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Early Symptoms of Diabetes
This article is originally published on Freedom from Diabetes website, available here. Everyone knows that if blood sugar levels become too high, it is a type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, or when the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of this chronic condition can help one to get early treatment which in turn can reduce the risk of going into severe complications. Nowadays, many people are becoming diabetic. Lets understand how to prevent it?
Prediabetes is a condition where people have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but doctors do not consider them to have diabetes. If you detected it, we have to treated it immediately. Otherwise it lead to type 2 diabetes within 5 years
The initial symptoms are which are difficult to notice. So we are going discuss their symptoms, so we can prevent it easily.
What are the early signs of diabetes?
Polyuria or Frequent urination Whenever blood sugar levels are on the higher side, our kidneys try to remove the excess sugar of the blood.
Polydipsia or Increased thirst The frequent urination that happens to remove excess sugar from the blood can result in the body losing water leading to dehydration. This in turn leads to a person feeling more thirsty than usual and drinking more water.
Polyphagia or frequent hunger Diabetic people not get enough glucose in their cells because less glucose moves from the bloodstream into the cells. As a result, those with type 2 diabetes often feel hungry despite eating enough food.
Tiredness Type 2 diabetes can have a huge impact on a person’s energy which feel very tired or fatigued. The root cause is insufficient sugar moving from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.
Blurry vision or blurred vision Excess of sugar causes a lot of harm to the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. This can cause blurry vision.
Slow healing of the wounds and cuts Slow wound healing also increases the risk of having an infection.
Numbness, Tingling, or pain in the feet or hands High blood sugar can harm nerves and circulation, it leading to pain, numbness, and tingling, known as neuropathy. If not managed, this can worsen and cause more problems.
Acanthosis nigricans or patches of dark skin People at higher risk of diabetes have dark skin patches in the creases of the armpit, groin, or neck which may feel very soft and velvety.
Itching of skin and yeast infections Excessive sugar in the urine and blood can be food for yeast. This can lead to yeast infections in moist and warm areas of the skin like the mouth, armpits, and genital areas.
Early diagnosis of diabetes is crucial to prevent serious complications like heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, foot problems, kidney disease, eye issues, and sexual problems.
This is where FFD, Freedom from Diabetes, comes in. FFD is an organization that not only helps in Diabetes Reversal but also helps in preventing a prediabetic to go into full-blown diabetes.
If you want to learn more about this, please click here. Also please connect with me on my website, Facebook page, and YouTube if you want to stay in touch or give me any feedback!
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Early Warning Signs of Diabetes
The initial symptoms are mild and gradual, so they are difficult to notice. As a result, most people are unaware that they have this condition. What are the early signs of diabetes?
Read more to know: https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/early-warning-signs-of-diabetes/2789
#warning signs of diabetes#early warning signs of diabetes#10 early warning signs of diabetes#signs of diabetes#early signs of diabetes#signs of diabetes mellitus#first signs of diabetes#common signs of diabetes#signs of diabetes in adults#physical signs of diabetes#10 signs of diabetes
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Diabetes Insipidus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disorder characterized by an imbalance in the body’s ability to regulate water, leading to excessive urination and intense thirst. This condition is distinct from diabetes mellitus, which affects blood sugar levels. What is Diabetes Insipidus? Diabetes insipidus is a condition where the kidneys are unable to conserve water, leading to the excretion of large…
#Can Diabetes Insipidus be Cured?#Diabetes Insipidus#How Can Diabetes Insipidus Be Treated?#How Diabetes Insipidus is Diagnosed#How is Diabetes Insipidus Similar to Diabetes Mellitus?#Is Diabetes Insipidus Treated with Insulin?#Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus#Signs of Diabetes Insipidus in Adults#Types of Diabetes Insipidus#What is Diabetes Insipidus#Will Diabetes Insipidus Go Away?
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How Diabetes Affects Your Feet (Diabetic Foot) - Identifying Diabetic Foot Symptoms - Healthy Feet!
