There are some basic things that are important for children; such as good immunity. You have to be sure your child has good immunity. They go to school and they play, and there are so many infections that are air-borne and so on. So a child need to have a good immunity, so that even if he has mosquito bite, he may not necessarily come down with malaria. Therefore, children need Lysine an essential amino acid, and some vitamins and minerals that will boost their immunity.
According to Pharm Sade Filani, for growing children, they also need strong bones and teeth as they grow. So Lysine and calcium in good quantity in their body can also help them achieve that.
Good amount of Lysine amino acid in the body can also help a child develop good appetite and eat properly. Children always have problem with having appetite for food.
Some teachers do complain that some children do not concentrated in class, and a child who do not concentrate in class can hardly do well in class. Lysine and some vitamins help the memory of he child to be at its best.
She spoke on these and other issues.
Lysine: The essential building block
Lysine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks needed to form proteins. Our bodies use amino acids to build the various kinds of proteins that are needed to grow, to heal and to maintain normal body functions. Lysine is especially important for healthy muscle development. Lysine also aids in the absorption of calcium. Without an adequate amount of lysine, children can suffer from a weakened immune system, slow growth and loss of appetite. Lysine is one of the amino acids known as “essential amino acids”.
The word “essential” means that our body can’t produce lysine the way it does with some other amino acids. To get the lysine we need, we have to ensure it’s available in our diet.
Food for health
Choosing the right food is not an easy task for a growing child. Even with the right combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, a healthy diet also requires the correct balance of micronutrients to ensure a strong immune system, healthy growth and development.
Recent research has revealed that a significant number of children in industrialised and developing countries have deficiencies in key micronutrients Healthy nutrition may seem to be more time-consuming for busy parents. But it’s possible to prepare great-tasting healthy food for your child without being tied to the kitchen.
Some tips for nutritious children’s diet - junk-food free zone
Make your home junk-food free. Many fast foods fill children with high calories but lack valuable micronutrients. Eliminate cola, lemonade and other artificially sweetened and carbonated drinks from your shopping list. Keep juice in the fridge instead, and mix it with mineral water for a refreshing fizzy drink Set a good example by avoiding high-fat, low-vitamin foods.
Fresh fruit
Fresh fruit is the perfect vitamin-rich food for growing bodies. Ensure that you have a good supply of seasonal fruit available at your home all year round. Encourage your child to peel a banana, slice an orange or eat an apple whenever she or he wishes.
Watch for hidden calories:
Many products, such as mayonnaise, yoghurt and ice-cream, advertise themselves as “low fat” but have almost as many calories as full-fat products. Check the real calories in these products and teach your child the health problems associated with being overweight. Be relaxed: At various stages in childhood, food becomes a tool for asserting independence. For toddlers, but also for pre-adolescents, under-eating or over-eating can be an expression of individual power. Speak about it and don’t react to it emotionally. A regular dose of drugs like Pharmaton Kiddi provides extra reassurance that they are receiving the key nutrients they need.
The road to knowledge
In the first ten years of life, a child learns a vast amount. From crawling, to the first steps, to running. From the first words to complex language skills. From making simple pictures to the skills of reading and writing. On this challenging path to knowledge, a child needs the care and support of the parents and a balanced supply of micronutrients.
Your child’s diet
“We are what we eat.” It’s an old saying, but it still rings true in many ways. Our bodies need a regular supply of nutrients in order to function properly: to create energy, to heal wounds, to fight infections. For children, there’s an important extra task: to grow. Bones, teeth, nerves, organs: they all have specific needs for vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients that have to come from food.
That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your child can get the very best nutrition possible. The combination of a daily dose of drugs like Pharmaton Kiddi plus a healthy diet is a great way to give your child the best start in life.
Your child deserves to have the best chances for a successful, healthy future. Adequate nutrition is an essential part of this.
For healthy physical development and mental performance, your child needs to get the right combination of nutrients in the right amounts. It is well known that even children who eat a varied diet can still show deficiencies in important nutrients, known as “micronutrients.”
Monday, August 16, 2010
Commonly used anti-diabetes drugs (3)
Thiazolidinediones (quite a mouthful you will say) are a group of drugs now being commonly used worldwide to treat diabetes. They are called TZD’s or Glitazones for short. They were discovered by Japanese Scientists and have been in the market for more than a decade. These drugs are insulin sensitizers just like Metformin.
Insulin sensitizers are drugs which make the body much more sensitive to the action of insulin produced by the body or given as injection thereby helping to control the blood sugar level. They enhance the ability of insulin to cause Glucose in the blood to enter into fat cells, liver cells and cells in the muscles where they are used for energy or stored until needed.
The principle behind the use of these drugs in individuals with Type 2 diabetes is that since the basic problem in Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance in which though the body produces insulin, even in very high amounts, the body is not responsive to the insulin produced, there is then the need to use drugs that will make the cells of the body more sensitive to the action of insulin. The principal action of insulin is to reduce blood sugar levels. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy should not use these drugs. Regular tests on the liver called liver function tests should be carried out in individuals on these drugs.
Aside from causing more glucose to enter into liver cells, these drugs also suppress the ability of the liver to produce glucose. This process also helps to control the fasting blood sugar levels. It is a known fact that the major contributor to what the level of the fasting blood sugar is like is the glucose produced by the liver overnight.
Three drugs from this family have been used in humans. These include Troglitazone, Rosiglitazone with trade name Avandia and Pioglitazone whose trade names in Nigeria include Piotazone, Nilgar and Actos among others. Troglitazone was withdrawn from the market and is no longer used because of the liver failure and consequent death it caused in some people. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is also under serious scrutiny in the United States of America about its safety in that individuals using it may be more susceptible to a heart attack.
Pioglitazone on the other hand appears to be the most favoured drug in this family for now because of its efficacy and good safety profile. These drugs can be safely used alone or combined with Metformin and other anti-diabetes drugs. The combination of Rosiglitazone and Metformin is marketed in Nigeria and elsewhere as Avandamet. TZD’s are also known to help in preserving the cells inside the pancreas that produce insulin from being damaged from high fat and glucose levels in the blood. These drugs are also advantageous in that they do not cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) since they do not increase the amount of insulin produced by the body.
These drugs have also been found useful in individuals with HIV infection who have developed fat related side effects from the antiretroviral drugs. They are also found useful in women with infertility due to a condition called polycystic ovary where this drug is known to enhance ovulation and subsequent improvement in fertility. People who have fat deposition in their liver called fatty liver are also known to benefit from using these drugs. They have also been found beneficial in those with abnormal Cholesterol levels. Once individuals with Type 2 diabetes start these drugs, their full effect on blood glucose control will be seen in about three months.
Like most drugs TZD’s also have some possible side effects. These side effects may not occur in all individuals. These include anaemia which most times is not clinically significant, retention of fluid in the body which can cause increase in weight and swelling of the feet and legs, generalized muscle aches and pains, weakness, sore throat, headaches, jaundice, dark urine, nausea and vomiting and increased risk of bone fractures. Whatever drug is used to treat diabetes, they are more efficacious when they are combined with a regular exercise schedule and a healthful diet.
Insulin sensitizers are drugs which make the body much more sensitive to the action of insulin produced by the body or given as injection thereby helping to control the blood sugar level. They enhance the ability of insulin to cause Glucose in the blood to enter into fat cells, liver cells and cells in the muscles where they are used for energy or stored until needed.
The principle behind the use of these drugs in individuals with Type 2 diabetes is that since the basic problem in Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance in which though the body produces insulin, even in very high amounts, the body is not responsive to the insulin produced, there is then the need to use drugs that will make the cells of the body more sensitive to the action of insulin. The principal action of insulin is to reduce blood sugar levels. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy should not use these drugs. Regular tests on the liver called liver function tests should be carried out in individuals on these drugs.
