. There are 5 different types of insulin available currently which are recommended based on the severity of the condition. These include:

  1. Rapid-acting insulin (Examples: Lispro & glulisine)
  2. Short-acting insulin (Examples: Insulin regular & semilente)
  3. Intermediate-acting insulin (Examples: Lente & insulin isophane)
  4. Long-acting insulin (Examples: Ultralente & protamine zinc)
  5. Ultra long-acting insulin (Examples: Glargine, detemir & degludec)

Home-care For Type 2 Diabetes


A. Diet in diabetes

In the case of diabetes, it is essential to understand the concept of the glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index of a food refers to the effect the food has on the body’s blood sugar levels. 

Foods are classified as low, medium, or high glycemic foods and ranked on a scale of 0–100. High GI is when the level is greater than 70, and low levels are less than 51. Diet in diabetes should include low GI foods whereas high GI foods should be avoided or limited. While choosing foods with a high GI, limit the portion size and pair them with sources of protein or healthy fat to reduce the impact on blood sugar.

Foods to prefer

1. Vegetables

Vegetables contain a good quantity of vitamins, minerals and are a great source of fiber. Green, leafy vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They’re also very low in digestible carbohydrates, so they won’t significantly affect blood sugar levels. Some of the examples of green leafy vegetables include spinach, avocados, cabbage, beans, broccoli, and kale. 

2. Fruits

There is mixed perception about intake of fruits for diabetes. Some people believe that diabetics should completely cut down fruits from their diet while some think that one can include as much fruits as they want in their diet as it doesn’t have any impact on blood glucose level. However, neither is true. It is best to include fruits as an integral part of your daily meal plan while keeping a tab on the carbohydrate content. 


Watch the video to know more about which fruits to eat and which fruits to avoid.


3. Protein-rich foods

Eating a protein rich diet can be very useful as proteins are more slowly broken down by the body than carbohydrates. They exert less effect on blood sugar level and hence can help to feel fuller for longer hours. Foods which are good sources of protein are fish, lean meats, and chicken.

4. Whole grains 

Whole grains contain higher levels of fiber and nutrients than refined white grains. Consuming a diet rich in fiber is important for people with diabetes as it slows the process of digestion and therefore, helps keep blood sugar levels stable. A few examples of whole grains to be included in the diet are brown rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and millet. 

5. Seeds 

Seeds like flax seeds and chia seeds are rich in fiber and low in digestible carbs. The fiber in seeds can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate at which food moves through the gut. It also helps in maintaining glycemic management in people with diabetes.

6. Nuts 

Nuts are a great source of fiber and vitamins and can be beneficial for regulating cholesterol. It has been proven regular consumption of nuts may reduce blood sugar levels. A few examples are walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios. 

Foods to limit


1. Carbohydrate-rich foods 

Carbohydrates are an important dietary part of all meals. However, people with diabetes are benefitted from limiting their carbohydrate intake in a balanced way. Replacing carbs with other alternative options or by pairing them with a healthy protein source are good options.

2. Saturated and trans fat 

Saturated and trans fats in fried food and processed/packaged foods including chips, baked foods etc have been linked to a higher spike in blood glucose.

3. Alcohol

People with diabetes are generally advised to limit their alcohol intake to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. 

4. Sugar-sweetened beverages 

Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, energy drinks, coffee, shakes & sweet tea lack important nutrients, and also contain a concentrated amount of sugar in each serving.

5. Excessive salt 

Salt is not directly linked to blood glucose levels, but it is important to limit the amount of salt in case of diabetes management. People with diabetes are more likely to be affected by high blood pressure that is due to taking high salt in the diet, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.


Dr. Beena Bansal (MBBS, MD, DM, Endocrinology) tells us about some simple ways to curb our food cravings. Watch the video now!

B. Exercise in diabetes

Aerobic activity is one of the effective exercise options to control diabetes. When done at moderate intensity it raises your heart rate and makes you sweat thereby helping you to maintain an optimum blood glucose level. Try brisk walking, light jogging, swimming or other aerobic exercises to maintain weight and control diabetes.


C. Regular health check-ups in diabetes

  • Diabetes requires lifelong commitment towards following a healthy lifestyle, taking medicines on time and getting regular checkups to detect any complications.
  • Check your blood sugar levels at home at least once a week.
  • Get your HbA1c levels checked at least twice a year. 
  • In addition, make sure that your eyes, kidneys, heart and skin are in optimal health.
  • Visit an eye specialist once a year to detect any signs of eye damage (diabetic retinopathy).
  • Get your kidney function tests done at least 2 times a year.
  • Inspect your feet regularly for any signs of numbness, pain or growth that may lead to ulceration and complications.

Complications Of Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin deficit, if left unchecked over the long term, can cause damage to many of the body’s organs, leading to disabling health complications such as:

Diabetes retinopathy: High blood glucose levels shall put you at an increased risk of eye problems such as blurred vision, cataract, and glaucoma.

