More stories

  • in

    This UAE-based expert sheds light on monitoring diabetes

    Amid the growing concerns of diabetes in the UAE, GluCare.Health provides a journey like no other with cutting-edge healthcare facilities.
    Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterised by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels.
    Through metabolic monitoring, GluCare’s innovative technology allows customers to track their progress and provide support in real-time. Through continuous remote monitoring, clients won’t feel alone through their journey.
    To delve into what the clinic has to offer, Emirates Woman spoke to Zeina Abdalla, Chief Engagement Officer at Glucare.Health and Co-Founder of meta[bolic].
    Talk us through the concept of GluCare?
    GluCare.Health is revolutionising how we manage metabolic health. Our innovative approach blends traditional healthcare with cutting-edge technology, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), wearable devices like the Oura ring, and artificial intelligence powered diagnostic devices. This unique combination allows us to collect real-time data and create personalized care plans, helping our patients manage their conditions more effectively. We take a holistic approach to care, addressing not only blood sugar levels but also lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress. Our team includes clinical dieticians and life coaches who support patients throughout their journey, ensuring they receive comprehensive guidance and motivation. For women, this means tailored programs that consider hormonal changes during different life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, ensuring comprehensive and supportive care.

    Could you elaborate on how the GluCare testing experience works?
    The GluCare experience is designed to be comprehensive and user-friendly. When patients visit our clinic, they undergo a series of diagnostic tests, including relevant blood and AI powered imaging modalities. We also use wearable technology to monitor various health metrics continuously. This data is collected in real-time and analyzed using our platform, providing both patients and healthcare providers with actionable insights. This continuous monitoring allows us to adjust treatment plans dynamically, deal with psycho-social issues such as distress and motivation and offer personalised care.
    What are the main health concerns that can lead to diabetes at an early age?
    Several health concerns can contribute to the development of diabetes at an early age, including genetic predisposition, obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and insulin resistance. Additionally, factors such as stress, inadequate sleep, and certain medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk. For women, hormonal changes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) and menopause can also be contributing factors. It’s important to note that women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy. Early detection and management of these risk factors are crucial in preventing the onset of diabetes.
    What are the key indicators for diabetes?
    Key indicators for diabetes include elevated blood glucose levels, an HbA1c level of 6.5 percent or higher, frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections. For women, symptoms like frequent urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and dry, itchy skin can also be indicators. Regular monitoring and early diagnosis are vital for effective management and prevention of complications. We recommend that individuals, especially those with risk factors for diabetes, undergo a full check-up at least once a year.
    What other checks do people with diabetes need?
    People with diabetes need to undergo various regular health checks to manage their condition effectively and prevent complications. These include, regular blood glucose monitoring, HbA1c tests every 3 to 6 months, blood pressure checks, Lipid profile tests, Kidney function tests, Eye exams to check for diabetic retinopathy, Foot exams to detect any neuropathy or ulcers, Regular Liver exams to analyze MASH- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, Body Composition Analysis to examine muscle to fat ratio and body fat percentage, Dental check-ups to prevent gum disease and women should also monitor for any changes in menstrual cycles, as diabetes can affect reproductive health.
    Your wearable technology allows tracking progress in real-time – could you elaborate?
    At GluCare.Health, we use advanced wearable technology to support our patients in managing their conditions effectively. Our wearable devices, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and the Oura Ring, enable us to monitor patients’ health metrics in real-time. These devices continuously collect data on crucial parameters such as blood glucose levels, physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and other vital signs. This data is securely transmitted to our platform, where it undergoes comprehensive analysis by our clinical team. By analyzing this real-time data, we gain valuable insights into each patient’s health status and trends. This capability allows us to personalize treatment plans, make timely adjustments, and provide patients with immediate feedback on how their lifestyle choices impact their health. Ultimately, wearable technology plays a pivotal role at GluCare.Health in empowering patients to actively manage their conditions and achieve better health outcomes.
    Are non-medicine measures just as important for people with diabetes?
    Non-medicine measures are crucial in managing diabetes effectively. These measures include maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. Lifestyle modifications can significantly impact blood glucose control and overall health. At GluCare, we emphasize a holistic approach, integrating these non-medicine measures as standard alongside pharmacotherapy to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
    What other services does the clinic offer?
    In addition to diabetes management, GluCare.Health offers a range of services, including metabolic health assessments, weight management programs, cardiovascular risk assessments, mental health support, nutrition counseling, motivation support, and personalized fitness plans. We also provide access to cutting-edge wearable technology and remote monitoring services, ensuring comprehensive and continuous care for our patients. For women, we offer specialized care that addresses the unique challenges they face, such as managing gestational diabetes, PCOS, and the impact of menopause on metabolic health.

