What if we told you that PCOS and diabetes are related?

 Our body has an algorithm of its own. Moreover, every individual would have a different one! 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is something that no woman looks forward to. PCOS can affect any woman of any race or ethnicity after she hits puberty. 

The medical world does not know the exact cause of this, but it is, said that genetics and weight do play an important role. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a problem caused due to imbalance of hormones. The reproductive hormone imbalance causes problems in the eggs the ovaries make. The egg is often underdeveloped and not released at the time it needs to. 

PCOS leads to several problems like infertility and cyst formation in the ovaries. 

 

Symptoms: 

• Irregular menstrual cycles 

• Growth of facial hair (hirsutism) 

• Hair loss 

• Acne 

• Darkening of skin especially around the neck and groin areas 

Like the iceberg, PCOS has a huge set of problems lying underneath. It can manifest itself in any way and could lead to any health problem. Diabetes is the foremost. It is seen that almost half the women with PCOS develop diabetes. It is likely to cause a deep impact on metabolic health, causing further grave consequences. 

 

PCOS often causes insulin resistance. 

 

Although the body makes insulin, it is unable to use it. Cells in our body, take glucose from the blood to be used for energy. Insulin does the work of stimulating these cells to take up glucose. Insulin resistance is a condition when the cells reject the insulin and hence cannot take glucose or sugar from the blood. The result is a high level of sugar in the blood. The endocrine system is disrupted, and the chances of diabetes are very high. Diabetes is a condition where the sugar levels in the blood get elevated. Diabetes leads to several kidneys, eye, nerve, and heart problems. 

Insulin resistance leads to type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or even pre-diabetes.  

 

Women with PCOS have an increased level of androgens. Androgen is the hormone that is primarily, responsible for the development of the reproductive system in men. In women, the main function of androgen is to get converted into estrogen, a female hormone. Ovaries produce this androgen. 

In women with PCOS, androgen is, produced in excess leading to acne and excess hair growth on the chin and upper lips. It also causes irregular periods and problems in ovulation. 

Research in Australia found that women with PCOS were 4 -8.8 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women who did not have PCOS.* 

Women with PCOS can develop type 2 diabetes at later stages of life, as they grow older. 

 

 

So, what can you do? 

 

If you feel you are experiencing some of the symptoms or you are obese, or there is a family history of PCOS; you must visit the doctor. The doctors usually recommend blood tests to establish the cause and treat you accordingly. 

In the manual of prevention and care, the most important thing has always been a preventive health check-up. The thing women should do routinely is to keep diseases at bay. Preventive health check-ups are one of the best solutions for being healthy. Routine check-ups provide an assessment of the body, and the doctor can address the health issues, if any, almost immediately. 

Living with a health issue and not knowing about it can be devastating. The good part is that if PCOS is detected in time, healthcare professionals can help you manage and control the symptoms.  

Making healthy changes is imperative. Medications, along with changes in diet and exercise help to deal with the condition. In case you are overweight, reducing weight is also an important factor to look out for. 

Doctors also routinely check the blood sugar levels because women with PCOS have a greater risk of developing diabetes. 

If you already have PCOS, it is good to go for health check-ups to be sure you are not moving towards the pre-diabetes or diabetes terrain. 

 

Indus Health Plus has a wide range of affordable healthcare packages. 

We believe in healthcare initiatives and encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles. A preventive health check-up has never been so easy and reasonable.  

Call us to book your appointment. You are sure to be blown away by our services and support staff. So, what are you waiting for? Keep the stress at bay and get that preventive health check-up today! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are The Most Threatening Diseases Caused By Obesity And How To Prevent Them?

                                       

What is obesity?

Having a body mass index of more than 30 is classified as being obese  and called obesity. Extra body weight hampers the functioning of your body, therefore your  health. A healthy weight is needed for the smooth and efficient functioning of your muscles, bones, heart, and brain. Obesity can put you at the risk of many fatal health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Apart from that obesity also impacts the quality of life.

Keep reading this article to know more about the two severe health conditions caused by obesity, and lifestyle tips to prevent them.

Cardiovascular diseases

Your weight is directly connected to the risk factors of heart diseases. Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, all tend to increase with the increase in body weight. They in turn increase the risk for various cardiovascular diseases like stroke, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular death.

 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the result when the blood glucose or blood sugar is too high. As per research, most of the people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Having diabetes and being overweight increases the risk for heart diseases, kidney failure, eyesight issues,  and many other diseases.

How to prevent obesity and related health conditions?

The main step towards preventing obesity is to make healthy lifestyle choices. Follow these tips for maintaining your body weight and lead a better quality of life.

• Add some moderate level exercises such as walking, biking or swimming for at least 30 minutes per day. Include cardio or HIIT in your routine if that is suitable for you. 

• Consume nutritious meals. Include more fruits, seasonal vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein on your plate.

• Find out your ideal diet plan, know if a high-fat, high-calorie diet suits you more, or the reverse.

• Get enough sleep; it is important for weight loss and good health.

• Adopt prevention in your life. Make annual full body preventive health checkups a habit. They are important for assessing the status of your current health. Checkups are essential for early detection and timely treatment. 

Click here to book your complete body health checkup at a modern facility.

The Warning Signs of 5 Most Serious Health Issues and Diseases

Health is the most important aspect of life. Having a healthy mind and body is real wealth. However, in this fast paced world, increasing stress, changing environment, and sedentary lifestyles put you at risk of many severe health conditions. But understanding the warning signs of these severe diseases can help you in delaying, managing or preventing them.

Find out the early warning signs of the 5 most severe health conditions, and their preventive tips.

Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque formation in the coronary arteries block the passages that supply blood to your heart, and lead to coronary artery disease. Shortness of breath, nausea, too much sweating, dizziness, continuous palpitations are the signs of coronary artery disease. 

 

Type 2 Diabetes: Diabetes is caused by inadequate insulin production in your body resulting in the increase of blood sugar levels. Sudden increased hunger, unexplained increase in appetite, thirst, having a dry mouth, feeling fatigued, sudden weight loss, and/or frequent urination indicate the start of diabetes. 

 

Stroke: When a part of the brain is cut off from the blood supply it can lead to stroke - a medical emergency. Sudden confusion, face drooping, numbness on one side of the body, and/or headache along with not being able to talk, see clearly are the indications of stroke.

Respiratory Infections: Having cold, cough, runny nose, congestion, and/or sore throat are the symptoms of respiratory infection like flu. If left untreated, it can lead to serious respiratory diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. 

Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's causes memory loss and a reduction of cognitive abilities  affecting normal daily life activities. The common symptoms of Alzheimer’s are perpetual  confusion, forgetfulness, and non ability to perform everyday tasks.

 

What can you do to prevent these diseases

Healthy lifestyle is the most important factor in preventing the most severe health conditions. That includes a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, low stress and regular exercise. Smoking also increases your risk for many serious diseases. Other important factors in prevention of diseases are to keep your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol under control.

 

Importance of annual preventive full body health checkups for early detection

A full body health checkup reports the current functioning of your organs and body’s health. It is also an important tool for early detection of diseases. Early detection helps in treatment and cure. As most of these diseases do not show signs in their starting stages, they often go ignored until they become tough to treat. Hence, early detection of these 5 severe diseases through health checkups are vital in keeping you healthy and also saving lives. Get your complete body health checkup now.