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Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder which occurs when the pancreas is unable to manufacture the hormone named ‘insulin’ in adequate amounts, as a result of which, there is an accumulation of excessive glucose within the bloodstream. Insulin resistance is another possible condition responsible for developing diabetes because it prevents the absorption and utilization of glucose by the human body. The latter theory is applicable in the case of type-2 diabetes. Due to modern sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, there has been a sharp rise in the figures of people belonging to all age groups, who are affected by diabetes.

Modification of lifestyle

Since the lack of physical activity happens to be one of the leading reasons behind the development of metabolic disorders, modification of lifestyle should be the first essential step for long term wellness. Including a few simple exercises in one’s daily routine can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from high blood sugar. Rather it can be said that incorporating a little bit of physical activity is an integral part of treatment besides medication. A regular exercise regime is has always been associated with multiple benefits for health. Exercises when performed under the guidance of experts, is very effective in reducing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.

Mechanism of glucose absorption

Irrespective of the fact that whether your diabetes is an outcome of deficiency in manufactured insulin, or resistance to this hormone, performing physical exercises enable your body to use up the energy of glucose even in the absence of insulin hormone. The moment your muscle cells start utilizing the glucose that they require, the level of glucose in your bloodstream gradually starts getting restored from high to normal. For those who are resistant to insulin, regular physical exercises helps in reducing the levels of resistance, so that the glucose in the bloodstream is effectively utilized by the cells in order to release energy.

Yielding multiple benefits

Besides specifically addressing the complication pertaining to diabetes, regular physical activity helps in maintaining an ideal body weight and blood pressure which are two really crucial factors when it comes to controlling your blood sugar. Exercises also help in elevating the levels of HDL or good cholesterol which keeps the heart healthy and reduces the risk of major cardiac events. It boosts the energy levels, improves those erratic sleep cycles and aids in effective stress management. Prolonged mental and physical stress is known to manifest itself in the form of various metabolic and endocrinal disorders.

Flexibility is great

For those who have never exercised in their whole lives, preparing an exercise regime and abiding by it can be quite challenging during the initial phases. It is absolutely fine to allow yourself a bit of time to get accustomed, rather than punishing yourself with the burden of a strict routine. Exercise does not necessarily mean hitting the gym or performing prescribed yoga postures every single day. You can always add some variations to make it an enjoyable activity and to keep your motivation levels flying high. If you are passionate about sports, then a game of basketball or tennis, or a round of cycling or swimming can be fantastic! If you are feeling a bit lazy or sloppy, you can simply enjoy a walk in your park and breathe in the fresh air to your heart’s content.

Building a strong defense

Strength training exercises are not only ideal for developing those lean and sturdy muscles, but also advantageous for type-2 diabetics since muscles utilize glucose the most. One needs to set practical, achievable workout goals after thorough medical examination and consultation with a doctor. Since diabetics feel thirsty quite often, it is really important to keep the body hydrated at all times. Strictly following the prescribed dietary restrictions is a must for preventing your blood sugar from escalating beyond limits.

Fixing your menu

While preparing your meals, make maximum use of whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice or millet as cereals. They are best combined with garden fresh green, leafy vegetables which are either steamed or grilled to perfection with minimum sprinkling of salt and condiments. Steer clear of all kinds of processed food such as white bread, tortillas made of white flour, deep fried dishes and sugary snacks. Munch on fresh fruits like apples or roasted nuts whenever you feel hungry, so that your glucose levels remain stable.


WASHINGTON U.-ST. LOUIS(US) — Children suspected of having appendicitis are more likely to receive CT scans, which involve radiation, if they are evaluated at a general hospital, new research suggests. 



“Appendicitis is a very tough diagnosis, because its symptoms overlap with viral infections and other problems,” says Jacqueline Saito, assistant professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and first author of the study, which is published in the journal Pediatrics.











Source: University of Washington in St. Louis

This article was first posted by on


Blood glucose meter

Photo Credit: Mike Mozart/Flickr

High blood-sugar levels, such as those linked with type 2 diabetes, make beta amyloid protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease dramatically more harmful to cells lining blood vessels in the brain.

Researchers say the findings support growing evidence pointing to glucose levels and vascular damage as contributors to dementia.

