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Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs. It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body’s metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and mood.

Important endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, and adrenal glands. There are other glands that contain endocrine tissue and secrete hormones, including the pancreas, ovaries, and testes. The endocrine and nervous systems work closely together.

what is metabolic syndrome

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

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Metabolic syndrome is an unhealthy metabolism that leads to fatal diseases such as heart attacks, diabetes, and cancer. Moreover, this condition affects more than a fifth of the US population and about a quarter of the European population. Even though its prevalence in South-east Asia is lower, it is still rapidly moving towards the rates of the western world even there. It should be understood that metabolic syndrome is a problem for not only overweight people. So, in 40 out of 70 percent of people with normal weight, doctors diagnose metabolic disorders. This is at least related to an increase in waist circumference or visceral obesity. So what is metabolic syndrome? How do you know if you are at risk? How can lifestyle help prevent this condition and what is the treatment aimed at? This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on January 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 4 September 2021. What is Metabolic Syndrome? Essentially, metabolic syndrome is the simultaneous presence of several conditions, such as obesity, hyperlipidemia (abnormal levels of cholesterol and / or lipoproteins), diabetes and / or hypertension. This combination was first described back in the late 1960s. Nowadays, medical organizations say that even a few of the risk factors are sufficient. Let’s take a look at which conditions are referred to as metabolic syndrome and which of the factors are more influential. Metabolic Syndrome Criteria The NCEP ATP III panel identified 3 of 5 risks of the next metabolic syndrome criteria: At the same time, the International Diabetes Federation names narrower ranges: IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What is Metabolic Syndrome? 2 What causes metabolic syndrome? 3 Metabolic Syndrome treatment 4 Supplements or Nutraceuticals for Metabolic Syndrome RELATED ARTICLES These are recommendations for the European race. For Chinese, Japanese and South Asians, a waist circumference of ≥90 cm for men is at risk. Note that weight is not taken into account, just the waist circumference. This is no accident. In the next chapter, we will review in detail why so much attention is paid to waist circumference. Other risk factors include the following indicators: 2) elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dl);  3) low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dl in men, <50 mg/dl in women);  4) hypertension (≥130/≥85 mmHg); and  5) impaired fasting glucose (≥110 mg/dl). The American Heart Association reports a level of risk fasting glucose levels at ≥100 mg / dL. At the same time, the pathophysiology of this syndrome remains a subject of continuing controversy. However, despite the lack of knowledge, researchers have identified visceral obesity and insulin resistance as the most important causative factors. Central obesity or visceral obesity is readily assessed at waist circumference and is independently associated with each of the other components of metabolic syndrome. The second significant factor in the development of this disease is an increase in glucose levels (hyperglycemia). However, even a small increase, both on an empty stomach and after a meal, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In addition, a prospective Quebec study has found that even with no increase in blood sugar, elevated insulin levels (i.e., insulin resistance) are associated with a risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, insulin resistance also contributes to the development of hypertension due to the loss of the vasodilator effect of insulin and vasoconstriction. What causes metabolic syndrome? The pathogenic mechanisms of MetS are complex and yet to be fully elucidated. However, the wide variation in geographic distribution of MetS emphasizes that the consumption of excess calories and lack of physical activity are the major contributors to the development of the disease. Moreover, visceral obesity is the key trigger for most pathways involved in metabolic syndrome. It is worth saying here that visceral fat may not be visible to the naked eye, but it is the fat that envelops the heart, liver and other organs, representing a real threat. By itself, visceral fat behaves very differently from subcutaneous fat. For example, visceral fat deposits contribute to insulin resistance. This is due to the fact that the visceral process of lipolysis leads to an increased supply of free fatty acids (FFAs) to the liver. This, in turn, increases synthesis of triglycerides and production of apolipoprotein B, the carrier of “bad cholesterol”. Ultimately, the “bad” particles become smaller, denser and much more numerous and easily penetrate the vascular endothelium, where they cause irreparable damage. Very high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and low levels of “good” cholesterol are indirect effects of insulin resistance. If you add to this an increase in triglycerides (atherogenic dyslipidemia), then even at a normal weight, you will get central obesity with the same high risk of death as obesity. Thus, as you can see, visceral fat, elevated insulin levels, and an unhealthy lipid profile (unhealthy cholesterol levels) are linked to each other. And all this leads to problems with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension. It is not a surprise why in Healsens, in addition to monitoring weight, we recommend monitoring waist circumference. Metabolic Syndrome treatment Exercise As previously described, MetS results from increased caloric intake out of proportion to metabolic requirements. That is why lifestyle changes are imperative to manage the main risk factors. The first step in reducing risk factors is maintaining ideal body weight. Accordingly, if BMI is increased, then weight loss is an important preventive and therapeutic strategy. However, weight loss doesn’t have to be a goal by itself. As we wrote above, people whose weight within the normal range may have visceral obesity, which can be measured by checking the circumference of the waist. In this case disease prevention will imply reducing visceral fat without losing weight. The good news is that numerous studies show that it suffice to add physical activity to help the problem. In fact, physical exercise can reduce visceral adipose tissue by 6.1%. Moreover, exercise itself is effective in maintaining muscle mass and facilitating mobility. As for exercise, if there is nAs for exercise, if there is no personal trainer to consult, 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week will