Aside from causing more glucose to enter into liver cells, these drugs also suppress the ability of the liver to produce glucose. This process also helps to control the fasting blood sugar levels. It is a known fact that the major contributor to what the level of the fasting blood sugar is like is the glucose produced by the liver overnight.
Three drugs from this family have been used in humans. These include Troglitazone, Rosiglitazone with trade name Avandia and Pioglitazone whose trade names in Nigeria include Piotazone, Nilgar and Actos among others. Troglitazone was withdrawn from the market and is no longer used because of the liver failure and consequent death it caused in some people. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is also under serious scrutiny in the United States of America about its safety in that individuals using it may be more susceptible to a heart attack.
Pioglitazone on the other hand appears to be the most favoured drug in this family for now because of its efficacy and good safety profile. These drugs can be safely used alone or combined with Metformin and other anti-diabetes drugs. The combination of Rosiglitazone and Metformin is marketed in Nigeria and elsewhere as Avandamet. TZD’s are also known to help in preserving the cells inside the pancreas that produce insulin from being damaged from high fat and glucose levels in the blood. These drugs are also advantageous in that they do not cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) since they do not increase the amount of insulin produced by the body.
These drugs have also been found useful in individuals with HIV infection who have developed fat related side effects from the antiretroviral drugs. They are also found useful in women with infertility due to a condition called polycystic ovary where this drug is known to enhance ovulation and subsequent improvement in fertility. People who have fat deposition in their liver called fatty liver are also known to benefit from using these drugs. They have also been found beneficial in those with abnormal Cholesterol levels. Once individuals with Type 2 diabetes start these drugs, their full effect on blood glucose control will be seen in about three months.
Like most drugs TZD’s also have some possible side effects. These side effects may not occur in all individuals. These include anaemia which most times is not clinically significant, retention of fluid in the body which can cause increase in weight and swelling of the feet and legs, generalized muscle aches and pains, weakness, sore throat, headaches, jaundice, dark urine, nausea and vomiting and increased risk of bone fractures. Whatever drug is used to treat diabetes, they are more efficacious when they are combined with a regular exercise schedule and a healthful diet.
Exercise and diet important for successful IVF treatment
The chance of conception occurring in a single cycle of IVF treatment is 25 percent on average with marked variations based on the female partner’s age. It would, therefore, be prudent to do whatever one can to improve the chances of a positive outcome. The importance of a good diet and exercise as part of a daily routine cannot be overestimated. Good exercise and diet habits are an integral part of any lifestyle but have also been found to be beneficial for both men and women trying to conceive.
Studies have shown that women who are overweight often have problems with ovulation, menstruation and conception. Obese women have also been found not to respond as well as their slimmer counterparts to the fertility injections. On the other hand women who are underweight may have anovulatory (no ovulation and no menstruation) cycles which in themselves present other problems.
Thus, attaining and maintaining the ideal weight will improve the chances of achieving a pregnancy.
According to Dr Richardson Ajayi, Medical Director, The Bridge Clinic, a healthy and balanced diet can be defined as a diet in which nutrient intake (carbohydrates, protein, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins) is maintained, and cholesterol, salt, sugar and fats is reduced. The idea of a healthy diet is often used to ensure that people are well protected against common illnesses, as well as conditions which stem from poor diet; to which many problems such as headaches, lethargy, reduced. libido, heart disease, alcohol poisoning, and obesity may be attributed. In addition to this, a well balanced diet is essential to any form of exercise, as without a good diet, the body will not have the fuel to recover from the stress of exercise.
“Following a healthy fertility diet is not about deprivation, nor is it about loading up on so-called miracle foods” that are reported to increase fertility. It is about giving the body what it needs, in the right amounts. The key ingredient is balance. Women going through fertility treatment are advised to cut back on fats.
“However it is well known that fat is necessary for proper body functioning. Without it, the body’s systems will not operate normally. Some sources of fat are better than others and too much fat has adverse effects on the body. The same holds true for carbohydrates and protein. A balanced fertility diet will incorporate each of these in the appropriate amounts, along with other key nutrients. Because even the healthiest and most diverse diet won’t necessarily provide all of the vitamins and minerals that the body needs, a multivitamin is recommended as well.
“Women who are overweight tend to have more fat in their bodies and, because 30 percent of oestrogen comes from fat cells, this means they usually have more oestrogen. This can affect ovulation, menstruation and conception negatively. Women who are overweight also tend to be more resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance can force the body to produce excess levels of insulin, which can inhibit ovulation.
“For obese women who have underlying fertility problems, weight loss can improve the chances of success because excess body fat makes patients resistant to the effects of fertility medications and increases the risk of complications during treatment with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). By following a fertility diet and exercise plan for a period of time prior to undergoing treatment, most women can significantly improve their chances of conceiving.
“Obese women are at risk for miscarriage, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preterm delivery, macrosomia, low birth weight, stillbirth, delivery via operative route, and postoperative complications. Underweight women are also at risk for miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and stillbirth. It is therefore important to have and maintain the right body weight before and during IYF treatment to optimize the chances of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby.
“Advice for a healthy fertility diet would be to eat foods that are as natural .as possible. Avoid chocolate, sugary foods, salty snacks, processed foods, coffee, tea, and cola. Fizzy drinks and alcohol add to the bloated feeling many women complain about during ovarian stimulation. Drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water a day is highly recommended.
“PCOS, also known as Anovulation Androgen Excess (AAE), is a key cause of obesity in women undergoing fertility treatment. It is a condition in which women have high levels of male hormones (androgens). These hormones playa role in blocking the release of the egg from the follicle and in the overproduction of the female hormone, oestrogen. As a result the ovaries fill with cysts or create immature follicles that are unable to generate eggs.
“Insulin seems to be a key factor in PCOS. Many women with PCOS have increased insulin resistance. High levels of insulin in the blood lead to the ovaries producing too much androgen. Excess insulin also leads to excess glucose in the blood, and sets the conditions for prediabetes, and weight gain. If untreated, PCOS can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
“Clinically, if you have two out of three of the following symptoms you will most likely be diagnosed with PCOS. irregular, few, or absent menstrual periods, androgen excess - clinical or biochemical (excessive body hair, acne, loss of head hair, increased testosterone in the blood) and polycystic ovaries (ovaries with 10 or more follicles)
“Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Excess insulin causes a rise in male hormones, which can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
“Insulin insensitivity contributes to weight gain, especially around the abdomen and makes it harder to lose the weight. This excess fat sets up a negative feed back system where high blood levels of the fat derived hormone, leptin, increases the appetite and inhibits the production of female fertility hormones.
Continuing, he said, just losing 5 to 10 percentage of your body weight can be enough to bring on monthly ovulatory cycles. A combination of weight loss, diet, exercise, and mind body techniques can be extremely effective in eliminating peas symptoms, getting ovulation on track, and reversing the negative effects of stress.
“The benefits of exercise are numerous and enhance the overall health status of the individual. Studies have shown that regular exercise: improves the chances of living longer improves quality of life, reduces the risk of heart disease helps lower high blood pressure, helps prevent or control type 2 diabete, reduces the risk of arthritis and alleviates associated symptoms, alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety
“By exercising on a regular basis, women can help reduce their body fat and oestrogen levels. Low impact exercises are best. Some examples of these include walking, swimming, cycling and yoga. These exercises have low impact on the muscles and the joints and are good cardiovascular workouts. Gradually increase the exercise to 30minutes, 3 to 4 times a week so as not to cause any injuries.