In this video, we delve into what diabetic foot problems really look like and provide valuable insights on how diabetes can affect your feet. Learn about common foot issues that can arise from diabetes and discover essential tips for maintaining healthy feet. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, this video is a must-watch to ensure proper foot care and overall well-being.
Share This Video: https://youtu.be/t2bze6P7vtY
diabeticfootproblems #diabeticfootissues #diabeticneuropathy
#diabetic neuropathy#diabetes#diabetic foot care#diabetic foot examination#diabetic foot amputation#diabetic foot management#diabetic foot pain#diabetic foot treatment#diabetic foot assessment#diabetic foot problems#diabetic feet#diabetic complications#diabetic foot infection#diabetic foot wound#diabetic foot surgery#diabetic foot ulcer#healthy feet tips#diabetic neuropathy in feet#painful diabetic neuropathy#diabetes symptoms#diabetes mellitus#type 2 diabetes#signs of diabetes#high blood sugar#type 1 diabetes#symptoms of diabetes#type 2 diabetes symptoms#diabetic diet#reversing type 2 diabetes#how to stop diabetes
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How Diabetes Affects Your Feet (Diabetic Foot) - Identifying Diabetic Foot Symptoms - Healthy Feet!
In this video, we delve into what diabetic foot problems really look like and provide valuable insights on how diabetes can affect your feet. Learn about common foot issues that can arise from diabetes and discover essential tips for maintaining healthy feet. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, this video is a must-watch to ensure proper foot care and overall well-being.
#diabetic neuropathy#diabetes#diabetic foot care#diabetic foot examination#diabetic foot amputation#diabetic foot management#diabetic foot pain#diabetic foot treatment#diabetic foot assessment#diabetic foot problems#diabetic feet#diabetic complications#diabetic foot infection#diabetic foot wound#diabetic foot surgery#diabetic foot ulcer#healthy feet tips#diabetic neuropathy in feet#painful diabetic neuropathy#diabetes symptoms#diabetes mellitus#type 2 diabetes#signs of diabetes#high blood sugar#type 1 diabetes#symptoms of diabetes#type 2 diabetes symptoms#diabetic diet#reversing type 2 diabetes#how to stop diabetes
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How Diabetes Affects Your Feet (Diabetic Foot) - Identifying Diabetic Foot Symptoms - Healthy Feet!
In this video, we delve into what diabetic foot problems really look like and provide valuable insights on how diabetes can affect your feet. Learn about common foot issues that can arise from diabetes and discover essential tips for maintaining healthy feet. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, this video is a must-watch to ensure proper foot care and overall well-being.
#diabetic neuropathy#diabetes#diabetic foot care#diabetic foot examination#diabetic foot amputation#diabetic foot management#diabetic foot pain#diabetic foot treatment#diabetic foot assessment#diabetic foot problems#diabetic feet#diabetic complications#diabetic foot infection#diabetic foot wound#diabetic foot surgery#diabetic foot ulcer#healthy feet tips#diabetic neuropathy in feet#painful diabetic neuropathy#diabetes symptoms#diabetes mellitus#type 2 diabetes#signs of diabetes#high blood sugar#type 1 diabetes#symptoms of diabetes#type 2 diabetes symptoms#diabetic diet#reversing type 2 diabetes#how to stop diabetes
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In today's video, we're excited to share with you 10 fundamental healthy habits that can truly transform your physical and mental health.
Click here for video
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#diabetes mellitus#diabetes#type 1 diabetes#type 2 diabetes#diabetes symptoms#diabetes signs#diabetes causes#diabetes food#diabetes treatment#diabetic
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Writing Notes: Color Blindness
Color blindness, also called color vision deficiency (CVD), is a group of conditions that affect the perception of color, characterized by the inability to clearly distinguish different colors of the spectrum.
The difficulties range from mild to severe.