Соотношение кортизол/ДГЭА-С

Cortisol/Dhea-S Ratio Of Longevity

Cortisol/Dhea-S Ratio Of Longevity Read More »

A complex interaction between cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S) is crucial in the stress system balance. In particular, significantly higher or lower cortisol/DHEA(S) ratios have been associated with depression and aggression. In general, DHEA-S levels affect various body systems, as well as prevent aging (Chahal and Drake 2007). That is why the Cortisol DHEA ratio is a very informational indicator, which, along with other indicators calculated in Healsens, provides important information about human health. Thus, using the ratio of cortisol / DHEA-S, you can assess body responses to exercise or evaluate mental health. Another benefit is that you can check your cortisol and DHEA-S levels at home. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on January 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 4 March 2021. How Cortisol and DHEA Sulfate Affect the Body Let’s start by looking at how cortisol and DHEA-S affect overall health. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol are produced in the adrenal glands and are both derived from pregnenolone. So, DHEA and DHEA-S production reaches its peak at the age of 20–30 and then declines progressively with age. When it comes to cortisol levels, while some studies show that cortisol increases with age, others do not support this observation. However, everyone agrees that the reduction in DHEA-S entails disruption of various physiological systems. Stress Level As mentioned above, DHEA and DHEA-S play a protective role during acute stress as an antagonist to the action of the stress hormone cortisol. In turn, cortisol also helps to effectively manage stress. Let’s see how this happens. About 15 minutes after a stressful situation, cortisol levels rise and remain elevated for several hours. This marks the onset of stage 1. During this stage, there are elevations in cortisol with no corresponding changes in DHEA. Subsequently, glucose is mobilized, non-essential organ systems are suppressed, and inflammation is reduced. All of these physiological responses collectively enable the body to effectively cope with stress. However, in cases of chronic stress, this adaptive reaction can take a catastrophic turn: cortisol loses its ability to function normally. This transition ushers in stage 2. In this latter stage, the persistence of stress leads to a sustained peak in cortisol levels, matched by a corresponding elevation of DHEA. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 How Cortisol and DHEA Sulfate Affect the Body 2 Assessing Exercises 3 Adrenal/DHEA Restoration RELATED ARTICLES It becomes increasingly challenging to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels, to allow for adequate rest, to achieve high-quality sleep, and to achieve a harmonious balance among other hormones. This signals the arrival of stage 3, wherein stress persists and becomes chronic. During this stage, cortisol levels decrease, while DHEA remains elevated. In the absence of timely intervention, prolonged adrenal hyperstimulation can result in adrenal exhaustion. This condition is eventually manifested by a decline in both cortisol and DHEA, a phase often denoted as adrenal exhaustion or stage 4. Ultimately, this process may culminate in adrenal failure. Thus, the optimal ratio between salivary cortisol