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Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord( central nervous system).Multiple sclerosis(MS) affects woman more than men. The disorder most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age.MS...
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Detailed information on multiple sclerosis, including causes, symptoms, evaluation procedures, treatment, and rehabilitation
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Detailed information on multiple sclerosis, including causes, symptoms, evaluation procedures, treatment, and rehabilitation
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A description of multiple sclerosis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Includes information about treatments on the horizon.
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Detailed information on multiple sclerosis in pregnancy Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is an unpredictable condition that can be relatively benign, disabling, or devastating. Some individuals with MS may be mildly affected, while others may lose their ability to write, speak, or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.
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Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions. It is caused by destruction of the myelin sheath(insulation) covering nerve fibers( neurons) in the central nervous system( brain and spin...
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Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The disease results in injury to the myelin sheath(the fatty matter that covers the axons of the nerve cells), the oligodendrocytes(the cells that produce m...
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Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions. It is caused by destruction of the myelin insulation covering nerve fibers(neurons) in the central nervous system(brain and spinal cord).M...
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Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a chronic, degenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system(CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. A fatty tissue called myelin coats and protects the nerve fibers in the CNS.
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Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a disorder that affects primarily the myelinated white matter of the central nervous system(CNS), the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. There is no known cause.
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Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, degenerative disease of the central nervous system(CNS). The CNS is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord.
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The effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be unpredictable. MS can cause symptoms that range from minor problems in mild cases to paralysis in the most severe cases.
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I have MS and recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. Are there any concerns about breast reconstruction in people with autoimmune diseases?
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Diabetes is a chronic(lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both.To understand di...
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This report provides advice about how to prevent or treat the most common form of diabetes. Learn about the components of a healthy diet and how to lose weight, and have fun trying out new recipes.
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This report includes information on blood sugar monitoring, diet and activity, insulin and other medications, insulin delivery systems, and innovations in treatment.
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Detailed information on diabetes and pregnancy Diabetes is a condition where sufficient amounts of insulin are either not produced or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death.
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Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your health care provider.
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and maturity-onset diabetes in the young
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Detailed information on special considerations for teenagers with diabetes Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a failure to secrete enough insulin, or, in some cases, the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Because insulin is needed by the body to convert glucose into energy, these failures result in abnormally high levels of glucose accumulating in the blood. Diabetes may be a result of other conditions such as genetic syndromes, chemicals, drugs, malnutrition, infections, viruses, or other illnesses.
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Detailed information on teens and diabetes Although the teenage years can be a challenge for any child as he/she goes through sexual and emotional changes, it can be especially trying for adolescents with diabetes. Adolescents inherently want to "fit in." Being different in any way from his/her peers can be emotionally stressful, especially for the teenager.
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, and treatment
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including causes, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and statistics
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including cause, symptom, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including the different types of diabetes and potential complications of diabetes
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Detailed information on the most common types of diabetes complications and ways to prevent future problems
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If you have diabetes, you are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can control your health risks by making some changes in your life.
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Most of us know that diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and amputations. But did you know that diabetes also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves the regulation of blood sugar and occurs in two different forms, type 1 and type 2.
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, teens and diabetes, and diet and diabetes
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment
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Everyone feels down at times, but diabetics are especially prone to depression. An unhappy period that's intense or lasts for more than a couple of weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious illness.
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The most important factors in the prevention of diabetes are weight control, regular exercise, a healthy low-fat diet (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry), and not smoking.
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Living with diabetes may increase the likelihood of depression. The connection may be go both ways: information from a diabetes trial suggests the possibility of a link between antidepressant use and diabetes.
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Is vitamin E good for diabetics?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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If you have diabetes, wearing a medical identification (ID) bracelet or necklace at all times is a good idea.
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Carbohydrates are your body's main source of glucose, a special kind of sugar. Your dietitian will probably recommend that 55 to 60 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple.
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Detailed information on diagnosis protocols for diabetes According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK):
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Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by taking insulin, eating a proper diet, and being active. These help your child's body keep healthy blood sugar levels.
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Even small movements can greatly improve your health. Simple activity can also boost your mental outlook. And you may spend less money on your health care. Think of it this way: Small steps may take you a long distance.
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The incidence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent years. Men should be tested for diabetes starting at age 45, because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.
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Is hair loss a common symptom of diabetes, and is it reversible? I have noticed that my hair has gotten very thin and I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes?
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I am a diabetic, and am allergic to eggs, which prevents my getting a flu shot. Can I receive a pneumonia shot? Also, are flu shots the only available medical preventative for the flu?
