I was looking for a good photo to add to a blog I was writing when I came across this knee injury.

You can seen the bruising and Inflammation.

This happened as a result of a puck that hit Sami Lepisto during a hockey game.

He plays for the Chicago Blackhawks.

To make things even worse, Chicago was eliminated from the playoffs by the Phoenix Coyotes.

This pictures comes from a tweet that was done by Sami Lepisto himself:

“This is why I shouldn’t be blocking slap shots!”

Let’s also take a look at the play that was believed to be the one where this injury occurred.

But, any way you look at it…I’m glad that leg isn’t mine!  Ouch!

Please sure to add a comment if you have had a similar injury!

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from James Tuck, a blogger on term.org.

Thank you to InterActive Health who invited me to come and discuss a topic that is near and dear to me.  Today I am talking about Low Birth weight and if it is a real health issue.

Everybody loves to hear about the good tidings and the blessings of new born baby.  It is usually such an exciting time. Family drives into town, parties are thrown, and sleepless nights await.  But what happens when everything doesn’t turn out the way you are expecting?

What happens if the baby is born weeks or months early.  Should you be concerned if the birth weight of the baby is low even though they are born on time.  Both situations fall under low birth weight.

Low birth weight can mean a lot of different things. Food for thought – is it more medically concerning for low birth weight than high birth weight. I think most people agree – low birth weight is more of a health concern.

If you’ve ever seen a baby born with low birth weight – you know that they look small, malnourished, small, vulnerable, and small.

Let’s take a closer look at birth weight and how they are classified.

Normal Birth Weight  (NBW) is when the baby is between 2500g to 4200g.
Low Birth Weight (LBW) is when the baby is less than 2500g or less than 5 lbs 8 oz.
Very Low Birth Weight  (VLBW) is when the baby is less than 1500g.
Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) is when the baby is less than 1000g.

*** g means grams ***

There are two main categories of Low Birth Weight: Preterm birth and Small for Gestational Age.

Both categories have Low Birth Weight in common but beyond that, there are far more differences than similarities.

For the purposes of this blog, Very low birth weight and Extremely low birth weight will be combined into Low Birth Weight alone.

Let’s take a look at both categories

Small for Gestational Age

These are babies that are born around or near their expected due dates.  And for some reason, they were born smaller in size than a normal baby for their sex and age.  Remember, boys and girls have slightly different expectations for birth weight.

Birth weight is compared to a chart that identifies birth weight averages.  From this chart, it is determined if they are normal weight.  The weights are divided into percentages or percentiles. I am sure most everybody wants their child in the 90^th percentile. But really, it’s just an average.  The real concern is if a baby is in the bottom 10% for their age.  This is where small for gestational age comes into play.

Causes for Small for Gestational Age

These may include the health of the mother, born in a developing country, nutrition of the mother, genetics, environmental, and others.

In some cases IUGR or intrauterine growth retardation can be a direct link.  This is when the fetus  can not reach the potential size.  In this case, an Ultrasound may help diagnosis this potential low birth weight problem.

Risk Factors

Specific risk factors leading to Small for Gestational Age may be categorized into a few areas: The baby, The mother, The Environment, or The placenta.

The risk factors  affecting these ares include:

1.)     Environmental  – Smoking, drug use, alcohol, or others
2.)    Infection
3.)    Diabetes Mellitus
4.)    Pre-eclampsia
5.)    Thrombophilia  -  tendency to thrombosis
6.)    Genetic variance
7.)    Multiple births
8.)    Connective tissue disorders
9.)    Damage to the Placenta
10.)   Physical assault
11.)    Others

Constitutionally Small

This is a term that describes a baby that is small for gestational age and in this case, there is nothing medically wrong with the baby.

This aspect of the small for Gestational age is still part of the Low Birth Weight but less of a medical concern can be seen in these case.

1/3 of all births that are categorized as Low Birth Weight are constitutionally small for their age.

There are Two Categories of Growth Restriction when looking at Small for Gestational Age 

1.)      Symmetrical

This is when the fetus has developed slowly throughout pregnancy.
The head circumference is proportionate to the body.
Causes may include: anemia, fetal alcohol syndrome, infections, and genetics.

2.)      Asymmetrical

This is when the head grows normally, or close to normally, but the body grows much slower.
This indicates that the embryo started out growing normally, but something, along the way, intervened.
Can be seen in chronically elevated blood pressure of the mother, malnutrition, some genetic changes, pre-eclampsia, placenta or umbilical cord problems, and others.