“Men can also make adjustments to maximize their reproductive potential and ensure a happy, healthy baby. Proper diet, exercise, reduced stress and a healthy lifestyle not only improve personal wellbeing but can boost reproductive success as well!
“Do not start any new exercise, sport or event training within 3 months of starting IVF and ensure that jogging is kept below 20 miles per week. Over exercise can affect male fertility by causing the internal temperature of a man’s testicles to rise, which kills sperm cells.
“Another issue couples getting ready for IVF treatment face is stress. The stress of taking daily injections, the side effects the drugs cause, the stress of having been without a child for so long, and stress from family and in-laws. The distress caused by stress can really take its toll on fertility. Stress can make it difficult to be intimate with your partner. Stress can also trigger a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular problems and depression. Stress can also interfere with ovulation and menstruation, as well as sperm health and motility.
“One of the single biggest stumbling blocks that fertility patients face when trying to lose weight is relying on food to cope with stress and other emotional issues. Struggling with infertility can be a very intense experience and, in order to have success with a fertility diet and exercise program, it is necessary to acknowledge and address the impulse to eat in response to emotional upheaval.
“Exercise can also help to relieve stress. Deep meditation exercises go a long way in releasing stress and tension. Yoga and pilates are particularly effective,” he said.
Studies have shown that women who are overweight often have problems with ovulation, menstruation and conception. Obese women have also been found not to respond as well as their slimmer counterparts to the fertility injections. On the other hand women who are underweight may have anovulatory (no ovulation and no menstruation) cycles which in themselves present other problems.
Thus, attaining and maintaining the ideal weight will improve the chances of achieving a pregnancy.
According to Dr Richardson Ajayi, Medical Director, The Bridge Clinic, a healthy and balanced diet can be defined as a diet in which nutrient intake (carbohydrates, protein, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins) is maintained, and cholesterol, salt, sugar and fats is reduced. The idea of a healthy diet is often used to ensure that people are well protected against common illnesses, as well as conditions which stem from poor diet; to which many problems such as headaches, lethargy, reduced. libido, heart disease, alcohol poisoning, and obesity may be attributed. In addition to this, a well balanced diet is essential to any form of exercise, as without a good diet, the body will not have the fuel to recover from the stress of exercise.
“Following a healthy fertility diet is not about deprivation, nor is it about loading up on so-called miracle foods” that are reported to increase fertility. It is about giving the body what it needs, in the right amounts. The key ingredient is balance. Women going through fertility treatment are advised to cut back on fats.
“However it is well known that fat is necessary for proper body functioning. Without it, the body’s systems will not operate normally. Some sources of fat are better than others and too much fat has adverse effects on the body. The same holds true for carbohydrates and protein. A balanced fertility diet will incorporate each of these in the appropriate amounts, along with other key nutrients. Because even the healthiest and most diverse diet won’t necessarily provide all of the vitamins and minerals that the body needs, a multivitamin is recommended as well.
“Women who are overweight tend to have more fat in their bodies and, because 30 percent of oestrogen comes from fat cells, this means they usually have more oestrogen. This can affect ovulation, menstruation and conception negatively. Women who are overweight also tend to be more resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance can force the body to produce excess levels of insulin, which can inhibit ovulation.
“For obese women who have underlying fertility problems, weight loss can improve the chances of success because excess body fat makes patients resistant to the effects of fertility medications and increases the risk of complications during treatment with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). By following a fertility diet and exercise plan for a period of time prior to undergoing treatment, most women can significantly improve their chances of conceiving.
“Obese women are at risk for miscarriage, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preterm delivery, macrosomia, low birth weight, stillbirth, delivery via operative route, and postoperative complications. Underweight women are also at risk for miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and stillbirth. It is therefore important to have and maintain the right body weight before and during IYF treatment to optimize the chances of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby.
“Advice for a healthy fertility diet would be to eat foods that are as natural .as possible. Avoid chocolate, sugary foods, salty snacks, processed foods, coffee, tea, and cola. Fizzy drinks and alcohol add to the bloated feeling many women complain about during ovarian stimulation. Drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water a day is highly recommended.
“PCOS, also known as Anovulation Androgen Excess (AAE), is a key cause of obesity in women undergoing fertility treatment. It is a condition in which women have high levels of male hormones (androgens). These hormones playa role in blocking the release of the egg from the follicle and in the overproduction of the female hormone, oestrogen. As a result the ovaries fill with cysts or create immature follicles that are unable to generate eggs.
“Insulin seems to be a key factor in PCOS. Many women with PCOS have increased insulin resistance. High levels of insulin in the blood lead to the ovaries producing too much androgen. Excess insulin also leads to excess glucose in the blood, and sets the conditions for prediabetes, and weight gain. If untreated, PCOS can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
“Clinically, if you have two out of three of the following symptoms you will most likely be diagnosed with PCOS. irregular, few, or absent menstrual periods, androgen excess - clinical or biochemical (excessive body hair, acne, loss of head hair, increased testosterone in the blood) and polycystic ovaries (ovaries with 10 or more follicles)
“Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Excess insulin causes a rise in male hormones, which can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
“Insulin insensitivity contributes to weight gain, especially around the abdomen and makes it harder to lose the weight. This excess fat sets up a negative feed back system where high blood levels of the fat derived hormone, leptin, increases the appetite and inhibits the production of female fertility hormones.
Continuing, he said, just losing 5 to 10 percentage of your body weight can be enough to bring on monthly ovulatory cycles. A combination of weight loss, diet, exercise, and mind body techniques can be extremely effective in eliminating peas symptoms, getting ovulation on track, and reversing the negative effects of stress.
“The benefits of exercise are numerous and enhance the overall health status of the individual. Studies have shown that regular exercise: improves the chances of living longer improves quality of life, reduces the risk of heart disease helps lower high blood pressure, helps prevent or control type 2 diabete, reduces the risk of arthritis and alleviates associated symptoms, alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety
“By exercising on a regular basis, women can help reduce their body fat and oestrogen levels. Low impact exercises are best. Some examples of these include walking, swimming, cycling and yoga. These exercises have low impact on the muscles and the joints and are good cardiovascular workouts. Gradually increase the exercise to 30minutes, 3 to 4 times a week so as not to cause any injuries.
“Men can also make adjustments to maximize their reproductive potential and ensure a happy, healthy baby. Proper diet, exercise, reduced stress and a healthy lifestyle not only improve personal wellbeing but can boost reproductive success as well!
“Do not start any new exercise, sport or event training within 3 months of starting IVF and ensure that jogging is kept below 20 miles per week. Over exercise can affect male fertility by causing the internal temperature of a man’s testicles to rise, which kills sperm cells.
“Another issue couples getting ready for IVF treatment face is stress. The stress of taking daily injections, the side effects the drugs cause, the stress of having been without a child for so long, and stress from family and in-laws. The distress caused by stress can really take its toll on fertility. Stress can make it difficult to be intimate with your partner. Stress can also trigger a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular problems and depression. Stress can also interfere with ovulation and menstruation, as well as sperm health and motility.
“One of the single biggest stumbling blocks that fertility patients face when trying to lose weight is relying on food to cope with stress and other emotional issues. Struggling with infertility can be a very intense experience and, in order to have success with a fertility diet and exercise program, it is necessary to acknowledge and address the impulse to eat in response to emotional upheaval.
“Exercise can also help to relieve stress. Deep meditation exercises go a long way in releasing stress and tension. Yoga and pilates are particularly effective,” he said.
