Twin trouble on the rise
DR. R.RAVINDRANATH
|
Diabetes and hypertension are a lethal combination.
|
DIABETES is not mere elevation of blood glucose. It is a metabolic and vascular disease where the carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism is deranged with telling effect on other body systems causing intensive morbidity and increasing mortality. It is a harbinger of all other co-morbid illness, which linger forever. It is a typical example of unholy polygamy that affects your heart (Cardiopathy) catching the eyes (Retinopathy) Nerves and blood vessels (Neuropathy), Kidney (Nephropathy) Muscles (Myopathy).
The emerging scenario is pathetic in the present millennium as the changing life styles, fast food, fast life, changing demography contribute to it. There are more heart attacks, strokes and other complications than ever.
Lethal combination
The hype about hypertension is not imaginary. In fact one of the definitions of diabetes is a cardiovascular disease with hyperglycaemia, which is leading to a paradigm shift in thinking of the treatment module. The lethal combination of diabetes and hypertension is contributing to one third of all-cause mortality. Hypertension is not only the increase in the lateral thrust of blood vessels. It self-effaces by compromising on its own (coronary blood) flow while damaging its filter (kidney) and the controller (brain) and path finding vessels, just like its marauding cousin Diabetes.
Conventional B.P. measurement with B.P. apparatus is an imperfect surrogate for hypertension control. Pulse wave velocity, and central aortic blood pressure measurement (like a non-invasive vascular scan) is a must in the right management of this scourge.
Also ABCD (Ace inhibitor, Beta blocker, Calcium channel blocker and diuretic) handling has changed after LIFE and PROGRESS studies (for hypertension management).
Regular self-monitoring with glucometer and quarterly HBA 1c (three months average blood sugar) is a must if you want to keep your health at its best while not forgetting the blood pressure and cholesterol value.
The treatment does not end with the mere monitoring of the visually fluctuating limits of blood sugar, B.P and cholesterol. The unseen biological ageing of the body needs to be tackled with proper lifestyle changes like exercise, diet and stopping smoking, all of which help in handling the risk factors individually.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Magazine
