Diabetes could also turn you deaf
Diabetics,
who were warned for years that their illness could cause blindness, are in for more bad news, as
doctors have claimed that the patients are more likely to lose their hearing,
too.
Japanese research has found that hearing problems are far more common in diabetics than their healthy counterparts, even when other factors such as ageing and a noisy environment are taken into account, the Daily Mail reported.
Japanese research has found that hearing problems are far more common in diabetics than their healthy counterparts, even when other factors such as ageing and a noisy environment are taken into account, the Daily Mail reported.
Lead author of the study, Chika Horikawa of Niigata University, said: "We found that people with diabetes had more than two times higher prevalence of hearing impairment than those without diabetes."
Several studies have investigated the relationship between diabetes and hearing impairment but their findings were inconsistent.
However, links have been made between hearing loss and other conditions such as dementia and depression.
"The association of hearing impairment with diabetes is controversial, but it is believed that over time, high blood glucose levels can damage vessels [causing hearing loss]" Horikawa said.
It's thought that glucose damages the nerves and tissues in the ear, diminishing the ability to hear.
"Our results propose that diabetic patients be screened for hearing impairment from earlier age compared with non-diabetics, from the viewpoint of prevention of several health problems such as depression and dementia caused by hearing impairment," Horikawa said.
Around a third of over-60s have significant permanent hearing loss, rising to about two-thirds of 70-year-olds.
American research published earlier this year found that women in particular are likely to suffer from hearing loss if they are diabetic and their condition is not well controlled with medication.
The findings are set to be published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
16.11.2012
For pregnant obese women, risk is higher
Pregnant obese women,
mostly those who conceive after 30 years of age, must watch their diet and
weight. If they do not follow a healthy meal plan, they may be affected by
gestational diabetes (GD) with abnormally high levels of sugar in their blood.
It is estimated that
5-10 per cent of pregnant women living in urban areas develop GD which can lead
to complications in the new-born too if not properly monitored. Thanks to the
present day lifestyle, the number of GD cases have increased manifold compared to
a decade ago.
To avoid GD, one should
take care right from the pre-pregnancy stage, Dr Seema Choudhary, consultant
gynaecologist and obstetrician, Motherhood Hospital, said.
“Pre-pregnancy weight
is very important. Women who are obese during conceiving run a higher chance of
getting GD. Also, those with a family history of diabetes should take care of
their food habit from the beginning of their pregnancy,” she said.
Pregnant women above 30
years of age tend to develop GD because of stress and lifestyle. Stress,
obesity, food habits and less intake of water are responsible for GD. Moreover,
if a woman has GD in her first pregnancy, she would have a 30-50 per cent
chance of developing it in the next,”she said.
To ensure blood sugar
levels within limits, following a sensible diet is important. According to
Sheela Krishnaswamy, diet, nutrition and wellness consultant, and a board
director of the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations, the
nutritional requirements for a gestational diabetic is similar to that of a
pregnant woman without diabetes.
A pregnant woman’s
energy requirements would be around 30 kilocalories per kg body weight if she
is not overweight in the first trimester. In the second and third trimesters,
she would need an additional 300 calories. Her protein, calcium, folic acid and
iron requirements are also enhanced during pregnancy. However, a gestational
diabetic needs to watch the intake of fat and refined carbohydrates, she said.
This means, it is best to stay away from fried foods, high fat foods, sugars,
sweets, desserts, soft drinks, maida products like white bread, and so on.
16.11.2012
It
is hard to fail, but it is worse never have tried to succeed
Theodore Roosevelt
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