How to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia
All four terms - prostatic hyperplasia~ prostatic hypertrophy. adenoma of the neck of the bladder and adenoma of the prostate are in fact from the pathological and histological points of view inaccurate designations of the disease which generally occurs in men in their fifties. According to Pharm Sade Filani, it refers to fibromyomatous proliferation of the urethra mantle in the paraurethral connective tissue involving the urethral glands which generally originates in the colliculus seminalis~ but also may be multifocal.
Function of the prostate
The prostate is a sex gland in which, under the influence of the testosterone produced in the testes, a thin, milky, cloudy alkaline secretion is formed, which serves as the transport medium for the sperm cells. It is therefore an essential organ for reproduction.
The alkaline content of the secretion accounts for the motility and fertility of the spermatozoa which originally are immobile and therefore not capable of fertilization.
Pathological anatomy
The process starts with the formation of a large number of fibroadenomatous nodules which appear simultaneously under the epithelium of the posterior urethra, enlarge concentrically, compress the normal prostatic tissue against the capsule or the prostate and displace it sideways.
As a result of the proliferation of the adenoma the posterior urethra which passes through the prostate, is constricted and micturition is more or less impaired.
Epidemiology
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most frequent cause of disturbances of micturition. As a rule, 50 percent of men over the age of 50 are already affected. by it, while in men in their sixties the proportion is 60 percent and in those in their seventies and eighties it is 80 percent.
Aetiology
In spite of tile numerous studies which have been carried out, the cause of BPI has not been clarified up to now. It is assumed to be associated with changes in the hormonal balance due to aging (the prostate is a hormonelependent organ). In men, after the age of 40 there is a decrease in the male sex hormones, while the level of the female sex hormones remains constant. The increased stimulation by the female sex hormones leads to proliferation of the perimethral glands and to the growth of muscle fibres (myomas) and connective tissue (fibromas). One can therefore also speak of BPE as fibrodenoma of the posterior urethra.
Symptomatology
The development of prostatic hyperplasia can he divided into four stages: Latent stage: no symptoms. The so-called irritative stage: weakened urinary stream, symptoms of pollakiuria, nycturia, dysuria, no residual urine This stage can develop over a period of several years, or may even remain stationary. Stage of compensated
urine retention: increased pollakiuria and nycturia, residual urine, reduction of the functional capacity of the bladder. Stage of decompensated urine retention: constant dribbling of urine (ischuria paradoxa = overflow incontinence). The bladder is overstretched and often filled with up to 1 litre of urine, which in contrast to true urine retention is not painful.
There is reflux of the urine into the upper urinary tract, and then into the kidneys. The renal function decreases continually, eventually leading to kidney failure (uraemia).
The course of BPH can also last for several years. until the musculature of the bladder gradually fails and the hitherto thick-walled bladder becomes slack.
In all the stages of the disease, sitting for a long time, holding back the urine, cold, anesthetics and excessive beer drinking can lead to acute urine retention, which is very painful and can only be relieve by introduction of a cathetec.
Treatment of prostatic hyperplasia and disturbances of micturition
Preventive therapy is still not possible. It is also not yet possible to achieve regression of the hyperplasia, but the symptoms and discomfort during micturition, on the other hand, can be improved by drugs.
Occasionally there is also a reduction of the residual urine and a slight decrease in the size of the prostatic adenoma, due to a reduction of the congestion of the prostate.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is inclicated in case of single of recurrent urinary obstruction - residual urine of more than 50 rnl , untreatable discomfort during micturition, with restricted urinary flow - the appearance of bleeding. Early surgery is indicated, in order to prevent irreparable damage to the kidneys.
Drug therapy
An exclusively drug-based therapy can be considered only in the early stage. The second, or irritative stage can last for many years, and sometimes it in fact never passes into the third stage. The following substances are used in the conservative drug therapy of prostatic hyperplasia: - organ extracts - alpha-receptor blockers - calcium antagonists - hormones - plant extracts.
Of all these active substances, the plant extracts have proved best in practice, because they are practically free from side effects and can be used over long periods.
Prostatonin, a combined plant-based preparation contains two standardized plant extracts, namely: PY102 Pygeum africanum extract and DR 102 Urtica dioica extract.
Prostatonin is for the symptomatic treatment of functional disturbances in beginning benign prostatic hyperplasia, such as pollaktuna, dysuna urinary incontinence and weak urinary stream. Prostatonin is a continuation preparation from standardized extracts of the plants. Pygeum africanums and uretica dioca which are also administered as individual preparations.
Function of the prostate
The prostate is a sex gland in which, under the influence of the testosterone produced in the testes, a thin, milky, cloudy alkaline secretion is formed, which serves as the transport medium for the sperm cells. It is therefore an essential organ for reproduction.
The alkaline content of the secretion accounts for the motility and fertility of the spermatozoa which originally are immobile and therefore not capable of fertilization.
Pathological anatomy
The process starts with the formation of a large number of fibroadenomatous nodules which appear simultaneously under the epithelium of the posterior urethra, enlarge concentrically, compress the normal prostatic tissue against the capsule or the prostate and displace it sideways.
As a result of the proliferation of the adenoma the posterior urethra which passes through the prostate, is constricted and micturition is more or less impaired.
Epidemiology
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most frequent cause of disturbances of micturition. As a rule, 50 percent of men over the age of 50 are already affected. by it, while in men in their sixties the proportion is 60 percent and in those in their seventies and eighties it is 80 percent.
Aetiology
In spite of tile numerous studies which have been carried out, the cause of BPI has not been clarified up to now. It is assumed to be associated with changes in the hormonal balance due to aging (the prostate is a hormonelependent organ). In men, after the age of 40 there is a decrease in the male sex hormones, while the level of the female sex hormones remains constant. The increased stimulation by the female sex hormones leads to proliferation of the perimethral glands and to the growth of muscle fibres (myomas) and connective tissue (fibromas). One can therefore also speak of BPE as fibrodenoma of the posterior urethra.
Symptomatology
The development of prostatic hyperplasia can he divided into four stages: Latent stage: no symptoms. The so-called irritative stage: weakened urinary stream, symptoms of pollakiuria, nycturia, dysuria, no residual urine This stage can develop over a period of several years, or may even remain stationary. Stage of compensated
urine retention: increased pollakiuria and nycturia, residual urine, reduction of the functional capacity of the bladder. Stage of decompensated urine retention: constant dribbling of urine (ischuria paradoxa = overflow incontinence). The bladder is overstretched and often filled with up to 1 litre of urine, which in contrast to true urine retention is not painful.
There is reflux of the urine into the upper urinary tract, and then into the kidneys. The renal function decreases continually, eventually leading to kidney failure (uraemia).
The course of BPH can also last for several years. until the musculature of the bladder gradually fails and the hitherto thick-walled bladder becomes slack.
In all the stages of the disease, sitting for a long time, holding back the urine, cold, anesthetics and excessive beer drinking can lead to acute urine retention, which is very painful and can only be relieve by introduction of a cathetec.
Treatment of prostatic hyperplasia and disturbances of micturition
Preventive therapy is still not possible. It is also not yet possible to achieve regression of the hyperplasia, but the symptoms and discomfort during micturition, on the other hand, can be improved by drugs.
Occasionally there is also a reduction of the residual urine and a slight decrease in the size of the prostatic adenoma, due to a reduction of the congestion of the prostate.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is inclicated in case of single of recurrent urinary obstruction - residual urine of more than 50 rnl , untreatable discomfort during micturition, with restricted urinary flow - the appearance of bleeding. Early surgery is indicated, in order to prevent irreparable damage to the kidneys.