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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Detailed information on alcohol use in persons with diabetes Alcohol consumption can lower blood sugar levels to the point of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), causing symptoms. A person with diabetes should keep careful track of his/her blood sugar levels when drinking alcohol, because certain diabetes medications, including insulin, also lower blood glucose levels. If levels are too low, or if the stomach is empty, alcohol consumption should be avoided.
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When you're sick, even with just a cold, your blood sugar level may rise. Ask your healthcare team to help you develop a sick-day plan for controlling blood sugar. Here are some guidelines.
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Detailed information on heart disease and diabetes, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Choose carefully and cook wisely. As you shop, think about how the foods you choose will fit into your meal plan. When you cook, try to cut down on sugar and fat. If you have high blood pressure, cut down on salt as well.
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Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, GDM involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or when cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced, so that glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the cells of the body. Symptoms include fr...
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Your meal plan tells you when to eat your meals and snacks, what kinds of foods to eat, and how much of each food to eat. You don't have to give up all the foods you like. But you do need to follow some guidelines.
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Having diabetes may mean adjustments at work and in your social life. But these changes need not keep you from succeeding at work and enjoying your leisure time.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about whether it is safe for a diabetic to take niacin to lower cholesterol.
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The diabetes drug Avandia may increase the risk of heart attack in those taking it. Other medications are as effective at lowering blood sugar without Avandia's risks.
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Researchers concluded that people with diabetes enter the high-risk group for heart disease an average of 15 years earlier than those without the disease.
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Harvard Medical School physician Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. describes both the therapeutic and side effects of glucosamine on the body and how it relates to diabetes.
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The FDA has ordered a warning label be put on the diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos due to evidence from studies that the medications may increase the risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease.
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Could a baby be diabetic from birth?
Leann M. Lesperance, M.D., Ph.D., is a lecturer on the Harvard Medical School faculty and a clinical assistant professor at SUNY-Upstate Medical University. She practices pediatrics in Binghamton, New York. She also holds a doctorate in medical engineering and is a research assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Binghamton University.
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What is "late onset" diabetes type 1?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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In times of stress, exercise, or an emergency, the glycogen is reconverted back to glucose. It also sends glucose to the muscle cells where it is then converted to energy.More than 12 million Americans are affected by diabetes.
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Diabetes mellitus describes a group of diseases in which there is an elevated level of the sugar glucose, the body''s main source of energy for cellular functions, in the blood. The level of glucose, as well as other"fuel" molecules, is increased d...
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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body is not able to correctly process glucose for cell energy due to either an insufficient amount of the hormone insulin or a physical resistance to the insulin the body does produce. Without pr...
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Diabetes is the Greek term for"passing through," a phrase used to describe multiple diseases characterized by excessive urination. There are multiple forms of diabetes.
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Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body''s cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced. In either case, glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed or used by the cells...
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Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder resulting from defects in insulin action, insulin production, or both. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps the body use and store glucose produced during the digestion of food.
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What causes diabetes? Scientists aren't sure, but heredity, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors play a part.
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Meal planning and blood sugar monitoring. Medicines and multiple injections. The day-in and day-out requirements of diabetes management can overwhelm those with this chronic disease.
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"If you do have diabetes, educate yourself and start managing your illness," Ms. LaBelle says.
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Diabetes affects the body in many complex ways, and having a team to help you stay as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible, is key.
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If managing diabetes seems like a full-time job, keep in mind it's a task that can't be taken lightly. Diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
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Having pre-diabetes means that you are likely to develop full-blown diabetes within 10 years. But lifestyle changes can prevent that from happening.
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Did you know that if you have diabetes, you have a two to four times greater risk for heart disease and stroke than people without diabetes?
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Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) and progressive condition, but it can be managed. With help from your family, your friends, and your healthcare team, you can learn to take care of yourself and stay healthy.
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The only way to be sure your blood sugar stays within a normal range is to check it. You will most likely be asked to check your blood sugar at home one or more times a day. Your healthcare provider will teach you how.
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Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
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Diabetes occurs when there are high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. All three types of diabetes involve problems with insulin, a hormone that removes glucose from the blood and allows it to enter the body's cells. (The cells use it for energy.) If your body is unable to make or use insulin properly, you have a high blood glucose level.
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Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends, and to your healthcare team. Here are a list of other resources.
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The diabetes food pyramid is a tool to help you eat a wide range of healthy foods. You can use it to plan low-fat meals and snacks that include carbohydrates and protein.