and DHEA is approximately 5:1 to 6:1, serving as an indicator of a normal state of adaptation to stress. When the body’s ability to maintain its normal stress adaptation is compromised, a process known as stress maladjustment can ensue. This phenomenon is now recognized as a chronic stress response, often identified by terms like pregnenolone steal, cortisol escape, or an elevated cortisol to DHEA ratio. The longer one remains in a state of chronic stress, the more pervasive its negative impact becomes on various aspects of physical well-being. As a result, individuals grappling with depression or heightened anxiety levels (measured at 0.24 ± 0.03 in the healthy group compared to 0.41 ± 0.12 in the group of individuals with severe anxiety), along with those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, exhibit disruptions in the cortisol to DHEA ratio. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that certain studies have demonstrated the potential of DHEA treatment to mitigate the adverse health effects associated with stress. Musculoskeletal disorders We have already mentioned that cortisol dysfunction entails disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, the higher the cortisol / DHEA-S ratio, the more serious the risk of this problem. Moreover, multiple regression analysis showed that the independent risk factor for sarcopenia was a serum cortisol/DHEA-S ratio ≥ 0.2. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle loss that occurs with aging and/or immobility. Immunity and Cortisol DHEA Ratio In addition, an increase in the cortisol / DHEA-S ratio with age (Phillips et al. 2007) is associated with immune dysfunction and the risk of infection in the elderly due to the fact that DHEA-S enhances immunity. However, cortisol has an inverse immunosuppressive effect (Buford and Willoughby 2005). It is also worth adding that DHEA-S is known for its antioxidant properties. Metabolic Syndrome Various studies have shown that both cortisol and DHEAS are related to metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. While high cortisol concentrations are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, high DHEA-S levels appear to be protective. By far, the strongest associations were observed for the cortisol / DHEA-S ratio. According to observations, the higher the coefficient, the greater the risk of metabolic syndrome. This ratio is also strongly associated with four of the five components of metabolic syndrome. Alzheimer’s Disease The cortisol / DHEA-S ratio may also be crucial in Alzheimer’s disease. For example, some studies have found a link between the cortisol / DHEA-C ratio and a decrease in hippocampal volume. It is worth saying that a decrease in the volume of the hippocampus is one of the early diagnostic signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This finding has been confirmed by other studies, observing the relationship between cortisol / DHEA-S and hippocampal atrophy (HA). For example, such a direct relationship was observed in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. Moreover, HC volume partially recovered following treatment-induced cortisol decrease. However, not all studies support this association within normal cortisol levels in healthy people. To sum up, the ratio of cortisol / DHEA sulfate can reflect: Assessing Exercises DHEA (Aldred et al. 2009; Cumming et al. 1986) and DHEA-S (Tremblay et al.