Diabetic nephropathy: Excess glucose can cause thickening of blood vessels in the kidneys. This gradually impairs kidney function and increases the pressure on the kidneys and in the long run leads to chronic kidney failure and kidney failure.
Diabetic neuropathy: High blood glucose levels can affect the nerves by impairing the blood flow to the nerves by causing damage to the small blood vessels. This can result in tingling, numbness, pain or eventual loss of feeling that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Damage to nerves of the heart can result in irregular heart beat. Nerve damage in the digestive system can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. 

Cardiovascular diseases: High blood glucose levels not only impairs the blood flow to the heart but can also increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which leads to narrowing of arterial walls throughout the body.

Diabetic ulcers: People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing foot ulcers. A diabetic ulcer is often painless, and people might not even know they have them. It is important to examine feet and legs regularly to identify diabetic ulcers and if needed, get prompt treatment.


Recurrent infections: High blood sugar can weaken the immune system. This may make one more susceptible to infections including bacterial and fungal infections.


Delayed healing: Cuts and blisters can become serious infections due to poor healing. Type 2 diabetes also causes poor circulation to the feet, which causes delayed healing of any cut or an infection. This can also lead to gangrene and loss of the foot or leg.


Hearing impairment: Hearing problems are more common in people with type 2 diabetes.


Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is common in type 2 diabetes patients. 


Dementia: Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases that cause dementia. 
Erectile dysfunction: In men suffering from diabetes, there is a high chance of developing erectile dysfunction around 10-15 years earlier than non-diabetics. 

Alternative Therapies Of Type 2 Diabetes

Ayurveda

The science of Ayurveda manages diabetes through a combination of activities that include exercise (vyayam), dietary regulation (pathya), panchakarma (bio-purification) and medicines. It is best to consult an ayurveda consultant before taking any ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. Some household herbs and spices that you can include in your diet include:

  • Powdered jamun seeds can be taken with water or buttermilk (chaach).
  • Methi (fenugreek) seeds are taken with water 15-20 minutes before each meal. Methi has soluble fibers that slow down the digestion and absorption of glucose.
  • Bael leaves are squeezed to prepare fresh juice that can be taken along with a pinch of black pepper.
  • Dalchini (cinnamon) in powdered form can be taken with water as it helps in improving sugar as well as cholesterol level.
  • Concentrated amla juice taken along with bitter gourd juice, helps in releasing more insulin.
  • Karela (bitter gourd) juice is recommended to be taken every morning.
  • Homeopathy

Defined as a complementary medicine, homeopathy majorly concentrates on improving the functioning of the pancreas to produce insulin. Homeopathy experts rely on the patient’s history and temperament to devise a constitutional medication. However, it is recommended to use the homeopathic medicines only if prescribed by the homeopath and that too alongside the usual course of medications suggested.
Yoga

It focuses on mindful exercise where a person’s attention is on the body or breathing and eases away worrying or depressing thoughts from the mind. Restorative yoga involves yoga poses and healing through relaxation techniques with conscious breathing and power yoga has been found to benefit for losing weight (a risk factor for diabetics). It has been studied for controlling both the symptom and complication associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Acupuncture

This technique involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at strategic points of the body. Acupuncture may be effective in treating not only diabetes, but also in preventing and managing complications of the disease.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Learn more about the condition by reading about the condition and its complications online. In case of any doubt, get your queries answered by your expert. This includes knowing when to check blood glucose level, the lifestyle changes to follow, the type of glucometer to use, etc.


1. Know the highs and lows
Diabetes can put them at risk of various health problems right from obesity and heart disease to depression. Hence, learn to accept the fact and ensure you help patients to control blood glucose levels.

2. Go for appointments with the patient
This can help you to know what extra precautions to take and what changes you need to make to ensure the proper management of diabetes.

3. Follow the same diet pattern as the patient
This can not only make you more cautious when it comes to eating healthy but sharing the same fitness plan can help you to ease stress and stay healthy. Lifestyle changes become habits when done together. You can even get diet-related advice through e-consultation.

4. Talk to other caregivers and also let the patient connect with other diabetics
Sharing the experiences can make it easy to deal with diabetes and understand more about the condition. You can reach out to diabetes communities or online support groups for help.

References

  1. IDF DIABETES ATLAS. Ninth edition 2019. International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
  2. Understanding A1c Diagnosis. American Diabetes Association (ADA)
  3. Varma PP. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in India – Where are we heading?. Indian J Nephrol. 2015;25(3):133-135.
  4. Kharroubi AT, Darwish HM. Diabetes mellitus: The epidemic of the century. World J Diabetes. 2015;6(6):850-867.
  5. Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Esposito K. Diabetes and sexual dysfunction: current perspectives. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2014;7:95-105.
  6. Pandey A, Tripathi P, Pandey R, Srivatava R, Goswami S. Alternative therapies useful in the management of diabetes: A systematic review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(4):504-512. 
  7. Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last reviewed June 2020.