Drug therapy
An exclusively drug-based therapy can be considered only in the early stage. The second, or irritative stage can last for many years, and sometimes it in fact never passes into the third stage. The following substances are used in the conservative drug therapy of prostatic hyperplasia: - organ extracts - alpha-receptor blockers - calcium antagonists - hormones - plant extracts.
Of all these active substances, the plant extracts have proved best in practice, because they are practically free from side effects and can be used over long periods.
Prostatonin, a combined plant-based preparation contains two standardized plant extracts, namely: PY102 Pygeum africanum extract and DR 102 Urtica dioica extract.
Prostatonin is for the symptomatic treatment of functional disturbances in beginning benign prostatic hyperplasia, such as pollaktuna, dysuna urinary incontinence and weak urinary stream. Prostatonin is a continuation preparation from standardized extracts of the plants. Pygeum africanums and uretica dioca which are also administered as individual preparations.
Commonly used anti-diabetes drugs (2)
Sulphonylureas are commonly used to treat diabetes. Their discovery dates back to the period of the Second World War by German Scientists. Examples of drugs in this family includes Chlorpropamide marketed as Diabenese, Tolbutamide marketed as Diatol, Glibenclamide/Glyburide marketed as Daonil or Glanil, Gliclazide marketed as Diamicron, Glipizide marketed as Minidiab, and Glimepride which is a newer generation Sulphonylurea marketed as Azulix or Amaryl.
The newer generation Glimepiride has duration of action of about twenty-four hours and once a day use usually suffices in contrast to the other drugs that may be used more than once a day. These drugs ideally should be used about thirty minutes before meals.
They can be used on their own or in combination with other drugs like Metformin.
The main difference among these various drugs is their safety of use in that those of the newer generation are much safer to use in people with diabetes, especially the elderly diabetic. These drugs act by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas; thus they cannot be used in those with Type 1 diabetes whose insulin producing cells in the pancreas have already been destroyed by the body’s immune system.
These drugs are also known to lose their effectiveness in individuals with Type 2 diabetes of long duration; this is due to the fact that as the course of Type 2 diabetes becomes prolonged, the insulin producing cells inside the pancreas become exhausted and therefore cease producing insulin.
The continued use of this group of drugs in such instances is thus akin to flogging a dead horse.
These drugs are majorly excreted by the liver and kidneys and thus should be avoided in persons with diabetes and concomitant liver or kidney disease. All these drugs have a propensity for causing increase in weight while those of the earlier generation especially Chlorpropamide and Glibenclamide can cause severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) which if not quickly recognized and treated can lead to brain damage and death.
Hypoglycaemia is the commonest and most fatal side effect of these drugs.
Chlorpropamide (Diabenese) is no longer recommended for use worldwide because of the severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia it is associated with. Nigeria remains one of the very few countries worldwide where it is still used freely because it is cheap. Safer though relatively costlier alternatives are however very much present in Nigeria.
Other side effects that may follow the use of this group of drugs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, hepatitis (liver injury) and jaundice that may lead to liver failure. They can also cause rash and itching associated with peeling off of the skin in some individuals. Once the rash and itching are noticed, the drug should be immediately stopped and healthcare workers contacted as it may actually proceed to a life threatening skin disorder. Drugs like Glibenclamide and Glipizide have some untoward effects on the heart while drugs like Glimepiride and Gliclazide are not known to have such effects.
Safe use of these drugs includes the fact that adequate quantity of food should be taken after the ingestion of the drugs. Also, once the warning symptoms of low blood sugar level like hunger pangs, tremors of the hands, sweating and excessive beating of the heart are noticed, the individual should quickly ingest sugar or sugar containing drinks to be immediately followed by a solid meal.
These drugs should also be used with great caution in the elderly who may have lost their ability to perceive the warning symptoms of low blood sugar level and are thus likely to develop coma from low blood sugar levels.
The newer generation Glimepiride has duration of action of about twenty-four hours and once a day use usually suffices in contrast to the other drugs that may be used more than once a day. These drugs ideally should be used about thirty minutes before meals.
They can be used on their own or in combination with other drugs like Metformin.
The main difference among these various drugs is their safety of use in that those of the newer generation are much safer to use in people with diabetes, especially the elderly diabetic. These drugs act by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas; thus they cannot be used in those with Type 1 diabetes whose insulin producing cells in the pancreas have already been destroyed by the body’s immune system.
These drugs are also known to lose their effectiveness in individuals with Type 2 diabetes of long duration; this is due to the fact that as the course of Type 2 diabetes becomes prolonged, the insulin producing cells inside the pancreas become exhausted and therefore cease producing insulin.
The continued use of this group of drugs in such instances is thus akin to flogging a dead horse.
These drugs are majorly excreted by the liver and kidneys and thus should be avoided in persons with diabetes and concomitant liver or kidney disease. All these drugs have a propensity for causing increase in weight while those of the earlier generation especially Chlorpropamide and Glibenclamide can cause severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) which if not quickly recognized and treated can lead to brain damage and death.
Hypoglycaemia is the commonest and most fatal side effect of these drugs.
Chlorpropamide (Diabenese) is no longer recommended for use worldwide because of the severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia it is associated with. Nigeria remains one of the very few countries worldwide where it is still used freely because it is cheap. Safer though relatively costlier alternatives are however very much present in Nigeria.
Other side effects that may follow the use of this group of drugs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, hepatitis (liver injury) and jaundice that may lead to liver failure. They can also cause rash and itching associated with peeling off of the skin in some individuals. Once the rash and itching are noticed, the drug should be immediately stopped and healthcare workers contacted as it may actually proceed to a life threatening skin disorder. Drugs like Glibenclamide and Glipizide have some untoward effects on the heart while drugs like Glimepiride and Gliclazide are not known to have such effects.
Safe use of these drugs includes the fact that adequate quantity of food should be taken after the ingestion of the drugs. Also, once the warning symptoms of low blood sugar level like hunger pangs, tremors of the hands, sweating and excessive beating of the heart are noticed, the individual should quickly ingest sugar or sugar containing drinks to be immediately followed by a solid meal.
These drugs should also be used with great caution in the elderly who may have lost their ability to perceive the warning symptoms of low blood sugar level and are thus likely to develop coma from low blood sugar levels.
New innovation to reduce malaria
Nigeria is believed to have witnessed a change from clinical or presumptive to evidence-based diagnosis in malaria incidents lately. This is going by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation that all fever cases in all populations, especially, those at risk be confirmed by demonstration of malaria parasite in peripheral blood before treatment. The National Coordinator, National Malaria Control Programme, Dr, Jide Coker, revealed this.
Dr. Coker spoke at a lecture he delivered at the product launch of Standard Diagnostic Bioline Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit (RDT) at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. Speaking at the event, the Co-ordinator, who was represented by Dr. Durojaiye David, said plans as part of government’s effort in speeding up malaria intervention in Nigeria, RDTs shall be deployed in both public and private sectors to enhance rapid and more accurate diagnosis.
On the launch of the standard Diagnostic Bioline rapid Diagnostic Test Kit into the healthcare industry he said “is designated to signal a match towards ensuring quality treatment of Malaria and rapid reduction of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. It is worrisome that despite the fact that Malaria is treatable, curable and preventable, it still assumes the deadly dimension in pregnancy, causing anemia and increasing the rate of abortion, menorrhea, premature delivery and death”.
“The change in treatment policy and deployment of more expensive anti-Malaria medicines involving ACTs has raised interest in parasitological confirmation of Malaria at levels of healthcare system. The diagnosis of malaria in Nigeria has changed from clinical or presumptive to evidence-based diagnosis and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all fever cases in all population, especially, those at risk be confirmed by demonstration of Malaria parasite in peripheral blood before treatment with ACTs.