Treatment For Vitamin D Deficiency

Treatment For Vitamin D Deficiency Read More »

Understanding the importance of vitamin D for health at any age is crucial. Since low levels of vitamin D are common, it is important to know how to treat it. We will discuss various ways to improve health through sunlight exposure, proper nutrition, and the use of vitamin D supplements as part of the treatment for vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, we will explore how individual characteristics can influence the success of achieving healthy vitamin D levels, as well as determine safe dosages for its maintenance. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on October 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 29 October 2020. Let us start with how we define vitamin D deficiency. In summary, a deficiency occurs when the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is less than 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L). If your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is between 20 and 30 ng/ml (50 to 75 nmol/liter), then we are talking about vitamin D insufficiency. Values of less than 10 ng/ml refer to severe vitamin D deficiency. We will analyze the approach to treat this deficiency separately. Treatment for vitamin D deficiency Sunbathing Sunbathing, mentioned in the article about the influence of vitamin D on health, is an excellent way to compensate for vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight (ultraviolet) promotes the formation of about a dozen beneficial compounds, including not only vitamin D but also nitric oxide (NO5), which is beneficial for reducing blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. The skin contains significant reserves of nitric oxide, which, when exposed to ultraviolet light, can be converted into NO and enter the systemic circulation. Studies on humans show that this process can cause dilation of arterial vessels and reduction in blood pressure. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Treatment for vitamin D deficiency 2 Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment Using Supplements 3 Maintenance Dose of Vitamin D 4 Monitoring Vitamin D Levels RELATED ARTICLES It is also noted that the impact of ultraviolet radiation can suppress clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis independently of vitamin D synthesis . Sunlight is also beneficial for maintaining healthy erectile function. However, it is worth remembering that UV radiation remains a proven carcinogen. What to do in this situation? It is recommended to consider the option of “healthy sun exposure”, when you are in the sun during the safest times – before 10 in the morning and after 4 in the evening. It is important to remember that sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 can reduce vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Additionally, people with naturally dark skin have built-in sun protection and require at least three to five times longer exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D. Choose the safest times for sunbathing without sunscreen. Food Another way to increase the level of vitamin D in the body is through the consumption of food products. Very few foods naturally contain or are enriched with vitamin D. However, in combination with sunbathing, food products can also be beneficial. Pay attention to foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), egg yolks, cheese, liver, and vitamin D-fortified dairy products and cereals – they can become a good source of this vitamin. In addition to sunbathing, in case of vitamin D deficiency (especially at critical levels when the level of 25(OH)D is less than 20 ng/ml), it is advisable to take vitamin D in the form of supplements. It is worth noting that the increase in the level of 25(OH)D when taking vitamin D supplements is highly individual. In the next chapter, we will delve into the issue of vitamin D dosages through supplements recommended at present. Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment Using Supplements Vitamin D deficiency is defined when the level of 25(OH)D is below 20 ng/mL. It is important to realize that unprotected sun exposure is the primary source of vitamin D for both children and adults. Vitamin D synthesized in the skin can remain in the blood at least twice as long as vitamin D obtained from external sources. However, if opportunities for sunbathing are unavailable, considering vitamin D supplementation becomes advisable. The amount of vitamin D needed to treat deficiency largely depends on the degree of deficiency and key risk factors. Let’s delve into clinical recommendations for treating vitamin D deficiency using supplements. Research findings indicate a rate of increase in the level of 25(OH)D in serum of approximately 0.4 ng/mL/μg/day. This means that intake of 100 IU/day of vitamin D increases the level of 25(OH)D in serum by less than 1 ng/mL. For instance, if your level of 25(OH)D in serum is 15 ng/mL, an additional daily intake of about 1500 IU of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 is required to achieve and maintain a level of 30 ng/mL. However, to achieve a similar increase in the level of 25(OH)D in serum among individuals with obesity, two to three times more vitamin D is required. Vitamin D can be taken on an empty stomach or with meals, and dietary fats are not required. Taken three times a year, weekly, or daily, vitamin D can be effective in maintaining the level of 25(OH)D in serum for both children and adults. » Discover everything about what your cholesterol results mean. How much vitamin D should I take if I’m deficient? So, the amount of vitamin D needed to treat a deficiency depends largely on the degree of the deficiency and the underlying risk factors. Initial supplementation with Vitamin D3 for 8 weeks, either 6,000 IU daily or 50,000 IU weekly, can be considered. When the vitamin level exceeds 30 ng/ml, the daily maintenance dose will be 1500 to 2000 IU. If after 8 weeks your level of 25(OH)D in the blood has not increased, it is recommended to undergo testing for celiac disease or hidden cystic fibrosis. Higher-risk adults may require higher starting doses of vitamin D3. These people include African Americans, Hispanics, people with obesity, chronic illness, and taking certain medications. Typically, your doctor may prescribe 10,000 IU of vitamin per day. For such people,