Treatment of Small for Gestational Age

Over ninety percent of babies catch up over the first two years of life.

The largest medical concern is called Failure-to-Thrive.  This occurs when the baby can not continue to grow. Often the baby continues to loose weight or does not progress at a proper rate. In these cases, they do not catch up during the first two years of life unless an active treatment plan is put into place.

Growth Hormone therapy may be an alternative for young children.

Additional testing and possible consulting for behavior, dietitian, Allergist, and other specialties are necessary because several medical issues can be affected by Low Birth Weight.

Future problems with behavior and speaking can be expected in a large number of cases.

Preterm Birth

This occurs when the baby is born prior to 37 weeks of gestational age.

There are many reasons and causes for this to occur.  Though, please remember that in some cases, the cause remains unknown.  While in other cases, more than one cause can be identified.

Another term from Preterm birth is Premature birth. This refers to the birth of the baby with resulting poorly or under developed organs.   Premature births are at an increased risk for long and short term medical conditions. In some ways, the wording, premature births has fallen out of favor .  I will use only Preterm from this point forward.

Several organs mature between weeks 34 and 37.  The lungs are an organ that is often greatly affected by a preterm birth.  Drugs, incubation, and other treatment steps are placed to help allow for the organs to develop over time.

Occasionally a ventilator is required to help the Preterm breathe properly.

Medical Risks of Preterm Birth

Preterm children have a increased risk of death during the first year of life.  Most of the time, death occurs within the first month.

Around the world, almost 500,000 deaths can be attributed to preterm births.

Infections, health damage, organ problems, breathing difficulty, and overall health is the medial risks associated with preterm births.

Other risks:

-           Cerebral palsy
-           Brain bleeding
-           Cognitive dysfunction
-           Language problems
-           Heart problems
-           Respiratory distress
-           Chronic Lung disease
-           Abdominal pain
-           Rickets
-           Blood sugar problems
-           Infections
-           Sepsis
-           Pneumonia
-           Hernias
-           Jaundice
-           Anemia
-           Learning Disabilities
-           Speech problems
-           Behavior problems
-           Allergies
-           And many other problems

Limit of Viability

This is an important number in the medical community that refers to the chance of survival.

It is when a baby is given a 50% chance of survival.  It is based on a gestational age.

Over the last four decades, the age of the baby who survives, in number of weeks, has decreased dramatically.  This means that children have a better chance of living at a younger age.

Currently the age is around 24 weeks of age.  This means that 50% of the cases will live and 50% of them will not.

There are cases of infants living from 21 weeks of age.  But these cases are very rare.

Causes of Preterm Delivery

Again, cause of preterm can be wide, varied, and/or unknown. It can be difficult to isolate a cause and over fifty percent of preterm births, the cause is never determined.

Childbirth or Labor is long and a complex process. There are many factors that work together.   Problems or causes could be from the environment, the mother, the baby and other.

Mother

If the mother is a cause factor, many risks may come into play.

Age – if a mother is older or younger – a greater risk is present.  Over age 35 or younger than 18 may be a risk

Weight and Height – This could be a risk

Race – Black women have preterm birth rate twice that of a white women.  But Asian or Hispanic women don’t necessarily have a higher preterm birth rate.  Therefore the real risk of race is unknown.

Time in-between pregnancies – 6 month or less span have a preterm birth rate that is twice as high.

Work, activity level, stress and other also have been looked at for risk factors.

Previously surgically induced abortions may have a slightly higher rate.

Poor nutrition can be a cause factor.

Very low BMI has an increased risk.

Previous medical condition such as Diabetes, hypertension and several other medical issues are a large risk factor and will increase the preterm birth rate.

Some studies show unmarried mothers have a slightly higher rate than married mothers.

Genetics is another factor

Factors associated with Pregnancy

Multiple pregnancies are a large or significant factor in preterm births.

Over 50% of twins are born preterm

Triplets and more are even higher in preterm birth rates.

Fertility medication, high blood pressure during pregnancy alone, pre-eclampsia, heart disease and other medical conditions brought on by pregnancy are risks.

Problems with the placenta including placenta previa or placental abruption can also be large risk factors for preterm delivery.

Anxiety, depression, tobacco use, drug abuse, alcohol abuse are things that can induce labor in some cases. These can be directly related to problems during pregnancy and preterm births.

Fetus or Preterm baby

Infection of the child or mother can be a large reason for preterm births.  Typically this can occur from intrauterine infections, genital infections, amniotic fluid infection and fetus infections.