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DisclaimerRakesh Medicals ‘s sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover all possible side effects, drug interactions or warnings or alerts. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

Glimepiride

Glimepiride

INFORMATION ABOUT GLIMEPIRIDE

Glimepiride Uses

Glimepiride is used to lower the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, physical exercise and weight reduction alone are not adequate.. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

How Glimepiride works

Glimepiride is an antidiabetic medication. It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower blood glucose.

Common side effects of Glimepiride

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Headache, Nausea, Dizziness

EXPERT ADVICE FOR GLIMEPIRIDE

  • Glimepiride helps decrease high blood sugar level and avoid long-term complications of diabetes.
  • Take it shortly before or with the first main meal of the day (usually breakfast). Avoid skipping meals.
  • Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and take your other diabetes medicines (if prescribed) alongside.
  • Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine. 
  • Be careful while driving or operating machinery until you know how Glimepiride affects you.
  • It can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
  • Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemic symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor and anxiety.
  • Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms, such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR GLIMEPIRIDE

Glimepiride

Q. Does Glimepiride make you sleepy?

Glimepiride itself does not cause sleepiness. However, it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other anti-diabetes medicine. Because of this you may feel sleepy or have problems in sleeping.

Q. Is Glimepiride safe for kidneys?

Glimepiride does not affect kidneys in patients with normal kidney function. However, its use should be avoided in patients with severe kidney disease since Glimepiride is principally eliminated by the kidneys.

Q. Does Glimepiride cause memory loss?

No, it is not known that Glimepiride causes memory loss. However, the use of Glimepiride may cause low blood sugar which may cause problems with concentration and reduced alertness.

Q. Who should not take Glimepiride?

Glimepiride should be avoided by patients who are allergic to it, have severe kidney or liver disease, have G6PD-deficiency (an inherited condition affecting red blood cells) or are due to have surgery. Additionally, patients who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus) should avoid taking Glimepiride.

Q. How long does it take for Glimepiride to start working?

Glimepiride takes about 2 to 3 hours to reduce blood sugar levels. You may not feel any difference, but this does not mean the medicine is not working. Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor and if you have any concerns, discuss it with your doctor.

Q. How long do I need to take Glimepiride? Can I stop the medication?

Usually, the treatment for diabetes is suggested for a long term. You may have to continue the treatment life long. Glimepiride only controls the sugar levels but does not cure it. Do not stop taking Glimepiride without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Glimepiride suddenly your diabetes may get worse.

Q. How and when to take Glimepiride?

Glimepiride is advised to be taken in the dose and duration suggested by your doctor. Generally, a single daily dose of Glimepiride is sufficient to control blood sugar levels. The dose should be taken whole with water shortly before or during breakfast. However, if you skip breakfast then the medicine should be taken shortly before or during your first main meal.

Q. What can happen if I take more than the recommended dose of Glimepiride?

Glimepiride should be taken strictly as advised by the doctor. Overdose of Glimepiride may significantly decrease your blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). If you think you have taken an excess dose and experience a dip in your sugar level, consume enough sugar (e.g., a small bar of sugar cubes, sweet juice or sweetened tea) and inform a doctor immediately. Severe cases of hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness and coma require immediate medical treatment and admission into hospital.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Description of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Description It is a combination of variety of symptoms occurring about 1 or 2 weeks before the expected menses and soon recedes in 1 to 2 days once menses start. It is most commonly found in women in the age group of 20 to 30. Almost every three out of four menstruating women experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The pattern of onset, duration, progress, and symptoms are specific to each woman. 

Causes and Risk Factors

 The exact cause of PMS is unknown. Following are some causative factors that are said to be responsible for the variety of PMS symptoms.1. Changes in hormones during menstrual cycle2. Changes in neurotransmitters (chemicals in brain) which affect mood, e.g., serotonin3. Personal or family history of depression4. Stress5. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals 

Signs and Symptoms 

 Common symptoms and signs are:1. Breast tenderness2. Bloating or heaviness in abdomen3. Headache4. Constipation or diarrhea5. Acne6. Food cravings7. Muscle pains8. Weight gain due to fluid retention9. Irritability10. Mood swings 

Investigations 

There is no specific test to diagnose PMS. A complete medical history and clinical examination can direct the physician towards diagnosis of PMS. Affected women should keep a track of these symptoms in a diary for at least 3 months. This can help the physician to confirm diagnosis and rule out other disorders. 

Treatment and Prevention

 Treatment and prevention include: 1. Drink plenty of water or fruit juices.2. Avoid intake of alcohol, soft drinks, or caffeine containing beverages.3. Avoid excess salt or salty foods that can cause fluid retention.4. Eat balanced healthy food containing vegetables, fiber, less salt, and fruits.5. Include nutrition supplements such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin B complex if required6. Do regular exercises, yoga, aerobics, swimming, or jogging for at least 30 minutes a day for physical fitness and refreshment.7. Take proper sleep.8. Medications include, painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which can be prescribed for headache, backache, menstrual cramping, and breast tenderness. 

Complications and When Should You See a Doctor 

Sometimes the symptoms of PMS can get so severe that they affect daily routine activities of women.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS with signs and symptoms including severe depression, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and tension. Some women tend to suicide out of depression or PMDD.