When one has too much glucose in the body, it is known as hyperglycemia. It generally occurs when there is too little insulin in the body or when the present insulin cannot be used effectively. This condition commonly affects people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes. However, it may also affect people who have recently had a stroke, heart attack, or severe infection. Here are some common early signs of high blood sugar one should know about: Frequent urination High blood sugar levels in the body cause the kidneys to filter out excess sugar from the blood. This increases one’s urge to urinate, particularly at night. Increased thirst (polydipsia) Increased urination causes the loss of additional water in the body, which may make one feel dehydrated and thirstier than usual. Increased hunger Often, people with diabetes cannot get enough energy from their food. This increases their urge to eat more often. Fatigue A lack of energy causes people to feel tired constantly. Headache High blood sugar levels may cause shifts in the levels of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which may trigger headaches in some people. Blurred vision Excessive sugar in the bloodstream can also damage blood vessels in the eyes, affecting one’s vision.

Having a sweet tooth is more common in the country than one would imagine. According to a recent survey, 59% of respondents (who snack often) in the country chose cookies as their favorite snacks, with ice cream and sweets also featuring among the top 10 picks. While desserts are instant mood enhancers, excessive sugar intake triggers several health issues, which include compromised dental health. Here are a few ways in which sugar affects oral health: Dental cavities The teeth contain two types of hard tissues—enamel and dentin. When sugar enters the mouth, it may be metabolized by oral bacteria to give rise to acid, which can demineralize the enamel and the dentin, causing cavities. Food particles may enter these cavities, leading to tooth decay and further complications. Although teeth cavities may be covered with dental fillings, this process is rather expensive, accounting for 5–10% of the healthcare budget. Plaque Plaque or tartar refers to a sticky coating of bacteria on the teeth, causing bad breath, dark stains, and hard teeth deposits. Often, tartar is formed when the molecules present in sugary foods mix with one’s saliva and oral bacteria. If left untreated, tartar may dissolve the enamel and lead to the development of dental cavities.

The human body gives out certain hidden signs to alert one of excessive sugar intake in the body, and poor eye health is one of them. Excessive consumption of refined sugar can affect one’s eyes adversely, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic eyes result from damaged blood vessels due to poorly controlled sugar levels. Here are the early signs that should prompt one to consult a doctor immediately to prevent further complications. Signs of poor eye health due to excessive sugar Excessive sugar intake can lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. Diabetic retinopathy is marked by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to sugar, while cataract gives a cloudy vision. Dry eye syndrome can cause problems with one’s tear production. Identifying the signs of poor eye health resulting from excess sugar consumption is crucial for early intervention. Therefore, look out for the following symptoms: Blurred or fluctuating vision The primary sign of vision issues due to unstable sugar levels is blurry vision. Excess sugar intake leads to fluids getting leaked into one’s eye lens. Eye fatigue or discomfort The eyes may feel tired, achy, or heavy, especially after prolonged screen time or visual tasks. Increased sensitivity to light Individuals experiencing poor eye health due to excess sugar consumption may notice heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.

Most people focus on skincare routines and quality products to achieve healthy and glowing skin. However, certain habits can undermine all that effort and worsen skin health. From everyday practices to lifestyle choices, these habits can exacerbate skin problems and hinder getting a healthier complexion. Thus, here are a few poor habits to note and subsequently avoid since they may prevent you from improving your skin and maintaining optimal health. 8 poor habits that worsen skin health Eating junk food Eating junk, oily, salty, or fried food affects skin health adversely. Highly salty foods dehydrate one’s body and compel the skin to produce more oil, leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Unhealthy fats have also been shown to trigger one’s skin. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to rapidly aging skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. One can instead eat healthier snack alternatives, including fruits, nuts, smoothies, and more, for overall health benefits. Not taking off makeup before sleeping Due to exposure to dirt, pollution, and the chemicals in cosmetics, the skin undergoes significant stress during the day. Retaining makeup for extended periods can result in chemical build-up, irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Additionally, makeup products tend to attract dirt, exacerbating the situation.