Genetic changes to the baby can cause a slight increase in risk for early birth.

Need for Medical care and Screening

Careful monitoring of the mother or child at risk is a great way to prevent or prepare for a Preterm delivery.  Ultrasounds, blood work, physical exam, and discussion of risks and symptoms should be done with a primary care physician or an OBGYN.

Knowledge of your own health care issues are essential. The use of proper medications to treat the disease can decrease the overall risk. Self care of proper nutrition, low stress, stopping of alcohol, drug or tobacco use.

If you are at risk for preterm births, stay close to medical providers and often more than one ultrasound and blood work will be in your future.

What to look for in the future

Children surviving a preterm birth will have outcomes that vary.  No symptoms or problems stemming from the preterm birth are seen in many cases.

Other children suffer from behavioral, speech, hearing, and other similar problems.

Some long term medical problems are seen in some cases. Seizures, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and other medical conditions will be life long and difficult.

Some interesting Data

Earliest known premature baby to survive:

1.)     James Gill – Ottawa Canada

Born in 1987 – 21 weeks and 5 days
Weight – 1lb and 6 ounces

2.)    Amillia Taylor – Miami Florida

Born 2006 – 21 weeks and 6 days
Weight – 10 ounces

Smallest Baby to survive

1.)    Madeline Mann  -  born 26 weeks – 9.9 ounces
2.)    Rumaisa Rahman  -  born 25 weeks – 8.6 ounces   -  September 2004

Smallest Baby Boy to survive

1.)    Jonathon Whitehill   -  born 25 weeks  -  10.9 ounces  -  10.9 ounces

-Author’s Bio-
James has a bachelor degree in Biology, with a professional background in micro-organisms, artificial selection, and lab research. James currently divides his time between blogging on term.org (a health insurance website), and wrestling with his three small boys.

Sources:

1. ^“World’s Smallest Baby Goes Home, Cellphone-Sized Baby Is Discharged From Hospital”. CBS News. 2005-02-08. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/08/health/main672488.shtml..
2. ^ “World’s Smallest Baby Goes Home”. CBS News. 8 February 2005. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/08/health/main672488.shtml.
3. ^ “The Tiniest Babies”. University of Iowa. http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/tiniestbabies/bworder.asp?gender=Male.
4. Richard E. Behrman, Adrienne Stith Butler, Editors, Committee on Understanding Premature Birth and Assuring Healthy Outcomes. Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention. Institute of Medicine. The National Academies Press, 2007.

It is hard to imagine a social internet site being anything but good, helpful, and a way to keep connected. But we are seeing a lot of fallback, depression,  and other problems from places like Facebook and other online social media sites.

This isn’t to say that Facebook is bad, or anything close to that. But, what is being said, is that Facebook allows others to see you quite personally and for you to see them equally as personally. And maybe in some cases, this is too way too personal.

In a world where social media is becoming the norm, consider how influential it has become. How many high school students, college students, professional workers, and stay-at home moms are using Facebook? And this is only a small statistical number of those using social media to keep the world up-to-date on what you are doing.

What if your ex-boyfriend just posted some embarrassing pictures of you just days after you broke up. What if you found out your spouse was cheating on you by a Facebook post. Some people are so obsessed with Facebook that they are constantly checking their friends posts and updating their own profile. And again, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But what happens when something is overdone or done out of malice.

We all get passionate or angry after a certain volatile  situation arises and sometimes we’ll post something on Facebook that we can’t get back. It can be deleted but maybe not before the damage has been done. Often we are more bold on Facebook than we would normally. But the regret, quilt, and something horror of what we’ve said can stay with us for a long time. Research is showing that as many good things that Facebook brings to the table, there are that many horror stories, problems, and even predators that are using Facebook for other reasons.

Depression because of Facebook is a real issue. Things happen so quickly and mistakes are difficult to be forgotten.

Facebook is often used as a measuring stick.

Teenagers, often compare boyfriends/girlfriends, Facebook friends, vacations, activities, house sizes, families, clothes, valuables, and almost anything you can think of. Facebook makes it much easier to compare.

This comparison is causing some doctors and pediatricians to push for a family discussion on what Facebook really means. Facebook shouldn’t be a popularity contest but that is exactly how most people look at it.

Depression is something that children and adults deal with on a regular basis. Depression can be a life long problem or something that is created because of a situation.

Facebook isn’t always bad.

Facebook has done great things, let’s hope that this isn’t lost in all the shuffle. It has reunited lost families.  It can protect against bullying and hundreds of other things. It really has helped people to even avoid depression in some cases.