Color blindness is a misleading term because people with color blindness are not blind. Rather, they tend to see colors in a limited range of hues; a rare few may not see colors at all.
There is no treatment or cure, and cannot be prevented.
Most color vision deficient persons compensate well for their abnormality and usually rely on color cues and details that are not consciously evident to persons with typical color vision.
Risk Factors
A family history of color blindness increases the risk since most color vision problems are inherited.
Another risk factor for color vision deficiency is aging:
The eye’s lens can darken and yellow over time, which can impair the ability of older adults to see dark colors.
Certain medications can also increase risk:
For example, the drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can cause color blindness.
Causes
Mutations in the CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, OPN1LW, OPN1MW, and OPN1SW genes are known to cause color vision deficiency.
Color blindness is sometimes acquired.
Chronic illnesses that can lead to color blindness include Alzheimer disease, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, leukemia, liver disease, chronic alcoholism etc.
Some medications such as antibiotics, barbiturates, anti– tuberculosis drugs, high blood pressure medications, and several medications used to treat nervous disorders and psychological problems may cause color blindness.
Industrial or environmental chemicals such as carbon monoxide, carbon disulfide, fertilizers, styrene, and some containing lead can cause loss of color vision.
Occasionally, changes can occur in the affected person’s capacity to see colors after age 60.
Symptoms
The inability to correctly identify colors is the only sign of color blindness.
It is important to note that people with red/green or blue varieties of color blindness use other cues such as color saturation and object shape or location to distinguish colors. They can often distinguish red or green if they can visually compare the colors. However, most have difficulty accurately identifying colors without any other references.
Most people with any impairment in color vision learn colors, as do other young children. These individuals often reach adolescence before their visual deficiency is identified.
Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References
#writing notes#color blindness#writeblr#dark academia#spilled ink#literature#writers on tumblr#writing reference#poets on tumblr#writing prompt#poetry#creative writing#writing inspiration#writing ideas#light academia#winslow homer#writing resources
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Hello so I have this Flareon that seems to really like water, rain and snow. Like she would paw at the door to be let out when it's rains or snows. Buttercup, my Flareon being a fire type has kinda worried me. I have took her to a pokemon center and they didn't find anything wrong. She was perfectly healthy. When she does go out in the snow and rain she would run and jump around. Not only that she would jump in puddles which really gets her all muddy and i dont really want her to track mud into the apartment. I forgot to mention she is a bit bigger then a normal Flareon, she's about the same size as a Houndoom. It doesn't really seem to bother her but I think I might need a second opinion.
there's actually a difference between water on its own and water-type attacks! a lot of fire types don't enjoy going out in the water because it weakens their attacks, but some fire types really enjoy their water time! you can train her not to jump in puddles unless you give the okay if you're worried about the mud, but i'm not worried about her health.
honestly, i'd be more concerned about her size. she's at a pretty extreme size for a flareon, which can result in eventual health problems. has she always been that large? if not, this may be hypersomatotropisim, which is known to happen to eevee and its evolutions more commonly than other pokemon. the condition is associated with diabetes mellitus, so if this growth is recent, it definitely warrants checking out. in general, though, larger pokemon are more prone to joint issues like arthritis and dysplasia because of the excess stress on their joints, and their organs can also be affected by the higher stress load. i would definitely keep a close eye out for any signs of pain or illness as she get older!
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must have books | dear nursing student
After being accepted into nursing school, I had no idea what to do next. I started looking up all kinds of stuff trying to figure out what to expect; YouTube, ALLNURSES, Instagram etc. I took bits and pieces of advice from all of them. I'm going to start by sharing the books I have found useful. This is mostly dedicated to those that procrastinate or can't stay focused long enough, like me. These are easy reads that are broken down into small sections which makes them engaging.