thyroid gland hormones

Thyroid Gland Hormones

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All hormones in our body must work in concert to maintain optimal health. Thyroid gland hormones play a major role in regulating this work. In today’s article, we will discuss which symptoms can tell us that not everything is in order with our thyroid hormones. We will also take a closer look at the three ways to check the functioning of the thyroid gland. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on January 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 17 February 2020. If we look into history, we will see that thyroidology itself (the study of the thyroid gland) is a relatively new field of endocrinology. In spite of this fact, however, as early as in 1600 BC Chinese writers described the treatment of thyroid goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) with burnt seaweed. However, the goiter itself was not specifically associated with the thyroid gland. It was only in 1656 that Thomas Wharton first gave the thyroid the name that is still in use today. How thyroid gland hormones affect health Thyroid hormone is the main regulator of hormonal levels. Many people do not realize that they have a dysfunction of the thyroid gland even though it is a disorder, every tenth of which, leads to many adverse health changes. In this case we are talking about already diagnosed problems. However, according to the American Thyroid Association, up to 60 percent of people with thyroid disease go undiagnosed. And an undiagnosed illness can put patients at risk of getting some serious illnesses. How do thyroid hormones affect our body? IN THIS ARTICLE 1 How thyroid gland hormones affect health 2 Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) 3 Triiodothyronine (T3) 4 Thyroxine (T4) 5 The role of the pituitary gland RELATED ARTICLES Heart Thyroid gland hormones have a permissive effect on catecholamines. Catecholamines are a group of similar hormones produced by the adrenal medulla. Those, in turn, increase the expression of beta-receptors to increase heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and contractility. Often, people with hypothyroidism have very high cholesterol levels (350 and higher), and a bunch of other risk factors leading to a cardiovascular disease. Thermoregulation Thyroid hormones are responsible for thermoregulation, which is why people with reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism) often complain that they are constantly cold. This happens due to increased available energy in the body, as well as increased appetite, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen delivered to various parts of the body. Metabolism These hormones also help control the basal metabolic rate (the rate at which calories are burned). So fatigue and excess weight are also signs of hypothyroidism. On average, an underactive thyroid gland can add 5 to 15 kg of weight. But most of that extra weight will come from water and salt. In addition, decreased thyroid function can cause constipation, memory problems, and lethargy. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) is characterized by the opposite signs: having difficulty gaining weight, feeling hot, having frequent bowel movements, feeling nervous, and having a rapid heart rate. Other functions controlled by thyroid hormones include metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as protein synthesis. Relation to other hormones There is also an interrealtion between thyroid function and control over other hormone levels. So, deviation of the thyroid hormone level from the norm can adversely affect the work of the adrenal glands. For instance, сertain human autoimmune conditions can destroy both the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex resulting in combined hormone deficiencies. Moreover, dysfunction of the thyroid gland negatively affects the levels of sex hormones. Hyper- and hypothyroid men have increased rates of sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED). But the good news is that treatment of thyroid disorder at least partially reverses sexual dysfunction. Thyroid hormone also affects fertility, ovulation, and menstruation. What hormones does the thyroid gland produce? In the following, we will discuss three tests for testing thyroid function – thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, and free T4. You will probably want to make these tests part of your early diagnosis program and get them done regularly. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) Thyroid stimulating hormone is a hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland. It is also known as TSH and is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It is the main stimulus for the production of thyroid hormones. The TSH screening test is the first line test for suspected thyroid disease. According to the American Thyroid Association, TSH levels are typically between 0.4 and 4.0 milliunits per liter (mU / L). However, these ranges will vary among laboratories and the upper limit can be raised from 4 to 5. If your level is higher than this, you are most likely to have an underactive thyroid gland. However, some studies show that this range should actually lie within 0.45–2.5 mIU / L. This is because TSH below the upper limit of the normal reference range poses an additional risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism over time. So, high TSH levels indicate that your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones. This condition is called hypothyroidism, which we wrote about above. Low TSH levels, on the other hand, may mean that your thyroid is producing too much hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by Graves’ disease. This is a condition when your body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It can also be a result of too much iodine in your body. T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) are the two key thyroid hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland. The main product of thyroid secretion is T4, while T3 is secreted only in small amounts. However, the activity of T3 is three to four times higher than that of T4. Nonetheless, both hormones play a vital role. Both T3 and T4 contain iodine. And it is iodine that is one of the main building blocks of both hormones. So let’s talk about tests that help measure the content of these hormones in the body.

osteoporosis

What Is Osteoporosis?

