Those with diabetes have high blood sugar, and over time, if neglected, elevated blood glucose levels can affect different aspects of health. One of the common complications is joint pain. Joints keep the bones from rubbing together, prevent breakage, allow movement, and provide dexterity. Joint pain or discomfort may be temporary or chronic, affecting the ability to perform daily activities. Diabetic joint pain could also stem from musculoskeletal or nervous system problems. Here are a few complications of high blood sugar that can cause joint pain: Musculoskeletal conditions When left untreated, diabetes can cause the breakdown of the musculoskeletal system, causing joint pain and limiting movement. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing the following conditions that cause joint pain and discomfort. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Symptoms include pain in the arm and hand, sensation of pins and needles, hand or wrist weakness, and tingling or numbness. Dupuytren’s contracture: Here, drawing up or thickening of the skin of the palm is the most common symptom. Over time, this condition may limit the ability to fully straighten the fingers. Trigger finger: Common symptoms for this condition include finger stiffness, popping or clicking sensation during movement, and tenderness or bumps at the base of the affected finger.

Excessive sugar consumption is a significant risk factor for various health conditions. While many organs can get affected by eating too much sugar, the liver is among the most susceptible. When people indulge in sugary foods too often, the liver’s workload intensifies. In other words, it works harder to process and metabolize the excess sugar entering the bloodstream. Consequently, this increases the risk of liver disease and damage with time. Signs of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake When the liver is affected due to excessive sugar consumption, the body exhibits specific symptoms. Knowing these symptoms can help people prioritize liver health and make informed decisions regarding their sugar intake: Dark urine Liver disease caused by excessive sugar consumption can impact the production and flow of bile, resulting in changes in urine and stool color. Dark urine, along with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and discoloration of the eyes, can indicate a disruption in the liver’s ability to process and eliminate waste products properly. Fatigue and lack of energy Unexplained fatigue and a constant lack of energy are prominent signs of liver disease caused by high sugar intake. When the liver is burdened with processing excess sugar, it struggles to maintain stable insulin levels and regulate blood glucose effectively.

Despite some of its benefits, sugar is generally considered to be bad for one’s gastrointestinal health. Excessive sugar consumption causes a host of serious health conditions for people such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and stool-related issues. Sugar tends to affect a person’s gut particularly badly, in case the consumption levels are high. An individual with high blood sugar will experience certain symptoms indicative of serious gastrointestinal disorders. Four such common symptoms are discussed below. Gas When one consumes excessive sugar, it cannot be broken down by the digestive system. As a result, the sugar is not absorbed by the body and it sits and ferments in an individual’s bowels. Additionally, the sugar moves slowly through one’s large intestine. This results in the festering of bad bacteria and yeast in the bowels and lower intestinal areas, causing a build-up of gas. Generally, gas is accompanied by acute abdomen pain, spasms, and cramping in those with high blood sugar levels. Vomiting Hyperglycemia, the medical term for high blood sugar, often happens when an individual’s body is either not producing enough insulin or the body cannot use this insulin properly. This results in gastrointestinal disease symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Apart from those, frequent urination is also experienced by individuals with high blood sugar due to this mechanism.

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when a person has had high blood sugar levels for a long time. It causes nerve damage that progresses over several decades. It is a common and often serious complication for those with long-term type 1 and type 2 diabetes. People have to manage their blood sugar levels to prevent further complications. This is why it is important to watch out for these signs of diabetic neuropathy due to excessive sugar levels. Frequent feelings of numbness One of the common signs of diabetic neuropathy due to excessive sugar levels in the blood is the frequent feeling of numbness in the extremities. Some people are not able to feel their feet while they are walking. The feeling of tingling or burning is also experienced in the feet or hands. Some also feel they are wearing gloves or socks when they are not. Sudden shooting pains Diabetic neuropathy can also cause a person to experience sudden and sharp pains in their body. It usually occurs in the hands and often feels like an electric current passing through. The shooting pain can also cause cramping while the person is trying to grasp something like a spoon or a glass of water.

One thing that most people want to do after a hectic day at work or after engaging in intense exercise is get a good night’s rest. Sleeping ensures that the body gets the opportunity to relax and recharge for the next day. However, the position in which one sleeps may have an effect on their sleep quality and overall health. So, here is a look at how sleeping positions can affect sleep: Fetal position Taking on a fetal position is one of the healthiest ways to sleep, especially for those who are pregnant or dealing with lower back pain. It can also help reduce snoring. However, here one should ensure that their posture is relatively loose, or it could limit deep breathing while asleep. One could try the fetal position by sleeping on their side with bent legs curled toward their body. Sleeping on one side Although similar to the fetal position, here, the legs are not pulled in toward the body. The posture could help with digestion and reduce heartburn, but it may not be ideal for everyone, as it can cause stiffness in the shoulders and jaw tightness on that side. Placing a pillow between the lower legs could help improve the alignment of the hips and prevent low back pain.

Studies indicate that nearly 30% of people in the country have insomnia. Short-term insomnia is prevalent in approximately 9% of the population. If left untreated, this sleeping disorder can lead to various complications, including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, etc. Therefore, when an individual faces trouble staying asleep, it is important to address it soon. Practicing good sleep habits, along with some helpful remedies, can help individuals manage this condition from home. Noise machine White noise or, at times, brown noise is found to help relax the mind and body. It is said to calm racing thoughts and assist individuals in sleeping better. It helps people with insomnia who find it difficult to fall asleep and are experiencing severe symptoms. The noise machine works by generating a buffer to drown out noises, such as traffic and other unpleasant sounds in the environment that could make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Chamomile Traditionally, chamomile is a useful herb to help wind down. The plant relieves stress and muscle tension and relaxes the patient. It can be used as an essential oil or a warm cup of tea just before bedtime. Chamomile tea is an effective remedy for insomnia as it contains a flavonoid – apigenin – which offers soothing and relaxing properties to help you sleep better.