Pre-Nursing School ○ Saunders NCLEX-RN
This book should be purchased before you even get a stethoscope. Things to study before starting first semester — ○ Fluids and Electrolytes ○ Acid-Base Balance ○ Vital Signs ○ EVERYTHING ABOUT DIABETES MELLITUS Practicing the clinical application questions will be good review to get yourself use to the types of questions you'll see on your first quiz and test.
Pre- or During Nursing School ○ Pearsons Pathophysiology Reviews and Rationales ○ Elsevier Nursing Diagnosis Handbook | An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care
— these two books saved me during first semester — ○ Learn how to use the NDH, it's a lifesaver | Elsevier ○ Get familiar with pathophysiology, nursing assessments, client-centered nursing care, nursing interventions | Pearsons R&R
Moving onto Pharmacology ○ Pearsons Pharmacology Reviews and Rationales ○ Pearsons Nurse's Drug Guide
I plan to continue to use Pearson Reviews and Rationales books through the rest of my nursing program. These books are far from the dense nursing school textbooks but contain the same information. Alongside the Saunders NCLEX-RN, you should be set for your nursing school journey.
NOTE — Please stop buying other peoples notes, TAKE YOUR OWN NOTES! These books have more information than any individualized notes seller out there. Taking your own notes allows you to personalized your perspective on the topics you learn.
#nursing#nurseblr#nursing student#studyblr#nursing school#enfermeria#enfermera#estudiando#estudios#drug guide#pearson#libros#estudiando enfermeria#pharmacology#pathophysiology#nursing diagnosis#nclexreview#nclex rn#saunders#nclex
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Early Warning Signs of Diabetes
It is observed that a large portion of the world's population is on the verge of becoming diabetic. Can it be avoided? The initial symptoms are mild and gradual, so they are difficult to notice. As a result, most people are unaware that they have this condition.
Read to know more: https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/early-warning-signs-of-diabetes/2789
#warning signs of diabetes#early warning signs of diabetes#10 early warning signs of diabetes#signs of diabetes#early signs of diabetes#signs of diabetes mellitus#first signs of diabetes#common signs of diabetes#signs of diabetes in adults#physical signs of diabetes#10 signs of diabetes
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ABSTRACT
Charcot Arthropathy is a serious complication of Diabetic neuropathy, usually affecting foot or ankle. It causes widespread destruction of affected joints and bones around them leading to severe deformities that may require major amputation. Here, we report the case of a 62 year-old male who presented with severe left foot deformities and swelling on the left big toe that developped over a short period of time. His primary presentation raised the suspicion for a bone tumor or cellulitis which then revealed by X-Ray that it's a Charcot foot necessitating foot fixation, strict glycemic control and treatment with Biphosphonates. This report will therefore serve as a reminder for clinicians to keep in mind Charot Arthropathy in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy even if it doesn’t present in a typical manner.
Keywords: Charcot, arthropathy, diabetes, trauma, destruction, joints, deformity, sensation, neuropathy, inflammation, chronic, Fixation, Osteodegenerative, ambulation, uncontrolled.
INTRODUCTION
Charcot Arthropathy is a serious but rare progressive condition that can affect 0.15 – 2.5% of diabetic patients especially those who developed peripheral neuropathy. Despite the voluminous work reported in literature on CA, very few studies mention the prevalence of this disabling disease. The actual incidence of CA may be greater than what is reported, as in many cases, the clinicians fail to diagnose or are late to diagnose this serious complication. Charcot affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. Whilst the exact pathophysiology remains debated, a multifactorial pathogenesis seems likely predominating. This involves repetitive micro-trauma in a foot with impaired sensation and neurovascular changes caused by pathological innervation of the blood vessels leading to bones deformities. Clinical features include signs of inflammation, profound unilateral swelling, an increase in local skin temperature and bone resorption in an insensate foot may be present.
In advanced cases with considerable mid-foot destruction, a typical "rocker bottom" appearance is seen. In most cases, progression of deformity takes a more chronic form and is seen over a period of months, to years.