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Osteoporosis literally means porous bone. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture increases significantly. Surprisingly, while osteoporosis is much more common than other chronic diseases, it tends to receive less public attention, although the effects of certain fractures can lead to disability and death. The situation is aggravated by the fact that bone loss occurs silently and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. Therefore, it is important to understand the reasons for the development and progression of this disease, as well as ways to prevent it. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on June 20, 2020. This article was last modified on 10 June 2020. What causes osteoporosis Our bones are living tissue, and they are constantly changing. From the moment of birth to adulthood, they develop and strengthen. As we age, some of our bone cells begin to dissolve the bone matrix (resorption), while new bone cells deposit the osteoid, thus forming new bone tissue. This process is known as remodeling. So when we are young, this crumbling-building process remains in balance and the bones remain strong. However, around the age of 30, bone mass stops growing. And if the body doesn’t get enough calcium, it will take calcium from the bones. And as a rule, already at the age of 40-50, more bone may be lost than formed, which leads to fractures. Until recently, it was believed that osteoporosis affects mainly postmenopausal women and elderly men. The results of recent research, however, indicate that osteoporosis may occur in people older than 40 as well as in youths. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What causes osteoporosis 2 Osteoporosis risk factors 3 What can you do to prevent osteoporosis? 4 Exercises to prevent osteoporosis RELATED ARTICLES Around the world, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men aged fifty years and over are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture. In fact, an osteoporotic fracture is estimated to occur every 3 seconds. That’s a lot, isn’t it? The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur in one’s hip, spine, and wrist. So, hip fracture is associated with serious disability and excess mortality. Women who have sustained a hip fracture have a 10-20% higher mortality than would be expected for their age. The worldwide annual incidence of hip fracture is approximately 1.7 million. On the other hand, hip fractures are difficult to overlook, whereas spinal fractures may remain undiagnosed. This is because they might be painless. But even if the pain is present, the person may not know that it is caused by a fracture. And if untreated, the risk of a second fracture is extremely high. So, without treatment as many as one in five women with a spinal fracture will sustain a second fracture within twelve months. Osteoporosis risk factors Understanding the risks of developing osteoporosis is very important since there are no external signs of the development of this disease. That is why doctors often recommend an examination, even though you may not have any complaints. It’s also important to understand that when we talk about risk factors, we mean everything that increases your chance of getting sick. In addition, it is worth remembering that the presence of such risks, even several of them, does not mean that you will definitely have osteoporosis. Only laboratory test results can indicate the development of this disease. Speaking of risk factors, we are talking about unchanging events (age, gender) and those that you can influence. Let’s take a closer look at each group individually. Fixed risk factors Although fixed risk factors cannot be changed, it is better to know about them so that measures can be taken to reduce the loss of minerals in bones. Fixed risk factors also include so called “secondary risk factors” – these are disorders and medications that weaken the bones. These risks include: If you find yourself having one or more risks, then you should not think that nothing can be done about it. There are currently strategies that can reduce their impact. Modifiable risks Most variable risk factors directly affect bone biology and lead to a decrease in bone mineral density. However, there are also risks that increase the risk of fracture, regardless of their effect on the bone itself. So, we will consider all these risks: So, in relation to variable risks, appropriate actions can be taken. Do you know your personal risk factors for osteoporosis? Take the IOF Osteoporosis Risk Awareness Test in a minute. This risk test is not a diagnostic tool: only a doctor can diagnose osteoporosis. What can you do to prevent osteoporosis? There are many ways that can help maintain healthy bones and avoid premature bone loss. Making simple changes to the diet, enough exercise and giving up bad habits will not only help prevent osteoporosis, but also improve overall well-being. Let’s look at these factors to better understand how they affect the development of the disease. Diet A lot of studies showed that the typical diet does not cover the demand for nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Firstly, especially important is the deficiency of calcium and vitamin D because it can promote a reduction in bone mineral density. Also talking about a healthy diet, you need to intake a sufficient amount of protein. So, calcium and protein are two key nutrients for bone health. The amount of calcium you need every day depends on your age and sex. In order to determine whether its consumption complies with the norm, you can use the calcium calculator from the International Osteoporosis Foundation. The calculator takes into account calcium intake from food and supplements. The result is compared with a reference, taking into account your gender and age. In addition, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is important for bone health. The presence of phosphates in food products (stabilizers, anticaking agents, emulsifiers and pH stabilizers) increases phosphorus concentrations in the diet. This leads to the acidification of bodily tissues and intensified parathyroid activity. Parathyroid glands produce parathormone which

Как снизить гликированный гемоглобин

How To Lower Your A1c Levels?

How To Lower Your A1c Levels? Read More »