Maybe you or a friend has received a message from a friend that really picked you up. Maybe that small little kind note or the knowledge that someone else was thinking of you really helped.

But there is another person who just heard a mean message that did exactly the opposite. Certainly Facebook is not the problem. It is more like a catalyst to a problem.

How much time do you spend on Facebook?

Sociologists have found that there is a correlation to time spent on Facebook and Depression. In many cases, the longer individuals were on Facebook, the more often they were agreeing that other lives were better then their own and that they had less of a belief that, “Life is Fair“.

Parents should discuss openly about Facebook pages and be active in their children’s Facebook postings. Watch out for behavior that indicates that Facebook is overpowering or overwhelming someone.

Again, Facebook isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people use Facebook without any risks, problems, or depression. But , watch out for those where Facebook is causing depression.

March is the month where we celebrate for the awareness for colorectal cancer or colon cancer. Colonoscopies are the manner that this cancer is found. Other intestinal problems can also be identified.

More than 55,000 deaths a year are attributed to colorectal cancer.  This type of cancer affects both men and women.

Screening is the best preventative measure as well as the way to diagnosis cancer. This cancer affects the large bowel

The initial age of screening is 50.  More than 85% of colon cancers are found in those above the age of 50.  Usually there are no symptoms, at least, no initially.  Blood in stool, weight loss, fatigue, and a few other symptoms can be seen.

Cancer in the colon usually begins as a benign polyp. Over time, and were talking years, the polyp could potentially turn into cancer.

But it is vitally important to remember that not all polyps will become cancer. That is why routine biopsies or even removal of the polyp is done during the colonoscopy, just to make sure.

A colonoscopy is a procedure where the prep is often far worse than the actual procedure. You need to avoid food for 24 hours. A medication, in liquid form, helps you get cleaned out.

A camera is used for the colonoscopy and it examines the colon. If a polyp is seen or some tissue may seen concerning, then a biopsy or removal of the polyp is easily done.

So, as for the celebration this year, try to schedule a colonoscopy if you over the age of 50 and have never had one before. Or…if it is time for a follow-up procedure.

For any other questions or concerns, contact your medical provider and get it scheduled.

You can also see an InterActive Health look at a colonoscopy procedure by clicking -  here

“Doctor’s need to rethink how they look at C-sections.” This is the latest information coming from the John Hopkins School of Medicine.

The reason for this latest insight into Caesarean Section or C-sections is the recent findings from a study looking into C-sections for the patients who’s babies  are preterm. The predominate belief, prior to this study, was that C-sections were the best choice for babies that were headed towards being born preterm. The idea may have been the belief that the babies weren’t improving or growing adequately while in the uterus and that they would do better in the hospital.  But one way or another, it was believed that a C-section would be safer for the unborn baby.

But instead, it was brought to light that Caesarean Section may actually lead to additional medical problems including respiratory distress, possibly learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy. This could increase the risk of breathing problems including asthma in the years to come. Yet, the babies born through vaginal births were no more likely to develop seizures, brain bleeds [hemorrhage], or sepsis.

On average, between 45 and 50 percent of premature babies in the last four years were delivered by C-section. Up to this point it has been the standard of treatment. Equally as important, is that there has been a sizable increase in the rate of C-sections in the last dozen years.

The study looked back at birth rates with preterm babies in New York over an 8 year period. This study was done based on data that was reviewed and studied  from medical charts where the births were done years ago. This helped allow for the children to not only be reviewed at the time of birth, but for the years that followed.

No specific study was formed to look at this specifically. In some cases, this helps the veracity of the study . The parameters were done post birth and this allowed for a review only and conclusions weren’t made prior to the study beginning.

Of course, additional studies, outside of New York alone will need to be done. But, at least, for the moment. When assessing a preterm baby, C-section may need to be reviewed to see if it is the best option. It is certain that under some circumstances involving preterm, C-section may be the best option. But in other cases, vaginal births may be the way to go.

In related articles:

To have a C-Section or not to have a C-Section? – That is the question!!

Club Foot is a deformity from births that can affect a single foot or both.  The affected foot often is turned inward and it appears that the foot and ankle are at the same level. Ankle joints are affected.  When untreated, it can appear that the affected person is actually walking on their ankles.  Club Foot is also referred to as congenital talipes equinovarus or CTEV.  It is again divided into two categories: Postural and Structural.