Most people focus on skincare routines and quality products to achieve healthy and glowing skin. However, certain habits can undermine all that effort and worsen skin health. From everyday practices to lifestyle choices, these habits can exacerbate skin problems and hinder getting a healthier complexion. Thus, here are a few poor habits to note and subsequently avoid since they may prevent you from improving your skin and maintaining optimal health. 8 poor habits that worsen skin health Eating junk food Eating junk, oily, salty, or fried food affects skin health adversely. Highly salty foods dehydrate one’s body and compel the skin to produce more oil, leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Unhealthy fats have also been shown to trigger one’s skin. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to rapidly aging skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. One can instead eat healthier snack alternatives, including fruits, nuts, smoothies, and more, for overall health benefits. Not taking off makeup before sleeping Due to exposure to dirt, pollution, and the chemicals in cosmetics, the skin undergoes significant stress during the day. Retaining makeup for extended periods can result in chemical build-up, irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Additionally, makeup products tend to attract dirt, exacerbating the situation.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shakes, stiffness, or difficulty with coordination and balance. Since the condition begins slowly, it can be tough to tell if one has Parkinson’s. However, knowing the signs and symptoms can help one be more aware and visit a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management. Here are some common early signs of Parkinson’s disease: Tremors: Tremors or rhythmic shaking may affect a part of the body. It generally begins in a limb, especially the hands or fingers. One may experience trembling hands at rest, but the tremors may subside when performing a task. Slowed movement: Parkinson’s can also slow down movement, making it difficult to complete basic everyday tasks. Steps may become shorter, and one may notice the shuffling of the feet instead of walking. This slowing down is known as bradykinesia. Rigid muscles: One may also experience muscle stiffness, inflexibility, and cramps in any body part. It can often be painful and limit the range of motion. It may also make tasks such as writing, doing up the buttons, or tying one’s shoelaces more difficult. Posture and balance troubles: One may develop a stooped posture or have balance and coordination problems as the condition progresses.

When seeking help from a psychiatrist, it’s vital to approach the process with openness and curiosity. Asking the right questions can help you better understand your condition and treatment options and establish a strong rapport with your psychiatrist. Remember, psychiatrists are trained professionals who support and assist you in your mental health journey. Exploring essential questions to ask a psychiatrist can streamline your conversations and ensure you receive the best care possible. Can you explain my diagnosis to me in simple terms? To navigate your mental health journey, ask your psychiatrist for explanations. Using language that is easy for you to understand will bring your better comprehension of your diagnosis. You will be able to better grasp the nature of your condition, its symptoms, and potential treatment options. This knowledge empowers you to actively participate in care and make informed decisions. What treatment options are available to manage the condition? Another question you must ask your psychiatrist should be in connection to the available treatment options. Talk about the variety of approaches you can explore. Psychiatrists can provide insights into evidence-based therapies, prescription options, or a combination of them. Getting a better picture of the benefits and potential side effects of treatments can help make better decisions.

Parkinson’s is a disorder that slowly encroaches upon an individual’s neurological health, making it difficult for them to perform daily tasks. Old age is usually the leading cause of the disease. Before the obvious motor symptoms emerge, however, some discreet signs can serve as early indicators. Detecting these can provide valuable insight into the presence of Parkinson’s disease, offering a window of opportunity for intervention and better management of symptoms. Here are some of the early signs that one should pay attention to: Tremors In Parkinson’s disease, tremors are a hallmark motor symptom that usually begins in the hands, fingers, or limbs. These tremors often appear as rhythmic shaking or trembling and may be more pronounced at rest. They can gradually worsen, affecting daily activities such as writing, eating, or holding objects. While not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences tremors, they are a recognizable and significant early sign of the disease. Loss of manual dexterity and motor skills Dexterity refers to the skill and ability to use one’s hands or body with precision and coordination. Fine motor skills can be affected early in Parkinson’s disease. Individuals may notice a slight decline in their ability to perform intricate tasks, such as writing or buttoning clothes.