This case report describes a case of a chronic destructive Charcot foot in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes, which was initially managed as a case of bone tumor.
Case Report
A 62 year old male with a background of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, peripheral neuropathy and obesity presented with complain of numbness and decreased sensation of forefoots and a mass in the arch of left foot. Eight days prior, he sustained a fall whilst walking but denied any injury, swelling or pain at that time. He said his left big toe was totally straight but now has deformed (into Morton) and his 2nd toe looks bigger due to big toe deformation and often remains bend in shoes which he doesn’t feel, but when removing the shoes he often finds it bent. The patient denies any pain in the deformed toe but a little feeling of warmth in the pathological area.
Examination revealed a warm, swollen left foot with a 2 mm healing ulceration on the plantar surface and a lumpy sensation on the left big toe. Blood tests showed normal white blood cells count, elevated C-reactive Protein (CRP-67) and a thrombocytosis. His fasting blood glucose level was 221 mg/dl with features of uncontrolled diabetes.
Plain film X-Ray revealed complete fracture dislocations of the 1st , second and fifth tarsometatarsal joints with large bone deformity on the left arch of the foot as well as another deformity on the right arch and lower calcaneus {Figure.2}. This was correlated with bone CT (computed tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance) imaging, with interval changes noted to be of chronic onset.
Discussion
Charcot foot is a well-documented complication of diabetic neuropathy. The mechanism of this is not fully understood but two theories exist – namely, the neurovascular and neurotraumatic theories. In the neurovascular theory, an underlying autonomic neuropathy leads to hypervascularity, osteolytic changes and demineralization. However, the neurotraumatic hypothesis indicates that unperceived trauma to an insensate extremity leads to continued bony destruction on ambulation, which worsens and progresses. These theories imply that a sufficient time frame is required for established Charcot foot destruction to develop.
Typical progression of Charcot foot occurs over months to years, although rare acute onsets have been reported. However, the progression seen in our patient, from normal X-Ray appearances to established, acute Charcot foot with considerable mid-foot destruction over a period of just 10 days is a rarely described progression of Charcot arthropathy. The combination of local skin warmth with decreased sensation in the left foot and feeling of a bony lump on the left arch raised the suspicion of a bone tumor, but X-Rays as well as CT Scan of the foot beside the uncontrolled diabetes in this patient made Charcot foot a more possible diagnosis.
Early recognition of Charcot Arthropathy is a mandatory to ensure improved outcomes. It is important to differentiate between acute Charcot foot, infection and bone tumors through clinical investigations as well as patient medical history. The presence of ulcers should raise the suspicion of infection or osteomyelitis, and therefore, the importance of early imaging cannot be overstated. Modestly raised inflammatory markers (CRP-68) in this diabetic patient along with left foot deformities suggest an acute Charcot foot than an infectious process. The latter frequently presents with high laboratory values.
The initial management of the patient was fixation with a total contact leg cast, followed by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plates, combined with lengthening of Achilles tendon to permit full dorsiflexion and subsequent re-casting.
Due to osteodegenerative nature of CN, all attempts at pharmacological treatment have focused on anti-osteoporotic drugs so we started the patient on an Alindronate beside a more strict control of his diabetes. His post-operative progress was satisfactory and he is currently non-weight bearing for 6 months post-ORIF.
Conclusions
The case highlights an important clinical scenario that can be misdiagnosed in a diabetic patient. A clinical presentation of unilateral foot swelling, erythema, warmth and decreased sensation should raise suspicion for Charcot Arthropathy even in the absence of trauma history. I hope this will be a helpful reminder to clinicians when dealing with similar presentations.