It is considered a common occurrence and can be seen in 1 out of every 1,000 births. It is the most common congenital condition that affects the legs.  Half the time, a single extremity is affected and half the time both feet are affected.  Males are more affected, almost a 2 to 1 ratio.

Deformities can be seen in 3 different joints:

1.)   Inversion at the Subtalar Joint

2.)   Adduction at Talonavicular joint

3.)  Talipes Equinus at the Ankle joint

Causes of this condition often are divided according to Postural or Structural.

Overall causes include genetic conditions like Edward Syndrome, a defect in Chromosome 18.  Also Growth arrests and Compartment syndrome can also be causative.

Breech presentation is a large cause of Club Foot.

Other causes are less known, such as connective tissue disorders and possible risks in spina bifida

Diagnosis is often a debatable concept.  Because often the cause is unknown prior to delivery or visual confirmation through ultrasound. Many children may not be diagnosed until after birth.  When ultrasound is done at 20 weeks, not all cases will be seen.

Treatment of club foot is often difficult but most children respond well.   Surgery is one of the final options. Prior to that casting of the feet, serial casting, splints, braces or some combination are often seen.

Manipulation of the foot is often seen after two weeks from birth followed by a serial cast.

Serial Cast – when a new cast is placed every week slowly returning foot to normal position.

Even with successful treatment, the affected foot, may be smaller than the other foot. The calf muscle may be less defined.

Here is a picture of a very difficult skin condition that is often fatal in infants.

It is characterized by diamond shape scales.

Infants are at highest risk for infections, dehydration, and breathing difficulties.

Improvements in management and treatment have extended the lives of those with this condition.

Check back at the end of the week to learn the name of this condition.

If you would like to guess – place your guess in the comment section below.

Update:  Friday December 9th

The Answer is indeed:  Harlequin-type ichthyosis

More about this condition is below:

This is a condition where the skin of an infant becomes thick and scaly.

The change occurs in the keratin layer of the skin.

Large and thick, diamond shaped scales, red in color, can be seen.

The scaly nature of the skin causes the infant to have difficulty with movement and respiration.

It is a very rare condition.

Symptoms:

- Severe cranial and facial deformities
- Ears and nose may be absent or poorly developed
- Ectropion [Everted or outward eyelids]
- Dryness of skin
- Thickening of skin
- Large scales
- Scales can be reddish in color
- Arms, feet, fingers can also be deformed
- Polydactyly – more than the usual number of toes or fingers

Cause:

- Mutation in the gene for protein – ABCA12
- This gene helps regulate healthy skin.
- This mutation can be inherited

Areas of skin affected:

1.) Face
2.) Eyes
3.) Ears
4.) Penis
5.) Extremities
6.) Other

Risk Factors

- Increase chance for infection due to cracks in skin
- Cracked Skin
- Dehydration
- Restricted or difficulty breathing
- Difficulty controlling water loss

Treatment

. Isotretinoin [Isotrex]

- Symptomatic treatment
- Treat Dryness
- Treat Infections

Liver Transplants are a serious medical procedure with the goal to reverse or treat a failing liver . The procedure is called an allograft from a source that is not genetically identical. Isograft is when a genetically identically donor - ie an identical twin.  In this case, the liver, is removed from the sick patient and replaced from a donor.

This is typically done in patients suffering from end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure.  As in other major surgeries, there is a substantial amount of risk during the procedure.

If a patient has end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure they don’t automatically qualify for liver transplant.

They must also be avoid of other competing medical issues that typical result in poor outcomes  such as: uncontrolled metastatic cancer – when it is outside of the liver, active drug abuse, active alcohol abuse, active infections.  HIV used to be on the list but this has recently changed.

Age, serious heart conditions, and other medical issues need to be reviewed in each patient before transplant would be approved.

Recently, several doctors and a recent study is trying to indicate that a patient shouldn’t have to prove that they are sober for six months to qualify for a transplant.

A small study in France indicates that they had several patients that were given a new liver and became sober years later.  Only 26 people were in the study where 77% were alive after six months and only three began drinking within the next three years.  All 26 had very stable and supportive group of family and friends.

It is to be noted that the study looked at individuals who were suffering from hepatitis related liver failure from alcohol abuse.

There has been an ongoing and difficult, often bitter debate over whether this is ethical and appropriate. Liver’s for transplant are already in high demand. Many point to George Best, a British soccer player who received a liver transplant in 2002, only to start drinking again and he eventually died three years later.

Excess alcohol abuse can cause liver damage including cirrhosis and hepatitis.  Just under 20% of current transplants go to current or former heavy abuse drinkers. Patients must give up heavy drinking for six months before a transplant center will approve them to be placed on the list.