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When you have diabetes, your body needs special care. This care helps you stay healthy and prevent complications. Exercise and healthy eating are a part of this. You can also protect yourself by taking special care of your feet and skin.
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Taking care of yourself means developing a routine for things like meals, exercising, and taking medication. But sometimes this routine is disrupted when you travel. Your healthcare team can help you work out a plan to prepare for unexpected situations.
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Simple and small movements can get you started exercising. You don't need to join a gym to start moving. Make it easy on yourself and you will be able to make exercising a habit. Slow, gentle, and easy is the way to begin to make exercising part of your life.
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Once you become more active, you may be ready to increase the pace. Choose an exercise you enjoy. Just be sure to warm up, cool down, and stay safe. And learn when it's time to stop exercising.
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Managing diabetes means developing a routine for things like meals, exercise, and taking medication. It also means making changes in some of your activities, such as driving, to help keep you and those around you safe.
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Is it OK for people with diabetes to drink alcohol? This is something only you and your health care provider can answer.
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The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That's why it's important to know what to do when illness strikes.
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Among the many types of blood pressure medications available, some have a tendency to increase blood sugar levels, but this does not necessarily lead to a higher risk of diabetes.
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The American Diabetes Association has set a standard for measuring blood sugar that expresses the information in two different forms, corresponding to the way the reading is given in medical tests and also in home testting.
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Most people with diabetes eventually develop some form of heart disease, but this is not inevitable. Focusing on improving health through diet, exercise, weight loss, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent heart disease.
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People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk for eye disease. Taking pills containing plant sterols and stanols may lower cholesterol as effectively as eating foods fortified with the plant matter.
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Many people with diabetes suffer from one of the numerous potential complications of the disease, but following a proper diet, getting exercise, and paying attention to risk factors can help prevent further problems.
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I read about a study at UCLA in which men with type 2 diabetes were in a program combining aerobic exercise, low-fat diets, and relatively high amounts of "good" carbohydrates. Half of them cured their diabetes. Is this possible?
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Recommendations for eating eggs for those with diabetes.
Q. My husband has type 2 diabetes and has started eating two eggs about three times a week. He's looking to fill up on low-carb foods he likes. But I've read that eggs may not be a good idea for people with diabetes. Should he cut back?
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I'm an 86-year-old man with type 2 diabetes. I get my eyes checked, eat carefully, and test my blood sugar. I exercise and still play tennis. Recently, I read that diabetes may be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. It scared me. What do you think?
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Is it absolutely necessary for a diabetic who does not have high blood pressure to take a blood pressure pill anyway?
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My 75-year-old father has cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. He also has type 2 diabetes. How will the cirrhosis affect his diabetes?
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I have high blood pressure and am 8 pounds overweight. My doctor says that is probable that I have glucose intolerance. Is this the same disease as diabetes? What should I do about it?
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What causes poor circulation in people with diabetes? Is it the blood somehow thickened from glucose, or is it because of a higher incidence of atherosclerosis?
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Why don't diabetics' wounds heal normally?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Detailed information on diabetes and high blood pressure, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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Detailed information on diabetes and periodontal disease, including symptoms, types, treatment, and prevention
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Statistics relating to diabetes for patients and consumers Diabetes affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US (90 percent to 95 percent have type 2 diabetes) - 14.6 million have been diagnosed, but 6.2 million are unaware they have the disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the American Diabetes Association, those affected include:
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Devic Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that affects both the protective sheet that lines the spinal cord and the optic nerve of the eye. People that have Devic syndrome lose the fatty covering of the spinal cord(myelin) and experience eye ...
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Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin-like salicylates, so talk with your doctor before using it in children.Avoid combination cough and cold preparations in children under age 6 because they have sometimes caused over-sedation and death. Above all, be su...
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Every year, more than 400 million prescriptions are filled with generic medications in the United States.
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If you have more than two medications to manage, consider getting a pill organizer -- a special container marked with the days of the week. Besides housing multiple medications, a compartmentalized organizer can be useful for keeping track of the medications you've taken.
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Prescription medications have joined the ranks of new cars and breakfast cereals. Many of them are being marketed directly to the public through ads on television and in magazines. Some medications get so much free publicity they don't need to be advertised.
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The average American older than 65 takes two to seven prescription drugs daily; managing these medications properly is essential for good health.
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What makes some people sticklers for following through with their medications, and others haphazard at best?