#Charcot#arthropathy#diabetes#trauma#destruction#joints#deformity#sensation#neuropathy#inflammation#chronic#Fixation#Osteodegenerative#ambulation#uncontrolled#jcrmhs#Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences submissions
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Hello there, am sorry for stepping in your inbox without your permission. Am having a request concerning my family. My family is still living in the Gaza Strip, and like so many other families, their lives are hell right now. My family includes my father and mother, my sisters Nisreen and Yasmine and my brother Anwar. My dad is 77 years old and my mother, who I call the soul of my soul and the balm of my life, is 75 years old and confined to a wheelchair because of a war injury when she was young. My brother Anwar and my sister Yasmine suffer from diabetes mellitus type 1… They need insulin urgently and regularly. Any lack of insulin puts their lives in danger, as what happened with my older sister Ibtisam, who lost her life 10 years ago due to a lack of insulin.” Kindly donate any amount and reblog.
I can’t donate as I don’t have a job, but I will post this.
Reblog, share, copy link, sign petitions, call in. Do whatever you can.
#free palestine 🇵🇸#from the river to the sea palestine will be free#free gaza#gaza#gaza strip#for the b00st ->#trending#share#support#queer
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Doing review questions.
Hyperkalemia is a known side effect of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers such as olmesartan. The risk of hyperkalemia is increased with chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, moderately severe to severe heart failure, NSAID use, and older adults. Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia.
In men who are diagnosed with hypogonadism with symptoms of testosterone deficiency and unequivocally and consistently low serum testosterone concentrations, further evaluation with FSH and LH levels is advised as the initial workup to distinguish between primary and secondary hypogonadism. If secondary hypogonadism is indicated by low or inappropriately normal FSH and LH levels, prolactin and serum iron levels and measurement of total iron binding capacity are recommended to determine secondary causes of hypogonadism, with possible further evaluation to include other pituitary hormone levels and MRI of the pituitary. If primary hypogonadism is found, karyotyping may be indicated for Klinefelter’s syndrome.
Daily use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution has been found to be more effective than lactulose, senna, or magnesium hydroxide in head-to-head studies. Evidence does not support the use of fiber supplements in the treatment of functional constipation. No adverse effects were reported with PEG therapy at any dosing regimen. Low-dose regimens of PEG are 0.3 g/kg/day and high-dose regimens are up to 1.0–1.5 g/kg/day. Ref: Tabbers MM, DiLorenzo C, Berger MY, et al: Evaluation and treatment of functional constipation in infants and children: Evidence-based recommendations from ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2014;58(2):258-274. 2) Gordon M, MacDonald JK, Parker CE, et al: Osmotic and stimulant laxatives for the management of childhood constipation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;(8):CD009118. 3) Lauters R, Saguil A: Laxatives for the management of childhood constipation. Am Fam Physician 2017;96(7):433-434
Primary hyperaldosteronism should be suspected as a cause for hypertension if a patient has a spontaneously low potassium level or persistent hypertension despite the use of three or more antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic. This can be evaluated by checking a serum renin activity level and a serum aldosterone concentration and determining the aldosterone/renin ratio. Primary hyperaldosteronism typically presents with a very low serum renin activity level and an elevated serum aldosterone concentration. A 24-hour urine collection for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) would be used to evaluate for a neuroendocrine tumor, which can present as chronic flushing and diarrhea. Cortisol levels can be checked if Cushing syndrome is suspected. Hypertension can be present in Cushing syndrome, but it is typically associated with other signs such as obesity and an elevated blood glucose level due to insulin resistance.
Psychogenic tremor is characterized by an abrupt onset, spontaneous remission, changing characteristics, and extinction with distraction. Cerebellar tremor is an intention tremor with ipsilateral involvement on the side of the lesion. Neurologic testing will reveal past-pointing on finger-to-nose testing. CT or MRI of the head is the diagnostic test of choice. Parkinsonian tremor is noted at rest, is asymmetric, and decreases with voluntary movement. Bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability are generally noted. For atypical presentations a single-photon emission CT or positron emission tomography may help with the diagnosis. One of the treatment options is carbidopa/levodopa. Patients who have essential tremor have symmetric, fine tremors that may involve the hands, wrists, head, voice, or lower extremities. This may improve with ingestion of small amounts of alcohol. There is no specific diagnostic test but the tremor is treated with propranolol or primidone. Enhanced physiologic tremor is a postural tremor of low amplitude exacerbated by medication. There is usually a history of caffeine use or anxiety.