The French study suggests dropping the ban only for patients with hepatitis related to excess alcohol abuse. Arguments are that obesity and drug abuse causing liver failure patients are a large majority of patients receiving liver transplants and these are lifestyle choices as well.

Last year alone, over 6,000 liver transplants were performed in the United States.  It has been reported that around 1,400 individuals died waiting for a transplant. This data is given by United Network for Organ Sharing.

Remember that alcohol alone is no the only way to have liver damage. Some patients with no history of alcohol, drug use or obesity are currently waiting for a transplant. Approving the drop in six months free of alcohol will affect them as well.

Controversy has been seen on this topic before and it appears that this new study will again draw in the sand lines of opposition.  Some state that the lines are becoming increasingly clear, while others states that facts just blur them into confusion.

Please comment as too where you stand.  One way or another, lives are at stake.  Please be mindful of that in the comment section.

The welfare system may changing – but for better or worse still remains to be seen.

Proposals in almost twenty-five states have shed light on drug testing requirements in order to receive benefits like unemployment assistance, job training, public housing, welfare, food stamps and more.

The concerns by the proponents are that some of the governmental assistance are being misused while others decry this as an attempt at signaling out the poor.  States that have already passed such requirements include: Arizona, India, Florida, and Missouri.

At the federal level, Senator David Vitter, a Louisiana Republican, has introduced the Drug Free Families Act of 2011, which would require all 50 states to drug-test welfare applicants.

“Working people today work very hard to make ends meet, and it just doesn’t seem fair to them that their tax dollars go to support illegal things,” said Ellen Brandom, a Republican state representative in Missouri.

So far, most proposals for change have failed to win the support needed.  This is believed to be the result of concerns about the legality of such proposals.

Kimberley Davis, the director of social services for Operation Breakthrough, said the legislation sent a bad message. “All this does is perpetuate the stereotype that low-income people are lazy, shiftless drug addicts and if all they did was pick themselves up from the bootstraps then the country wouldn’t be in the mess it’s in,” Ms. Davis said.  Operation Breakthrough provides day care services in Kansas City to low-income women.

Several studies that date back a decade or more indicate that drug use is not solely seen in the poor. In 1996, a report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that there is no significant difference in the rate of illegal-drug use by welfare applicants and other people. Another study found that 70% of illegal-drug users between the age of 18 and 49 are employed full time.

It is estimated that one person dies every seven second from diabetes and things continue to get worse.   Health officials reported today that an estimated 366 million persons worldwide now suffer from diabetes. The estimated numbers were released in Lisbon, Portugal during the European meeting that had associations with more than 160 countries. Almost 5 million people die each year from this chronic condition.

The International Diabetes Federation have reportedly called for systematic and concrete guidelines to stop this epidemic. In addition, they are signaling a need for this topic to be covered at the United Nations meeting next week.

Type I diabetes largely affect children and young adults.  These individuals are unable to make insulin, which is produced from the pancreas pancreas. Type II diabetes is much more common and is often closely affected by obesity. Type II can be described as a decrease in the amount of insulin [Relative Insulin Deficiency] and a difficulty to have the insulin entering the cells [Insulin Resistance].

Complications of Diabetes:

1.)  Eye complications

-    Retinopathy – a disorder of the retina.
-    Loss of eye sight
-    Cataracts – 60% more likely to get cataract when diabetic
-    Glaucoma – 40% more like to get glaucoma when diabetic
-    Check out the Anatomy of the Eye

2.)  Foot Complications

-    Callous, skin changes, Neuropathy, ulcers, and other problems
-    Poor circulation and amputations can be seen.

3.)  Skin changes

-    Increased fungal, bacterial, rashes and other skin changes can be seen.

4.)  Heart Disease

-    HA1c checks blood sugar – should be monitored and maintained
-    Increased Lipids [Cholesterol and Triglycerides need to be maintained.]

5.)  Hypertension

6.)  Depression and Stress

7.)  Ketoacidosis

-    Ketones produced when body burns fat instead of glucose
-    When a dangerously high levels are seen – can lead to stroke and death.

8.)  Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome  (HHNS)

-    Elevated blood sugar levels rise dangerously – rare but serious condition

9.)    Neuropathy  (Nerve Damage)

10.)  Kidney Disease  (Nephropathy)

-   High blood sugar can overwork the kidneys, causing them to stop working properly.

11.)   Peripheral Arterial Disease  (PAD)

12.)   Stroke