Tag: Consultant Pathologist

Health

Type 2 Diabetes Cases On Rise In Youngsters Of 35-40 Age Group

Sep 20, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Diagnostic, #blood glucose, #Consultant Pathologist, #Dr. Keerthi Kotla, #healthy diet, #type 2 diabetes

Pune: Diabetes is a silent killer and one of the most common health conditions that the majority of the population suffers from. Now, type 2 diabetes cases are alarmingly increasing among youngsters of age group 35-40. Right from a healthy diet to a proper fitness routine, a diabetic has to be cautious to stay healthy. Don’t forget to check your blood sugar levels by opting for regular tests. Having diabetes also suggests that you need to also go for regular cardiac, liver, cholesterol, and kidney tests.

Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle condition and irreversible. It occurs when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. You may develop it due to family history, being overweight or obese, and genes. People with diabetes encounter kidney problems along with renal artery stenosis, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, foot and eye problems, gum disease, erectile dysfunction, and bladder problems that can crop up due to it. The common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are increased thirst and urination, feeling tired, hungry, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, slow wound healing, and unexplained weight loss.

Currently, due to poor lifestyle choices like eating a lot of junk, processed and canned foods, physical inactivity and obesity have led to diabetes among youngsters of the 35-40 age group. Thus, it is essential to limit the calorie intake, exercise every day to maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated to lower the blood sugar levels, and boost the metabolism, bid adieu to alcohol and smoking, opt for a diet with low carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high fat is the perfect diet mantra to maintain your blood sugar levels. Also, take medication as suggested by the doctor and avoid skipping it.

Dr. Keerthi Kotla, Consultant Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostic, “Check your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure regularly to maintain good health. Type 2 diabetes can affect every organ of the body so routine check-ups and tests are a must in a year for normal individuals and once every 6 months for already diagnosed individuals to prevent serious consequences. As a part of routine health check-up many young individuals are now getting tested for blood sugar level and cholesterol. The HbA1C blood test measures the average blood sugar levels over the previous three months in already diagnosed individuals to know if their blood sugar levels are in control. Diabetes doubles the chances of heart disease, so it’s important to have a blood test to check your cholesterol as part of your annual exam or more frequently if your cholesterol levels are high.”

Dr. Keerthi added, “Be sure to get a complete foot exam at regular intervals as people with uncontrolled diabetes tend to lose their feet due to gangrene infection, or an ulcer. Eye check-ups will help you know if the raised blood sugar has damaged blood vessels and for other problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic neuropathy. The microalbumin test will tell you if your kidneys are functioning properly. Go for regular dental check-ups to avoid gum disease and infections due to unmanaged blood sugar levels. Diabetes invites heart problems so get an electrocardiogram done to monitor the functioning of the heart.”

Health, News

Prolonged Use Of Steroids Causes Bone Tissue Death In Post-Covid Patients…

Jul 13, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Diagnostics, #Apollo Spectra Pune, #Consultant Pathologist, #Dr. Anand Jadhav, #Dr. Keerthi Prakash Kotla, #Orthopedic Specialist

Pune: The Coronavirus disease 2019 is a global epidemic, and steroids have been widely used in the treatment of it. After Mucormycosis, avascular necrosis (AVN), a new health complication that causes the death of bone tissues can be seen in many post-Covid patients owing to the long-term use of corticosteroids (especially at high doses). It is the need of the hour to stop misusing steroids to stay in pink of health.

Covid-19 cases continue to rise in India. When one gets infected with Covid, there is an initial phase where the virus replicates and grows in the body. Then there is inflammation in the second week, and steroids are administered to the patients to lower inflammation. They are not medications that are given without any thought and caution. Excessive and prolonged use of steroids to treat Covid-19 can suppress natural immunity when used for patients with low oxygen levels. Many patients using steroids have encountered problems like Avascular Necrosis (AVN).

“Earlier, mucormycosis or black fungus was seen in post-covid patients. Now, Avascular necrosis (AVN) is also another worrisome problem seen during the first and second wave of Covid owing to the use of steroids. Around 10-15 patients with AVN visit me every month for treatment. Avascular necrosis also called osteonecrosis can be termed as the death of bone tissue owing to the lack of blood supply. It can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone collapses. A broken bone or dislocated joint can interrupt the blood flow to a section of bone,” said Dr. Anand Jadhav, Orthopedic Specialist, Apollo Spectra Pune.

Dr Jadhav added, “In AVN patients, there is increased pressure in the bones inside the sphincter. Its rigid structure causes pain to patients. Core decompression surgery is performed if the AVN is in the first and second stages. This reduces the pressure inside the ball. Joint replacement surgery is the only option to reduce permanent pain in the third and fourth stages of AVN disease. However, surgery is not required if AVN is diagnosed early. Therefore, if the Covid patients on steroids having groin or thigh pain are advised to take an MRI or X-ray to check if they have AVN of the hip. ”

Dr. Keerthi Prakash Kotla, Consultant Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostics, said, “Large-scale use of life-saving corticosteroids in Covid-19 cases causes the resurgence of AVN cases. Pain related to avascular necrosis of the hip might also be felt around the groin, thigh, or buttock. Besides your hip, it may also affect your shoulder, knee, hand, and foot. Hence, on complaints of hip and thigh pain, diagnosis can be done by early X-ray, CT scan, MRI and bone scan of the hips. Limit your alcohol intake, monitor cholesterol levels, do not misuse steroids without a doctor’s knowledge, and avoid smoking to manage AVN.”