Ref: Crawford P, Zimmerman EE: Tremor: Sorting through the differential diagnosis. Am Fam Physician 2018;97(3):180-186.
I got 100% on the first quiz! :)
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Diabetes in Dogs
Even dogs eating healthy diets can suffer from diabetes. As with diabetes in humans, sometimes a dog’s body’s stops producing enough insulin or the cells of a dog’s body are unable to use the insulin that is produced. When either condition occurs, the result is diabetes mellitus, which causes excessive thirst and urination and extreme hunger accompanied by weight loss. To stabilize sugar levels, insulin therapy is the treatment at the outset and is usually required for the life of the dog.
Symptoms and Identification
Excessive thirst and urination: This happens because the huge quantity of sugar in the bloodstream spills into the urine and pulls water out of the bloodstream along with it, thereby causing increased urine production and urination. Increased drinking is the body’s way of trying to compensate for increased water loss through urination. Due to the high levels of bacteria-attracting sugar in the urine, urinary tract infections are also a routine finding.
Appetite increase paired with weight loss: This happens because when sugars cannot enter cells, the body is unable to effectively use the food it takes in as energy. Hunger is never satisfied despite a typically ravenous appetite, and weight loss is almost always a feature.
Other symptoms may include:
Urinary accidents in the house
Vomiting
Dehydration
Lethargy (tiredness)
Veterinarians may suspect canine diabetes if any suspicious clinical signs, such as increased drinking and/or urinating, have been observed at home. After performing a thorough physical examination, your veterinarian may recommend some of these tests to help confirm a diagnosis:
CBC (complete blood count) and chemistry profile: When a pet is ill, these tests are commonly performed together during initial blood testing to provide information about the pet’s organ systems. The CBC and chemistry profile may show dehydration, an elevated blood sugar level, or other changes that can occur with diabetes.
Urinalysis: Evaluation of a urine sample may show the presence of sugar (glucose) in the urine if a dog has diabetes.
Fructosamine: Fructosamine is a protein in the blood that binds very securely to glucose. The fructosamine level is therefore a close estimation of the blood glucose level, but it is less likely to change due to stress and other factors that affect the blood glucose level. Additionally, the fructosamine level indicates where the blood sugar levels have been during the previous two to three weeks. In a dog with diabetes, the blood sugar levels are usually high for long periods of time, which would be reflected by an increased fructosamine level.
Affected Breeds
Predisposed breeds include the Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, Poodle, Australian Terrier, Spitz, Bichon Frise, Samoyed, and Keeshond. Dogs of any breed, however, may acquire diabetes.
Treatment
In the long term, dogs with diabetes are often treated by insulin injection to help the body’s needy cells use sugar more efficiently. Dietary changes can also help, by tempering sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Insulin injections, however, are generally started at the time of diagnosis and required long term to control the disease.
In the short term, some patients require hospitalization. Some may even need intensive care should their presentation be complicated by a variety of other problems secondary to the diabetes (this is a common scenario).
After treatment begins, periodic blood and urine tests are generally recommended. This helps ensure that the insulin dosage is right for your dog. Your dog’s weight, appetite, drinking and urination, and attitude at home can all provide useful information that helps determine if his or her diabetes is being well managed. Your veterinarian will consider all of these factors when making recommendations for continued management.
Many dogs live active, happy lives once their diabetes is well regulated. However, insulin therapy and regular monitoring at home and by your veterinarian are necessary for the rest of your dog’s life.
Prevention
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help reduce his risk of developing diabetes. However, for dogs that are genetically predisposed, their risk for developing disease remains higher even if they maintain a healthy weight.
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