    Non-diabetic patients are now leaning toward Ozempic – tell us more?
    Ozempic (the brand name of the compound semaglutide), a medication initially approved for managing type 2 diabetes, has been used in the past off-label for weight loss in non-diabetic patients. A new brand of the same compound called Wegovy was launched with the specific application for weight loss approved by the FDA. Similarly, the weight loss version of Mounjaro was launched as Zepbound. While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (Wegovy) and Mounjaro (Zepbound) have shown promise in promoting weight loss, it is essential for individuals considering this option to do so under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This ensures that the medication is appropriate for their specific health needs and that they are monitored for any adverse effects.
    One primary concern with GLP-1 medications is the side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These adverse reactions can be especially disruptive, impacting daily routines and overall quality of life. Another significant concern is the potential loss of muscle mass. Rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss, which can negatively impact metabolism and overall health. To mitigate this, individuals should engage in regular strength training exercises and consume adequate protein to help preserve muscle mass, whilst providers should regularly conduct detailed body composition analysis and observe patient’s muscle/fat ratios before deciding on monthly doses.
    Despite these concerns, GLP-1 medications have garnered significant attention for their potential benefits. They have shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss, leading to their widespread adoption beyond their original purpose of managing type 2 diabetes. However, this trend underscores the importance of understanding the potential side effects and long-term implications, particularly for specific demographics such as women.
    Expectations
    Individuals should approach weight loss with realistic expectations, focusing on overall health rather than just aesthetics. A holistic health approach is crucial, where GLP-1 medications are part of a comprehensive plan that includes diet, exercise, and mental well-being. Close collaboration with your doctor is essential to develop a balanced health strategy. Being fully informed about the potential benefits and risks before starting GLP-1 medications is crucial. Individuals should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider to make the best choice for their individual health needs.
    What’s next for GluCare?
    GluCare.Health is continually innovating to enhance our patients’ health and wellness journeys. One exciting development is our Remote Cardiac Monitoring (RCM) program, which is revolutionizing how we manage cardiometabolic health. By using cutting-edge technology like the Oura Ring and connected blood pressure cuffs, the program continuously tracks essential heart health metrics, including heart rate variability (HRV), stress levels, and blood pressure (BP). This innovative approach not only enhances early disease detection but also aids in effective disease prevention.
    The program is perfect for women managing hypertension, or those at high cardiovascular risk. Participants receive a stylish Oura Ring and BP cuff, with remote monitoring by a dedicated team of specialists. The seamless integration with GluCare.Health’s platform allows easy tracking of health data, ensuring women stay informed and supported on their wellness journey. With regular data input, reminders, and monthly consultations, the RCM program offers a comprehensive, tech-savvy approach to maintaining heart health.In addition to the RCM program, GluCare.Health is planning a continuous tech-enabled PCOS program set to launch in Q3. This upcoming program will leverage advanced technology to support women managing polycystic ovary syndrome, providing tailored care and monitoring to help improve their overall health and quality of life.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @artempodrez  More

  • in

    Everything You Need To Know About Type 1 Diabetes

    Per the Diabetes Atlas, over 40,000 people in South Africa suffer from diabetes. And, according to the Type 1 Diabetes Index, 39 healthy South African lives are lost due to the condition. What’s more, an estimated 100,000 people are undiagnosed, according to the Diabetes Atlas. Here’s what to know about Type 1 diabetes specifically.

    What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

    Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin. It is provoked by an autoimmune reaction, in which the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and cannot enter cells to produce energy, leading to elevated blood glucose levels and a range of symptoms and potential complications.

    This process may unfold for months or years before symptoms appear. While some individuals with type 1 diabetes have a genetic predisposition to the condition, others do not, and researchers are still working to pinpoint potential environmental factors—like viruses or other stressors—that may trigger the autoimmune attack. Diet and lifestyle habits do not cause type 1 diabetes.

    Type 1 diabetes has historically been referred to as “juvenile” or “insulin-dependent” diabetes. But Dr Joel Zonzsein, director of the Diabetes Center at the University Hospital of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, notes that although the condition is “mostly diagnosed in children and young adults, it can develop at any age and should be taken seriously as a possibility in adults—referred to in such cases as ‘latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult’ (LADA).”

    What Are The Causes Of Type 1 Diabetes?

    Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction. Having a parent or sibling with the disease may increase your risk for developing type 1 diabetes. Environmental factors may also play a role in triggering the autoimmune reaction, but researchers are still working to better understand this possible pattern.

    What Are The Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes?

    Type 1 diabetes symptoms may occur suddenly, often in adolescence or early adulthood and can include:

    Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any of the above symptoms in yourself or your child. In some cases, the first noticeable symptoms of type 1 diabetes may be signs of a life-threatening state called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Symptoms of DKA include:

    If you or your child have symptoms of DKA, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

    How Is It Diagnosed?

    Diagnosing type 1 diabetes requires only a few simple tests. Doctors most often use a random plasma glucose (RPG) test, which measures blood glucose at a single point in time, to diagnose. A random blood-glucose test higher than 200 mg/dL suggests a diabetes diagnosis, regardless of when you last ate a meal or snack. Often, a healthcare provider will use an A1C blood test, which provides an average of blood glucose levels over a period of three months, to determine the duration of a patient’s high blood glucose.

    While these tests can determine whether you have diabetes, they cannot differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Treatment plans differ significantly between the two conditions, so it is crucial to have a correct diagnosis.

    To determine if you have type 1, a doctor will test the blood for specific auto-antibodies that are a common marker of the autoimmune reaction that causes the condition. They may also test your urine for ketones, which are produced when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose and indicate type 1 diabetes if present.

    How Is Type 1 Diabetes Treated?

    While treatment options have significantly advanced in the past few decades, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. So living with it—and preventing later complications—requires close blood-glucose management, via a blood-glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor.

    Type 1 diabetes is primarily managed via insulin therapy. Different types of insulin work at different speeds and last different lengths of time. You may need to use more than one type. Insulin can be taken in several different forms to best suit personal preferences and lifestyles:

    Syringes and pens: These are injected multiple times daily and often involve a combination of short- and long-acting insulin types. Different brands vary slightly in their effective onset, peak time and duration.

    Insulin pumps: Pumps are small devices that deliver a continuous supply of long-acting insulin throughout the day via a small tube inserted under the skin, mimicking a healthy pancreas. They can also be programmed by the user to release short-acting insulin during mealtimes.

    Artificial pancreas (AP) systems: These systems combine the functions of an insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitor to adjust insulin delivery based on glucose fluctuations. By responding to real-time glucose readings, AP systems can regulate blood sugar more effectively than traditional manual methods. As the name indicates, this form of closed-loop management most effectively imitates a healthy pancreas—but does require the use of two devices at all times.

    Inhaled insulin: Quick-acting inhaled insulin is one of the newer forms of FDA-approved treatment for type 1 diabetes management. It is used in combination with long-acting insulin (either via injection or pump) and inhaled shortly before meal times. However, according to Diabetes South Africa, this treatment is not yet available here.

    Living With The Condition

    Living a healthy life with type 1 diabetes also involves lifestyle adjustments, including:

    Regular blood-glucose monitoring: Checking blood-glucose levels throughout the day is essential to managing the condition and preventing future complications that can result from prolonged high blood sugar.

    Carbohydrate counting: In order to maintain stable blood-sugar levels, it’s often important to match your insulin dosage to your carbohydrate intake. An endocrinologist can help you determine your individual insulin-to-carb ratio and dose accordingly for each meal and snack. Managing this condition does not require you to give up your favourite foods—so long as you know how to dose for them!

    Movement: Regular exercise can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve long-term health.

    Regular checkups: People living with type 1 diabetes should regularly meet with a team of medical specialists, including an endocrinologist, optometrist and in some cases a dietitian, to help monitor their blood-glucose management and prevent future complications.

    Complications Of Type 1 Diabetes

    Image by WomensHealthMag.com

    Although this is a chronic and lifelong condition, many people live long and healthy lives with it, with few or no associated complications. “Keeping blood sugar levels under control is the most important thing that people with type 1 diabetes can do to prevent complications,” Dr Zonszein says. He also emphasises the importance of regular check-ups and developing a good management plan with a team of medical specialists.

    Poorly managed type 1 diabetes—namely, continuous high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia—can damage several areas of the body. Complications can include:

    Nerve damage: Prolonged high blood glucose levels can cause nerve damage. This leads to diabetic neuropathy, which most often affects the hands and feet.

    Eye problems: Elevated or uncontrolled blood glucose levels can also cause diabetes-related retinopathy. This can lead to vision loss, blindness, macular oedema and glaucoma.

    Kidney damage: High levels of glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels and filters in the kidneys (nephropathy).

    Foot issues: High blood glucose levels can reduce the blood supply to the feet, resulting in reduced sensation. This can increase the risk of wounds, cuts, infections and non-healing sores.

    Complications related to the heart and blood vessels: Extended high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves. It can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure.

    Gum disease: Excess glucose in the blood can move into the saliva, causing germs and plaque. These increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

    How To Prevent It

    Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Because it can be passed down genetically, your family can be preemptively tested for auto-antibodies. Their presence in the blood—even in the absence of symptoms—can help catch the early onset of the condition.

    This story was written by Zoë Brown and was first published on WomensHealthMag.com More