Being the outermost layer of the body, the skin protects the body against injury and harmful substances. It also prevents loss of moisture, controls body temperature, and stores blood. Health conditions pertaining to the skin can affect such functions and cause significant discomfort. Itchy skin is a prevalent skin problem, with 22% of individuals experiencing chronic itching at some point in their lives. Here are some causes and remedies for itchy skin: Causes of itchy skin Food allergies Itchy skin and rashes may be caused by food allergies such as shellfish, soy, dairy, wheat, and peanuts. Eliminating specific foods or food groups one by one can help identify what food may be the allergen. Exposure to insects and pollen Some individuals may develop skin allergies and itching from exposure to pollen or certain insects, such as wasps, fleas, bed bugs, pinworms, and ants. Swimming Sometimes, skin itching may be caused as a reaction to parasites living in oceans, lakes, and other water bodies. This condition is referred to as swimmer’s itch. Age As one ages, the skin tends to lose moisture and become drier, which can lead to discomforting itching. More than 50% of older adults experience chronic itchy skin.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung condition. This common disorder affects over 12 million people in the country, causing an obstruction in the airflow in the lungs. Recognizing early signs of COPD can lead to a quicker diagnosis. This allows for better management of the condition, reducing the risk of lung function loss. This article sheds light on the early signs and management of COPD: Signs Here are some of the early signs of COPD: Shortness of breath with mild physical exercise such as walking, using the stairs, or performing daily activities Difficulty taking a deep breath Wheezing Chest tightness Chronic cough that may produce clear, white, yellow, or greenish mucus Frequent respiratory infections Lack of energy or fatigue that lasts for more than a day Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs Change in color, thickness, amount, or odor of sputum (mucus) Presence of blood in sputum Frequent morning headaches or dizziness Fever, especially with cold or flu symptoms Restlessness, confusion, forgetfulness, or slurred speech COPD treatment COPD treatment is focused on symptom management, such as relieving coughing, easing breathing problems, and reducing the risk of respiratory infections. Commonly prescribed treatment methods include the following:

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a health condition that disrupts the heart’s natural pumping rhythm, causing blood to pool in the atria and increasing the likelihood of clot formation. When these clots travel to the brain, they cause silent strokes, which often occur without noticeable symptoms. Silent strokes can lead to cognitive decline and dementia over time. Therefore, understanding the link between AFib and silent strokes helps with early diagnosis and timely management of complications. Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) quiver instead of contracting properly. This irregularity can lead to blood pooling in the atria, forming clots. A clot breaking loose and reaching the brain can block a blood vessel, leading to a stroke. One should know certain things about Afib. It is one of the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmias, affecting approximately 2-3% of the global population. Its prevalence increases with age, making it more common among older adults. Some individuals may have AFib without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. It is known as “silent AFib,” making it crucial to conduct regular heart monitoring, especially in high-risk groups. Silent strokes Silent strokes, otherwise known as asymptomatic cerebral infarctions, occur without apparent symptoms.

For individuals facing the challenges of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), finding the right foods can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing and improved well-being. A tailored nutrition approach guided by healthcare professionals can help those with COPD live an improved quality of life. This article explores specific foods that are important in promoting healing and offer support in managing COPD symptoms. Some of the top foods are: Broccoli, spinach, and kale Incorporating nutrient-rich vegetables into one’s daily meals can be vital in managing COPD symptoms. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, and carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These essential nutrients help reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and improve respiratory health. Salmon and mackerel Salmon and mackerel, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can be incredibly beneficial for people with COPD. These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties that may assist in reducing inflammation in the airways. Individuals with COPD can experience improved lung function and easier breathing by including these fish in their meal plans. Chicken, turkey, and tofu (lean proteins) Lean protein sources like skinless chicken and tofu are necessary for tissue repair and maintenance. Consuming these proteins helps strengthen muscles, a crucial aspect of managing COPD symptoms.

Amyloidosis is a rare and often misdiagnosed health condition characterized by the build-up of abnormal proteins called amyloids in various organs and tissues in the body. A few organs at risk include the heart, spleen, kidneys, liver, digestive tract, and nervous system. Detecting this condition early is crucial for effective management of symptoms. Here are early warning signs of amyloidosis to help one identify them and seek an early diagnosis: Fatigue and weakness One of the earliest signs of amyloidosis is unexplained fatigue and weakness. So, those affected often experience a persistent lack of energy, which might be attributed to the accumulation of amyloids interfering with normal organ and tissue function. This fatigue, unlike general tiredness, may not improve with rest. Loss of appetite Amyloidosis may affect the digestive system, leading to poor nutrient absorption and reduced appetite. Any such changes should prompt further investigation by a healthcare professional. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath, either while engaging in physical activities or while lying down, can be a sign of amyloidosis. The accumulation of amyloids in the heart may restrict its ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to difficulty breathing. Swelling in the ankles and legs Swelling, particularly in the ankles and legs, might be another early symptom, as amyloidosis can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance.