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Archive for the ‘Other – Diseases’ Category

What is more important, the overall cholesterol rate or the ratio of good cholesterol?

guppy137 asked:

When I look at printouts of blood work, it lists total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and a cholesterol/hdl ratio. It states that the ratio should be 4.4. Is the lower the ratio better? And, should that be considered when looking at the total cholesterol picture?

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

Both sets of numbers is important. While the cholesterol ratio helps determine who might be at risk for heart disease, your LDL and HDL cholesterol are also important risk factors. The ratio should ideally be less than 5 to 1, and it’s found by dividing your HDL cholesterol into your total cholesterol.

High LDL cholesterol is another important risk factor. If you have low HDL and high LDL cholesterol, medications may be necessary to lower the LDL.

cholesterol

Posted in Other - Diseases |

1 Comment »

Why do you gain so much weight so fast when you are hypothyroid?

trisha asked:

Is it normal to gain weight every week when you are hypothyroid? This seems so crazy, I am gaining daily. Is there anything that can be done? Are there certain foods that hypothyroid patients gain weight more on?

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

While there isn’t really a “thyroid diet,” there are some things that will cause those with low thyroid output to gain weight more easily. I don’t believe in low carb diets, but it is important to watch carbohydrate intake, especially simple carbohydrates.

Low thyroid output can cause other problems; high cholesterol and diabetes may also occur. It is important to maintain a balanced diet in order to avoid the life threatening illnesses these can cause.

Some herbs may be recommended, but as with other illnesses, but some precautions are necessary. Some herbs will interact with medications taken for thyroid disease. It is wise to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before beginning any new supplement, particularly if you are taking medications.

Alternative Herbal Remedies

Posted in Other - Diseases |

3 Comments »

Does having diabetes affect when you will start your first period?

Maddie M. asked:

I’m thirteen years old almost fourteen i have had diabetes since i was eight years old. I still haven’t started my period. My mom says its proably because i have diabetes. When you have type 1 you have to take insulin which is a hormone. So she says it can affect all of my other hormones and my growth. But im really wondering is this true?

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

Your mom is right, there is a definite relationship between Type 1 diabetes and later than normal menarche (having your first period).

Alternative Herbal Remedies

Posted in Insulin, Other - Diseases, Other - Health |

4 Comments »

What happens when someone has diabetes and they drink?

the_creative_dancer asked:

I have a friend that drinks alcohol (not the hard stuff) but he has diabetes. I don’t know what to do because I’m really close to this friend. He always reacts the worst to me out of everyone only when he drinks. I just need some help on how to deal with him and what happens to him with it? Plus how can I get him to stop drinking. Oh I should add that he drinks a 12 pack of Natural Light.

Mary Bodel, MH replies:

Drinking alcohol if you have diabetes is tricky. If your blood sugar is under control, it might be safe to have up to two drinks in a 24 hour period. At first, alcohol is likely to raise blood sugar levels but as more is consumed it can drop dramatically, perhaps to dangerous levels.

People react to alcohol differently, and your friend could be the sort that becomes depressed or angry when drinking. There is no really easy way to help here, but I do have a few suggestions. If you have contact with other friends or family members, they may be able to help persuade your friend that he needs to stop drinking. Some insurance companies will cover rehab if it’s necessary.

AA and Alanon are both organizations that could help you. Alanon is for friends and family of someone with a drinking problem. They can give you tips on what to do or say that will help in this situation. Helping him stop could save his life.
diabetes

Posted in Beer, Wine Spirits, Other - Diseases, Other - Health |

5 Comments »