He however, noted that exemptions exits with children who are under five years old and pregnant women in Malaria endemic areas like Nigeria”.
He said. “The confirmation is done by use of microscope which we know as Gold Standard or Rapid Diagnostic Test. The rapid diagnostic tests are based on the detection of circulating parasite antigen in the blood. It is expected that as we scale up for impact, massive deployment of RTDs will provide accurate parasite-based diagnosis for all levels of health service delivery system especially at the primary healthcare level where microscope or microscopy is not available due to inadequate skilled personnel or electricity.
“There are several benefits which can be achieved by Rapid diagnosis self deployment. And some of these include reducing ACT wastage because most fevers are not due to malaria, it will help to ascertain true malaria incidents and promote rational use of anti-malaria medicines. It will also help to ensure more better target treatment for none malaria fevers, reduce the rate of development of resistance of ACTs and finally, redeem credibility of health workers and health service.
As part of our effort in speeding up malaria intervention in Nigeria, RDTs shall be deployed in both public and private sectors. I will pause here to commend the activity of Standard Diagnostic Bioline and Codix Pharma for their effort to support capacity building for systems safety in the country.
In his goodwill massage, the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dr, Paul Orhii, remarked that any innovation that helps to reduce malaria is a laudable one. He gave the assurance that SD Bioline duly registered by NAFDAC so we assure you of its quality and safety to be used in Nigeria”.
Managing Director of Codix Pharma Limited, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi, whose company has the sole franchise for the marketing and distribution of SD Bioline in the country, called for more efforts at providing a cleaner environment.
“Malaria can be eradicated. The fact that people are dying of malaria now and almost everyone has one episode of malaria at least in a year, it can be wiped off. But, we must be determined-everybody-we must really be determined to want to make a change, to really make it happen.
“I’ve traveled to different states, I’ve seen with my own eyes the changes that have taken place even in Lagos state. We need to encourage them. Though there are lots of gutters that are still probably not clean, but there are also lots of streets now have refuse collectors and they’re clean. So, there are changes that are taking place. We still have a long way to go. But a lot still needs to be done in ensuring clean and healthy environment. But what have been done here now by the Fashola-led government, honestly, I’ve never seen a thing like that the past 20 years in Lagos. State.
“He also spoke on the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis before treatment.
Actually, this is the first one. There are different RTDs. But what makes this one different is this, in the choice of RDT, what makes this one different is the quality, but not just quality that the company is saying ‘my product is good, but an independent assessment of the quality. So what you have with this one is, there are different WHO assessments. What companies do is, send their products and they would assess and them and produce a sort of report. When this was done, SD Bioline RDT was in the top five of the ones that were of the best.
‘You choose the best in term of, when you use the kit to test for malaria, can the thing really detect malaria even if its small? Sometimes, if you have more malaria in your system, and you try to detect, it will be a lot easier for one to detect. But, when you have small amount of malaria in your system, can the malaria test kit still detect it? And this one does.
“As a matter of fact, there’s a WHO lab in Nigeria where we do local evaluation. When this one came and they did the test, it was the best one. And that’s why they even used as control. So, only is RDT important. In the patient picture that I gave, when anyone thinks he has malaria, the first thing anybody does is run to the shop and buy anti-malarial that has to change. It has to change because there’s no drug that does not have side effect. If you’re taking a drug, make sure you’re taking a drug for the real intention” he said.
Dr. Coker spoke at a lecture he delivered at the product launch of Standard Diagnostic Bioline Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit (RDT) at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. Speaking at the event, the Co-ordinator, who was represented by Dr. Durojaiye David, said plans as part of government’s effort in speeding up malaria intervention in Nigeria, RDTs shall be deployed in both public and private sectors to enhance rapid and more accurate diagnosis.
On the launch of the standard Diagnostic Bioline rapid Diagnostic Test Kit into the healthcare industry he said “is designated to signal a match towards ensuring quality treatment of Malaria and rapid reduction of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. It is worrisome that despite the fact that Malaria is treatable, curable and preventable, it still assumes the deadly dimension in pregnancy, causing anemia and increasing the rate of abortion, menorrhea, premature delivery and death”.
“The change in treatment policy and deployment of more expensive anti-Malaria medicines involving ACTs has raised interest in parasitological confirmation of Malaria at levels of healthcare system. The diagnosis of malaria in Nigeria has changed from clinical or presumptive to evidence-based diagnosis and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all fever cases in all population, especially, those at risk be confirmed by demonstration of Malaria parasite in peripheral blood before treatment with ACTs.
He however, noted that exemptions exits with children who are under five years old and pregnant women in Malaria endemic areas like Nigeria”.
He said. “The confirmation is done by use of microscope which we know as Gold Standard or Rapid Diagnostic Test. The rapid diagnostic tests are based on the detection of circulating parasite antigen in the blood. It is expected that as we scale up for impact, massive deployment of RTDs will provide accurate parasite-based diagnosis for all levels of health service delivery system especially at the primary healthcare level where microscope or microscopy is not available due to inadequate skilled personnel or electricity.
“There are several benefits which can be achieved by Rapid diagnosis self deployment. And some of these include reducing ACT wastage because most fevers are not due to malaria, it will help to ascertain true malaria incidents and promote rational use of anti-malaria medicines. It will also help to ensure more better target treatment for none malaria fevers, reduce the rate of development of resistance of ACTs and finally, redeem credibility of health workers and health service.
As part of our effort in speeding up malaria intervention in Nigeria, RDTs shall be deployed in both public and private sectors. I will pause here to commend the activity of Standard Diagnostic Bioline and Codix Pharma for their effort to support capacity building for systems safety in the country.
In his goodwill massage, the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dr, Paul Orhii, remarked that any innovation that helps to reduce malaria is a laudable one. He gave the assurance that SD Bioline duly registered by NAFDAC so we assure you of its quality and safety to be used in Nigeria”.
Managing Director of Codix Pharma Limited, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi, whose company has the sole franchise for the marketing and distribution of SD Bioline in the country, called for more efforts at providing a cleaner environment.
“Malaria can be eradicated. The fact that people are dying of malaria now and almost everyone has one episode of malaria at least in a year, it can be wiped off. But, we must be determined-everybody-we must really be determined to want to make a change, to really make it happen.
“I’ve traveled to different states, I’ve seen with my own eyes the changes that have taken place even in Lagos state. We need to encourage them. Though there are lots of gutters that are still probably not clean, but there are also lots of streets now have refuse collectors and they’re clean. So, there are changes that are taking place. We still have a long way to go. But a lot still needs to be done in ensuring clean and healthy environment. But what have been done here now by the Fashola-led government, honestly, I’ve never seen a thing like that the past 20 years in Lagos. State.
“He also spoke on the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis before treatment.
Actually, this is the first one. There are different RTDs. But what makes this one different is this, in the choice of RDT, what makes this one different is the quality, but not just quality that the company is saying ‘my product is good, but an independent assessment of the quality. So what you have with this one is, there are different WHO assessments. What companies do is, send their products and they would assess and them and produce a sort of report. When this was done, SD Bioline RDT was in the top five of the ones that were of the best.
‘You choose the best in term of, when you use the kit to test for malaria, can the thing really detect malaria even if its small? Sometimes, if you have more malaria in your system, and you try to detect, it will be a lot easier for one to detect. But, when you have small amount of malaria in your system, can the malaria test kit still detect it? And this one does.
“As a matter of fact, there’s a WHO lab in Nigeria where we do local evaluation. When this one came and they did the test, it was the best one. And that’s why they even used as control. So, only is RDT important. In the patient picture that I gave, when anyone thinks he has malaria, the first thing anybody does is run to the shop and buy anti-malarial that has to change. It has to change because there’s no drug that does not have side effect. If you’re taking a drug, make sure you’re taking a drug for the real intention” he said.
Commonly used anti-diabetic drugs (4)
Insulin is the best drug for lowering high blood sugar levels. It is a chemical produced by an organ in the human abdomen called the pancreas. It is the chemical which ensures that the glucose inside the blood stream enters the body cells for the production of energy needed for daily activities.
In people with Type 2 diabetes that have what is called an insulin resistant state, their body produces insulin but the body cells, especially those in the liver, muscles and fat become resistant to the action of insulin. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes on the other hand are no longer able to produce insulin in response to meals because the insulin producing cells have been destroyed by the body’s immune system.
Some scientists in Canada namely Banting, Best, Collip and Macleod are credited with the discovery of insulin in 1922. In times gone by, insulin injection used by people with diabetes was extracted from animals like beef and pigs; however, the insulin used in treatment of diabetes nowadays is produced by the process of genetic engineering called recombinant DNA technology.
While all individuals with Type 1 diabetes require daily injections of insulin to keep them alive, not all individuals with Type 2 diabetes will require insulin use. Instances in which those with Type 2 diabetes may require insulin use include illnesses that warrant hospital admission, pregnancy, infections, wounds, very high blood sugar levels with excessive urination, and when tablets are no longer effective in controlling the blood sugar level.
The trend worldwide now is what is called early initiation of insulin in which insulin is started quite early after the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. The insulin injection is combined with other tablets being used to treat the diabetes. This has been found to be beneficial in the long run as it enhances the ability of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas to be active for very many more years apart from helping to control the blood sugar well and thus helping to reduce the likelihood of development of complications of diabetes.
Insulin is currently mostly given as an injection. Research is however ongoing on insulin that can be given as a tablet and one in powder form that can be inhaled. The fact that it is an injection is why a lot of individuals who might otherwise benefit from it do not agree to starting insulin. Devices are now available to give insulin in a pain free manner. Some people also believe that once you start taking insulin injections you must then continue it for life while others are of the opinion that insulin is given to individuals with diabetes who will soon die. This is not so.
Like all drugs, insulin has its own side- effects too. The commonest and most feared is too low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia) which if not quickly identified and addressed can lead to coma and death. The risk of hypoglycaemia can be greatly reduced once people on insulin are properly educated on the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia. The early warning symptoms include hunger pangs, tremors, sweating excessive beating of the heart. Individuals on insulin should have sugar and sugar containing foods around them always.
Sites where the injection is given may be infected if adequate care is not taken. While insulin leads to improvement in blood sugar control, it causes weight gain by stimulating appetite and may also lead to swelling of the feet and itching over the injection site and all over the body in some cases.
Individuals who have been on tablets to treat their diabetes and who are not controlled should not hesitate when advised to start using insulin injections. Using the injection can go a long way in improving control, general well-being and prevention of complications.
In people with Type 2 diabetes that have what is called an insulin resistant state, their body produces insulin but the body cells, especially those in the liver, muscles and fat become resistant to the action of insulin. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes on the other hand are no longer able to produce insulin in response to meals because the insulin producing cells have been destroyed by the body’s immune system.
Some scientists in Canada namely Banting, Best, Collip and Macleod are credited with the discovery of insulin in 1922. In times gone by, insulin injection used by people with diabetes was extracted from animals like beef and pigs; however, the insulin used in treatment of diabetes nowadays is produced by the process of genetic engineering called recombinant DNA technology.
While all individuals with Type 1 diabetes require daily injections of insulin to keep them alive, not all individuals with Type 2 diabetes will require insulin use. Instances in which those with Type 2 diabetes may require insulin use include illnesses that warrant hospital admission, pregnancy, infections, wounds, very high blood sugar levels with excessive urination, and when tablets are no longer effective in controlling the blood sugar level.
The trend worldwide now is what is called early initiation of insulin in which insulin is started quite early after the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. The insulin injection is combined with other tablets being used to treat the diabetes. This has been found to be beneficial in the long run as it enhances the ability of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas to be active for very many more years apart from helping to control the blood sugar well and thus helping to reduce the likelihood of development of complications of diabetes.
Insulin is currently mostly given as an injection. Research is however ongoing on insulin that can be given as a tablet and one in powder form that can be inhaled. The fact that it is an injection is why a lot of individuals who might otherwise benefit from it do not agree to starting insulin. Devices are now available to give insulin in a pain free manner. Some people also believe that once you start taking insulin injections you must then continue it for life while others are of the opinion that insulin is given to individuals with diabetes who will soon die. This is not so.
Like all drugs, insulin has its own side- effects too. The commonest and most feared is too low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia) which if not quickly identified and addressed can lead to coma and death. The risk of hypoglycaemia can be greatly reduced once people on insulin are properly educated on the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia. The early warning symptoms include hunger pangs, tremors, sweating excessive beating of the heart. Individuals on insulin should have sugar and sugar containing foods around them always.
Sites where the injection is given may be infected if adequate care is not taken. While insulin leads to improvement in blood sugar control, it causes weight gain by stimulating appetite and may also lead to swelling of the feet and itching over the injection site and all over the body in some cases.
Individuals who have been on tablets to treat their diabetes and who are not controlled should not hesitate when advised to start using insulin injections. Using the injection can go a long way in improving control, general well-being and prevention of complications.
For healthy babies, mothers should have enough micronutrients at conception
For a healthy pregnancy, steady supplies of micronutrients are essential both for the mother and the growing baby. And today, we now know that just avoiding low levels of some micronutrients is not enough. Modern research has proven that from the very start, having the right balance of key micronutrients is the best way to ensure the long-term health of mothers and their infants.
Pharm Neil Swart spoke to Daily Sun on this.
Babies eat, too
During a pregnancy, babies are “fed” by their mothers, receiving all their nourishment through the placenta and umbilical cord. In this way the mother’s body will supply her baby with everything it demands, and thus the mother’s micronutrient level directly affects her baby’s development. When it comes to eating and drinking, what’s good for a mother also benefits her child. This natural fact therefore helps mothers to positively influence their baby’s growth and development as well as baby’s long-term health and well-being.
How you eat affects both of you
While severe micronutrient deficiencies produce clearly identifiable symptoms, milder cases involving low levels of micronutrients are often difficult to pinpoint. For this reason, a woman’s micronutrient levels should be brought up to optimal levels before she becomes pregnant. This approach provides mothers with three major benefits: First, potential micronutrient deficiencies can be easily avoided. Secondly, the mother’s body is better prepared for the upcoming pregnancy.
And thirdly as well as most importantly, from the very start the baby’s growing body has access to a stable supply of micronutrients.
Through the course of a woman’s pregnancy, her need for micronutrients increases selectively: As her baby grows, some individual micronutrients are in higher demand than others. And in some cases even twice the normal level of a particular micronutrient can be required. But surprisingly, a mother’s overall energy demands increase only slightly.
After the fourth month of pregnancy (or in the second trimester) her body only requires an additional 255 kcal/day, which is roughly equal to a cheese sandwich or two glasses of juice. And in pregnancies involving twins, an additional 150kcal/day is all that’s necessary.
Why “eating for two” may not be for you
Clearly, old-fashion sayings about “eating twice as much” during a pregnancy is simply out-dated. And among other things, they’re wrong: Because the idea of just “eating for two” ignores the fact that a mother’s vital micronutrients need to be replaced. Plus there’s certainly no advantage to gaining weight unnecessarily. Although it is possible to cover a woman’s micronutrient needs through diet, in everyday life it can be difficult.
