Health

6 body parts that show you have high blood sugar

Published

11 months ago

13/01/2023

Mimmy

Diabetes is a condition that needs to be managed on a daily basis. High blood sugar can often lead to increased thirst, the need to pee frequently, tiredness, blurred vision, and unintentional weight loss.

Furthermore, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can also cause damage to tiny blood vessels in the body, which can make it difficult for blood to reach the organs.

This in turn can be life-threatening. Having said that, one must keep an eye out for symptoms that may arise in different parts of the body.

1. Eyes
High blood sugar levels can affect the blood vessels in the retina, leading to eye-related problems such as blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma and the most concerning, diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy involves changes in the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes.

2. Feet
There are two ways diabetes can affect your feet. The first is through nerve damage, which deprives your foot from feeling any kind of sensation. Secondly, you may experience poor blood circulation in your feet, which makes it difficult for any infection to heal. Over time, if the sores or the infection is not treated, it can even lead to amputation.

3. Kidneys
Kidneys are an integral part of the body, which helps filter all the toxins and wastes from the body. It comprises tiny blood vessels that help the organ function efficiently. However, high blood sugar may cause damage to these blood vessels, which can in turn lead to diabetic kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy. Symptoms include: protein in the urine, increased need to urinate, worsened blood pressure control, swelling in the feet, ankles, hands and eyes, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and more.

4. Nerves
Just like diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, high blood sugar can also lead to nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. The condition can lead to symptoms including numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature, tingling or burning feeling, sharp pains and cramps, extreme sensitivity to touch and severe foot ulcers, infections and more.

5. Heart and blood vessels
Given that high blood sugar can cause blood vessel damage, a diabetic is always at an increased risk of cardiovascular complications including stroke and heart disease. In addition, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk for heart disease including high blood pressure.

6. Gum
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common condition linked to high blood sugar. It usually occurs due to clogged or thickened blood vessels that reduce the blood flow to gums, hence weakening the muscles. Furthermore, high blood sugar can also promote the growth of bacteria that usually causes gum disease. Symptoms include bleeding, sensitive, and painful gums.

Related Topics:6 body parts that show you have high blood sugar

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Health

5 side effects of morning-after pills you should know

Published

9 months ago

23/03/2023

Mimmy

The morning-after pill, also known as emergency contraception, is a type of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

It is most effective when taken within 72 hours of intercourse, although it can be effective up to five days after.

While the morning-after pill is generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects.

The most common side effects of the morning-after pill include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

These symptoms are usually mild and should go away within a few days. Some women may also experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or breast tenderness.

These side effects are generally considered normal and are not cause for alarm.

Less Common Side Effects
In some cases, women may experience more serious side effects after taking the morning-after pill. These include:

1. Allergic reactions
Some women may experience an allergic reaction to the medication. Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking the morning-after pill, seek medical attention immediately.

2. Ectopic pregnancy
While the morning-after pill is highly efficient at preventing pregnancy, it is not 100% effective. In rare cases, women who take the morning-after pill may still become pregnant, and the pregnancy may be ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. This can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

3. Changes in menstrual cycle
The morning-after pill can affect your menstrual cycle, causing irregular bleeding or spotting. You may also experience heavier or lighter periods than usual. These changes are generally temporary and should go away within a few cycles.

4. Mood changes
Some women may experience mood changes after taking the morning-after pill. This may include feeling more emotional or irritable than usual. These symptoms should go away within a few days.

5. Blood clots
In rare cases, the morning-after pill may increase the risk of blood clots. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, or warmth in the leg, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

The morning-after pill is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. While it is generally well-tolerated, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking the morning-after pill, seek medical attention immediately.

It is also important to note that the morning-after pill should not be used as a regular form of birth control, as it is less effective than other methods and may have more side effects. If you are considering using emergency contraception, talk to your healthcare provider about the best options for you.

Health

Ilo Endorses Zambia’s Socialisation For Social Protection

Published

9 months ago

14/03/2023

Dennis Milanzi

The International Labour Organization -ILO- has complimented Zambia for extending the country’s social protection coverage to the informal sector under the National Pensions Scheme Authority -NAPSA.

Andrew Allieu, a senior social protection specialist for the International Labour Organization, praised Zambia for exceeding the 24 percent mark for social protection coverage while speaking at the 49th session of the African Region Labour Administration Centre -ARLAC – High-level Meeting for Senior Officials in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

Mr. ALLIEU urged member nations to cooperate to close the gap because the global goal was to reduce it by 40% by 2025.

ARLAC’s Advanced Labour Market Courses are ready to be implemented in Zambia, according to Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour ZECHARIAH LUHANGA.

He declared that a Memorandum of Understanding between ARLAC and the University of Zambia and the Open University of Mauritius was currently being signed.

By offering recognized training appropriate for employees of the Labour Administration system in ARLAC member countries, Mr. LUHANGA claimed the effort will assist participants in the labor market and Zambians across many industries.

Moreover, Zambia was chosen to serve on the ARLAC Executive Management Committee for a two-year term (2022-2024) during the ARLAC Governing Council meeting.

INUTU MWANZA, the first secretary for press and tourism at the Zambian Embassy in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, made this claim in a statement.