Diabetes is a major global health concern with a significant rise in prevalence. At the same time, glycated hemoglobin (A1C) helps to know how your body copes with sugar. For us, it’s an opportunity to detect a condition when the body is not functioning normally but it has not yet reached a state of disease. We’re talking about prediabetes. But for people with diabetes, this test is useful as well, mostly because it shows the risks of complications. In this article, we will talk about the situation when the test has already been done, and its results exceed healthy values. So, here you will find all about how to lower your a1c without medication. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on June 11, 2020. This article was last modified on 7 February 2020. When talking about Normal Levels of Hemoglobin A1c we shall remember the following ranges. For diabetes-free people the normal range is between 4% and 5.6%. If your hemoglobin levels are 5.7% – 6.4%, the odds you will get diabetes are high. Levels of 6.5% or higher mean you have diabetes. Decreasing Hemoglobin Goals In the US, 79 million adults have prediabetes, a prevalence approximately 3 times that of diabetes. Certainly, whether prediabetes progresses into diabetes depends on a number of variable factors. The willingness of a person to change his or her lifestyle determines treatment success. Nevertheless, a person’s genetics and well-chosen drug therapy are important factors as well. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Decreasing Hemoglobin Goals 2 How to Lower Your A1C without Medication 3 Pharmacotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention 4 Fiber in Diet to Lower Your A1C RELATED ARTICLES So, the 4 pillars of effective diabetes management are: How to Lower Your A1C without Medication In 2002, Knowler hypothesized that lifestyle changes would prevent or delay the development of diabetes. The researchers randomly chose patients with prediabetes. Some patients received a placebo, other joined a special lifestyle changes program. It included increasing activity to at least 150 minutes/week and losing weight by at least 7%. The mean age of the participants was 51 years old. And the BMI was 34.0 kg/m2. The average follow-up was 2.8 years. As a result, the lifestyle intervention reduced the incidence by 58% compared with the placebogroup. Further analysis of this study showed that if people did not change their lifestyle, most would develop type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years. Since then, many other studies have confirmed these conclusions. In 2013 researchers compared the effectiveness of lifestyle changes to standard care. Seven of the nine studies reported that lifestyle interventions put off the risk of diabetes by up to 10 years after a lifestyle intervention. However, for some people with prediabetes, a change in lifestyle is not enough. Pharmacotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Evidence from pharmacotherapy preventing diabetes in patients with prediabetes was reported in 2002. Biguanides, such as metformin, were proven by the researchers to decrease the incidence of diabetes. At the same time, this decrease isn’t as considerable as the one caused by lifestyle changes. Metformin has beneficial effects on BMI and lipid concentrations. In 2010, Lilly and Godwin concluded after a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis that metformin lowers risk of Type 2 diabetes by 45%. Metformin is currently the only medication recommended by the ADA for prediabetes treatment. According to the ADA, it is typically prescribed for patients who are at high risk of developing diabetes. So, if people fail in lifestyle modification therapy and their glucose is progressing, metformin is a reasonable second choice. However, despite metformin’s widespread use, the medication is not for all patients. So, the ACE/AACE recommends a two-pronged approach to treating prediabetes. At first, intensive lifestyle intervention. Namely lifestyle modification training such as 150 minutes per week of physical activity as well as 7% of weight loss if BMI exceeds 25 kg/m2, followed by the prevention of CV complications for abnormal blood pressure and cholesterol. Fiber in Diet to Lower Your A1C Increased fiber in diet is associated with a reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), improved lipid profile, and loss of body weight in type 2 diabetes patients. An increased fiber content decreases the glycemic index of foods. In addition, foods containing dietary fibers are also a rich source of magnesium. To underline, that magnesium is a co-factor for enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. In turn, dietary magnesium lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Studies also say that dietary fiber is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes which can be explained through markers of inflammation. We are talking about markers like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α. Moreover, some researches showed that when total dietary fiber was separated into cereal, fruit, and vegetable fiber groups, it appeared that cereal fiber reduced the incidence of developing type 2 diabetes the most. Ordering Blood Tests in the Netherlands If you are interested in checking your HbA1c level, you can easily purchase a blood test kit from Healsens. 1. Download the Healsens app from Google Play or the App Store, depending on your device. 2. Complete the registration process in the app. 3. Tap on the ”Order Blood Tests”. 4. Find the HbA1c test and tap on the “Add to Cart” button. Proceed with the ordering process. » Unlock Optimal Health: Discover How a Personalized Healsens General Check-up Plan Can Transform Your Well-being. Note If you want to assess your HbA1c level but are not residing in the Netherlands or have opted for a different laboratory, Healsens cannot upload your blood test results for you. Nevertheless, you have the option to undergo the required tests at any laboratory in your country and manually input the obtained results into the application. Healsens will open more opportunities for you to naturally normalize your blood test results. Furthermore, you gain full access to investigate your health risk assessment based on the provided data.

type 2 diabetes

TYPE 2 DIABETES: CAUSES, DIET, TREATMENTS

TYPE 2 DIABETES: CAUSES, DIET, TREATMENTS Read More »