Added to all that, it can be difficult for mothers to determine the right dosage for each micronutrient. Low dosages of micronutrients can lead to deficiencies, while overdoses can produce serious side-effects.
The simple, solution that’s easy-to-use
Today, Pharmaton Matruelle is helping all mothers and mothers-to-be by offering an effective answer to all these concerns. With the carefully balanced formula of supplements like this, mothers can now get the right dosage of each individual micronutrient they need, while satisfying the increasing demands of her growing baby, too. And it’s equally good to know that each ingredient in such supplements has been carefully balanced to give mothers and their babies a wide range of benefits.
Naturally, supplements alone doesn’t claim to replace the many nutritional advantages of a well-rounded diet. Ideally, for mothers and mothers-to-be as well as their babies we recommend taking supplements once daily in combination with varied, nutritionally well-balanced meals. For example: Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and dairy products, vegetable oils as well as fish and meat. supplements are best taken with some food and something to drink at breakfast, to start off each day right.
Prenatal planning
Even in the early prenatal planning phase, there’s plenty that prospective mothers can do to prepare for their future babies. During this time, women have a prime opportunity to get ready both physically and mentally. Experience has shown that women who stay physically fit, feel good about themselves, and replenish their bodies’ micronutrient depots during this time can better handle the mental and bodily changes that are a natural part of every pregnancy. And after their baby is born, these mothers recover faster, too. In a sense, this phase gives mothers the chance to create a supportive environment from which their babies benefit before birth as well as in later life.
Creating the best conditions for a bright future
Once women recognize the importance of this early phase, this time is often used to rethink and gradually adapt their lifestyles as well as eating or cooking habits. And that turns out to be a smart move, because it prevents the stress some women experience when their pregnancy test comes back positive and they need to radically change their way of life. In brief, healthy lifestyles can help create the best conditions for a bright future, and supplements like Pharmaton Matruelle can help. But that’s just part of the story: Here we would also like to add, that women who have used “the pill” as birth-control in the past, now need to pay particular attention to their micronutrient supply. Here’s why: Many oral contraceptives reduce a woman’s natural foliate reserves as well as her body’s vitamin B6 depots.
So, to correct that imbalance prior to a pregnancy, women are advised to begin using supplements as soon as they stop taking “the pill.” Additionally, previous pregnancies may have depleted body stores of micronutrients and these must be replaced well in advance before a subsequent pregnancy starts.
In every pregnancy, getting off to a good start is always the key, because an embryo begins to develop on the very first day of pregnancy. Just 28 days after conception, for instance, the baby’s spinal cord and brain have already taken shape. Which means this key developmental stage might even be completed before a woman realizes she is pregnant. This is why its so important that the mother’s body has sufficient levels of micronutrients at conception.
This applies especially to folic acid, because together with vitamins of the B-group and Zinc, folic acid is an essential building block for the developing nervous system.
Pharm Neil Swart spoke to Daily Sun on this.
Babies eat, too
During a pregnancy, babies are “fed” by their mothers, receiving all their nourishment through the placenta and umbilical cord. In this way the mother’s body will supply her baby with everything it demands, and thus the mother’s micronutrient level directly affects her baby’s development. When it comes to eating and drinking, what’s good for a mother also benefits her child. This natural fact therefore helps mothers to positively influence their baby’s growth and development as well as baby’s long-term health and well-being.
How you eat affects both of you
While severe micronutrient deficiencies produce clearly identifiable symptoms, milder cases involving low levels of micronutrients are often difficult to pinpoint. For this reason, a woman’s micronutrient levels should be brought up to optimal levels before she becomes pregnant. This approach provides mothers with three major benefits: First, potential micronutrient deficiencies can be easily avoided. Secondly, the mother’s body is better prepared for the upcoming pregnancy.
And thirdly as well as most importantly, from the very start the baby’s growing body has access to a stable supply of micronutrients.
Through the course of a woman’s pregnancy, her need for micronutrients increases selectively: As her baby grows, some individual micronutrients are in higher demand than others. And in some cases even twice the normal level of a particular micronutrient can be required. But surprisingly, a mother’s overall energy demands increase only slightly.
After the fourth month of pregnancy (or in the second trimester) her body only requires an additional 255 kcal/day, which is roughly equal to a cheese sandwich or two glasses of juice. And in pregnancies involving twins, an additional 150kcal/day is all that’s necessary.
Why “eating for two” may not be for you
Clearly, old-fashion sayings about “eating twice as much” during a pregnancy is simply out-dated. And among other things, they’re wrong: Because the idea of just “eating for two” ignores the fact that a mother’s vital micronutrients need to be replaced. Plus there’s certainly no advantage to gaining weight unnecessarily. Although it is possible to cover a woman’s micronutrient needs through diet, in everyday life it can be difficult.
Added to all that, it can be difficult for mothers to determine the right dosage for each micronutrient. Low dosages of micronutrients can lead to deficiencies, while overdoses can produce serious side-effects.
The simple, solution that’s easy-to-use
Today, Pharmaton Matruelle is helping all mothers and mothers-to-be by offering an effective answer to all these concerns. With the carefully balanced formula of supplements like this, mothers can now get the right dosage of each individual micronutrient they need, while satisfying the increasing demands of her growing baby, too. And it’s equally good to know that each ingredient in such supplements has been carefully balanced to give mothers and their babies a wide range of benefits.
Naturally, supplements alone doesn’t claim to replace the many nutritional advantages of a well-rounded diet. Ideally, for mothers and mothers-to-be as well as their babies we recommend taking supplements once daily in combination with varied, nutritionally well-balanced meals. For example: Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and dairy products, vegetable oils as well as fish and meat. supplements are best taken with some food and something to drink at breakfast, to start off each day right.
Prenatal planning
Even in the early prenatal planning phase, there’s plenty that prospective mothers can do to prepare for their future babies. During this time, women have a prime opportunity to get ready both physically and mentally. Experience has shown that women who stay physically fit, feel good about themselves, and replenish their bodies’ micronutrient depots during this time can better handle the mental and bodily changes that are a natural part of every pregnancy. And after their baby is born, these mothers recover faster, too. In a sense, this phase gives mothers the chance to create a supportive environment from which their babies benefit before birth as well as in later life.
Creating the best conditions for a bright future
Once women recognize the importance of this early phase, this time is often used to rethink and gradually adapt their lifestyles as well as eating or cooking habits. And that turns out to be a smart move, because it prevents the stress some women experience when their pregnancy test comes back positive and they need to radically change their way of life. In brief, healthy lifestyles can help create the best conditions for a bright future, and supplements like Pharmaton Matruelle can help. But that’s just part of the story: Here we would also like to add, that women who have used “the pill” as birth-control in the past, now need to pay particular attention to their micronutrient supply. Here’s why: Many oral contraceptives reduce a woman’s natural foliate reserves as well as her body’s vitamin B6 depots.
So, to correct that imbalance prior to a pregnancy, women are advised to begin using supplements as soon as they stop taking “the pill.” Additionally, previous pregnancies may have depleted body stores of micronutrients and these must be replaced well in advance before a subsequent pregnancy starts.
In every pregnancy, getting off to a good start is always the key, because an embryo begins to develop on the very first day of pregnancy. Just 28 days after conception, for instance, the baby’s spinal cord and brain have already taken shape. Which means this key developmental stage might even be completed before a woman realizes she is pregnant. This is why its so important that the mother’s body has sufficient levels of micronutrients at conception.
This applies especially to folic acid, because together with vitamins of the B-group and Zinc, folic acid is an essential building block for the developing nervous system.
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