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Stocking your medicine cabinet isn't difficult and doesn't take much time. You'll first want the essentials for first aid and symptom relief, rounded out with a few items that meet the special needs of you and your family.
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Just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take. Aspirin, for example, can cause problems with asthma.
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Are you taking a chance by combining too many prescription drugs, OTC medicines and supplements?
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Ecstasy, GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine are some of the so-called club drugs used by teens and young adults at nightclubs and raves -- all-night dances.
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One way to cut the exploding cost of prescription drugs is to switch to generic drugs. Generic drugs cost less and work the same way as the brand names.
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Though medications serve a useful, often life-saving purpose, they must be taken correctly to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
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Take the time to learn about your medicine. For instance, why are you taking it? What does it do? Work with your doctor or other health care providers to get the answers you need.
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Are there any over-the-counter medications for coughs and colds that are safe for babies?
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Medication can alleviate pain, slow the progression of disease and save lives. But to do so, it must be taken and administered correctly.
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Medicines can be an important part of treatment for serious infections. They can help relieve pain and lift depression.
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Prices can vary widely for similar or identical treatments — and there may be a lot you can do to limit what you pay out of pocket.
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Although most medications are safe when you take them the right way, some drugs can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, bleeding, irregular heartbeats, and other side effects in some cases.
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Whatever medications you take, it's important to know why you're taking them, what they're designed to do, and how to take them properly.
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The following drug has been approved since the year 2000 for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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The following drug has been approved since the year 2000 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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The safest ways to dispose of leftover medicine.Few programs exist for environmentally safe drug disposal. Flushing them is a no-no.
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A study indicates that taking a combination of medications can be more effective in preventing heart disease than single medications alone.
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A study suggested that taking powdered cinnamon could lower blood sugar in diabetics, but two subsequent studies showed little improvement.
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Getting the right medication is only half the battle. Why and how to fulfill the requirements of a prescription.
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A study found that many adolescents who are prescribed medication give or sell the drugs to other teens. Some of this diversion is recreational, but some may be for therapeutic purposes or performance enhancement.
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Drug addicts have a higher death rate than the general population, but not necessarily due to their substance abuse. A study suggests addicts have more serious psychiatric problems that lead to increased mortality.
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Grapefruit juice can boost or reduce the effect of dozens of drugs and should be ingested with caution by those on medication. A guide to the most important drug interactions.
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A Harvard Medical School doctor answers your questions about whether x-ray machines can harm medications.
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This compilation of 2004's important health stories, as covered by Harvard Health Publications editors, offers perspective on recent advances in medicine and insight about what you can do to extend life and improve those added years.
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Is there a specific age at which you consider a child an adult for the purposes of giving a medication? My daughter is a normal 14-year-old and weighs 114 pounds. Would she be considered an adult when the doctor decides what dose to give her?
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I have just been prescribed Enbrel 50mg twice a week for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but I have conflicting information on how far apart the two doses should be administered. My doctor said to put four days between doses but I also was told the half-life of Enbrel is only about four days. On which day would you recommend I take it?
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Your body is always changing. If you have gray hair or stretch marks, you've probably noticed how your body can change. You may not always notice other ways that your body can change, however. For example, your body's cells constantly change, dividing and creating new cells. You might not notice it when, as your cells divide and copy their DNA (their genetic information), a mutation is introduced.
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In a strict sense, mutations are changes in genes not caused by genetic recombination. A change in the base sequence of DNA, for example, represents a mutational change.
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The term temporal arteritis literally means"inflammation of the temporal arteries."As implied by the name, these blood vessels run along the temples after they branch off from the carotid artery in the neck.
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Temporal arteritis is inflammation and damage to blood vessels that supply the head area, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the neck.If the inflammation affects the arteries in your neck, upper body and arms, it is called ...
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Temporal arteritis is an imflammation of the large arteries on the side of the head. The most common symptom is headaches, but vision problems, weight loss, or anemia can also occur.
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Temporal arteritis is a disease that causes inflammation and sometimes blockage of medium and large arteries in the head(often near the side of the head or temples).The mechanism responsible for temporal arteritis(also called giant cell arteritis)...
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A virus is an infectious agent, often highly host-specific, consisting of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat.Viruses infect virtually every life form, including humans, animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. So small that they cannot be ...
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Viruses are familiar from the common diseases they cause: colds and flu, for instance. But what are they, and how do they cause sickness?
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Women''s health differs from men''s health, and not just with respect to reproduction. To understand and examine these differences appropriately, the variables of sex and gender are each relevant.In general, sex refers to biological, anatomical, phy...
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