After posting the publication about lipid profile assessment, we received many comments and questions. Among all the questions, type 2 diabetes and the ineffectiveness of drug treatment were mentioned most often. Therefore, today we will pay attention to this particular topic, dwelling on the following points: This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on March 04, 2020. This article was last modified on 15 February 2020. So, diabetes is a condition that affects blood sugar levels and causes many serious health problems if left untreated or uncontrolled. There is no cure for diabetes so that is why it’s easier to head off disease before it occurs than to treat it, and regular medical check up will help with its early disease detection. In case you’ve already got this disease, treatment modalities include lifestyle modifications, treatment of obesity, oral hypoglycemic agents, and insulin sensitizers like metformin, a biguanide that reduces insulin resistance and is still the recommended first-line medication, especially for obese patients. Other effective medications include non-Sulfonylurea secretagogues, thiazolidinediones, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, and insulin. Causes of Diabetes Type 2 Genetics and Lifestyle Choices Play a Role Type 2 diabetes has several causes: genetics and lifestyle are the most important ones. A combination of these factors can cause insulin resistance, when your body doesn’t use insulin as well as it should. Insulin resistance is the most common cause of type 2 diabetes. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Causes of Diabetes Type 2 2 What happens when you consume too much sugar? 3 Dietary habits and diabetes 4 Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load 5 Measuring Blood Sugar Levels throughout the Day 6 Continuous Glucose Monitor 7 Psychosomatic Aspects Of Diabetes 8 How to Cope with Stress 9 Comprehensive approach to the management of diabetes RELATED ARTICLES Genetics and Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes can be hereditary. That doesn’t mean that if your mother or father has (or had) type 2 diabetes, you’re guaranteed to develop it; instead, it means that you have a greater chance of developing type 2 meaning early diabetes predictions must be part of your screening plan for diagnosing diseases. As for the genetic tests,, despite the fact that researchers know that you can inherit a risk for type 2 diabetes, they haven’t found out which genes carry the risk. The medical community is hard at work trying to figure out the certain genetic mutations that lead to a risk of type 2 Lifestyle Is Very Important Genes do play a role in type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle choices are also important. You can, for example, have a genetic mutation that may make you susceptible to type 2, but if you take good care of your body, you may not develop diabetes. Moreover,  simple laboratory tests will help you determine the state of your body’s carbohydrate metabolism long before the disease occurs. If you already suffer from this disease, you have probably heard a lot from the doctor or in the press about the dangers of products containing refined carbohydrates and “white” carbohydrates with the high glycemic index, such as white bread, ground rice, pasta made from premium flour and features potatoes. We will also dwell on this issue in detail and below it will be clear why this issue is so important. When people eat food containing carbohydrates, the digestive system breaks down the digestible ones into sugar, which enters the blood. As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that prompts cells to absorb blood sugar for energy or storage. As cells absorb blood sugar, levels in the bloodstream begin to fall. When this happens, the pancreas starts making glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to start releasing stored sugar. This interplay of insulin and glucagon ensure that cells throughout the body, and especially in the brain, have a steady supply of blood sugar. What happens when you consume too much sugar? A high sugar diet consumption provokes an instant increase in insulin levels, which sometimes leads to a sharp drop in blood sugar after a few hours. Hypoglycemia caused in this way (low blood sugar) provokes the desire to eat more food rich in refined sugars and starches, which leads to a new jump in insulin. Over time, these constant “ups and downs” cause cells to lose their sensitivity to insulin, and more and more of this hormone is required for glucose transfer. This is called insulin resistance. And it becomes the root cause of the development of the metabolic syndrome leading to high blood pressure. Likewise, insulin resistance increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease. It’s also accelerating the aging process and can also lead to type II diabetes. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas can become so depleted that it completely stops producing insulin to lower blood sugar. In addition, insulin resistance is a cause of impaired fat metabolism, leading to an excess of triglycerides. That’s why having high triglycerides — a type of fat in the blood — may be a sign that you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Dietary habits and diabetes The issue of diet is very acute! However, everyone who tried to give up refined sugar and starches knows how difficult it is and there is a completely rational explanation for this. In 2001, a study was published in the journal Nutrition Review showing that refined sugars and starches are addictive. And if you want to exclude them from the diet, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. But getting rid of simple carbohydrates in the diet is the only and most important step that should be taken to reduce the risk of getting sick with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as well as to reduce body weight if necessary. Only rejection of these products will make this unhealthy habit disappear. Therefore, if you want to just reduce sugar consumption, it will not bring about the elimination of this addiction. As diet is a crucial tool for managing diabetes, you can also choose some special diabetes diet capable

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