“Previously, it was believed that Alzheimer’s disease was due to the accumulation of ‘tangles’ in neurons in the brain from overproduction and reduced removal of beta amyloid protein,” says senior investigator David Busija, professor and chair of pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine.


“Even though the links among type 2 diabetes, brain blood vessels, and Alzheimer’s progression are unclear, hyperglycemia appears to play a role.”

For the new study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease,researchers studied cell cultures taken from the lining of cerebral blood vessels, one from normal rats and another from mice with uncontrolled chronic diabetes.




The cells from diabetic mice were more susceptible to damage and death to beta amyloid protein—even at normal glucose levels. The increased toxicity of beta amyloid may damage the blood-brain barrier, disrupt normal blood flow to the brain, and decrease clearance of beta amyloid protein.

The study’s findings underscore the need to aggressively control blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals, Busija says.


Original Source: Tulane University


Education, licensing, and experience are required in order to obtain a career in the healthcare industry. Each of these requirements are vital components in ensuring that medical professionals have the knowledge and expertise to care for patients effectively.

However, another aspect that is often overlooked by those interested in working in the healthcare industry, as well as those looking to hire healthcare staff, is having the right personality. Personality traits including compassion, emotional stability, patience, and more are necessary for being the best at what you do.

Below is a more in depth explanation as to why such traits are needed in the healthcare industry.

  1. Compassion (The Ability to Nurture)

Whether you’re a nurse, physician, or medical receptionist, compassion and the ability to nurture is a necessary trait to have. Patients are ultimately coming to you for assistance with their health. Whether they’re getting an annual checkup, have been severely injured, or are dealing with a terminal illness, all medical personnel needs to have a certain level of compassion that lets the patients know you care. Having the ability to sympathize with patients and provide a sense of comfort is not something that can be taught, it is something that comes naturally and is necessary to provide quality service.

  1. Emotional Stability

There’s no denying that the healthcare industry is very stressful and as such, those looking to work in the industry (or those looking to hire), need to be able to cope with their emotions and the varying levels of stress. From having a hectic schedule, to going through the ups and downs of medical experiences with patients, many in the healthcare industry suffer from a workplace burnout. As such, it is important to be able to maintain your emotions without allowing it to affect your quality of care.

  1. Patience

Each patient you interact with will be different than the next. Having the patience to deal with each patient accordingly is a great characteristic to have. For example, a pediatrician must have the patience to deal with their young patients. They must also have the ability to be patient with inquisitive parents. Without patience, medical professionals run the risk of disconnecting with their patients in turn pushing them to other practices or to formulate negative opinions about medical professionals as a whole.

  1. Effective Communication

In the healthcare profession, even the slightest form of miscommunication to lead to disastrous results. Communicating with staff, supervisors, and patients is critical to the success of any medical practice. Doctors and nurses must effectively communicate to provide the best patient experience. Medical professionals must also know how to effectively communicate with patients to ensure they fully comprehend the status of their health. When the line of communication is not open and effective, everyone suffers.

Applying for a Healthcare Position

For those interested in working in the healthcare profession, if you believe you have the educational foundation, appropriate licensing/ certifications, and the above mentioned personality traits, then you will do well in the healthcare industry. Obtaining a job simply becomes about marketing yourself to the medical practices out there and gaining industry experience. With an effective resume and the right resources, you can be well on your way to making a difference in the lives of others.

Hiring Healthcare Professionals

In need of highly qualified healthcare professionals? If you’re currently looking to hire staff, it is important to look for individuals who not only have the educational background, experience, and expertise, but those who also have the personality to provide your patients with the best experience possible. When looking for the best employees, sometimes it is beneficial to receive the help of top healthcare staffing agencies. They have an array of resources that allows them to recruit only the best healthcare personnel. Based on your needs, many agencies can help you in putting together a team that will look good on paper and impress in person.

With a high burnout percentage, and an obvious shortage in the healthcare industry, having the right personality traits is equally as important as having necessary paperwork and education. Whether you’re looking to make a difference, or looking for the best medical team in the area, ensuring that you (or they) have what it takes to really make a difference in the lives of patients is extremely important; not only for the success of your career (or medical practice), but for the overall quality of providing effective customer care.