CONDITIONS

Diabetes mellitus refers to several diseases that have negative effects on your body’s use of blood sugar (or glucose). Glucose is important for your health because it constitutes a vital source of cellular energy. Your cells, the “glucose consumers,” compose everything from your muscles to your organs. In addition, glucose serves as one of your brain’s main sources of fuel. The underlying causes of diabetes vary as indicated by the type. That being said, no matter what type of diabetes you have, it will lead to excessive quantities of sugar in your blood. Needless to say, this can result in very serious health consequences. Chronic forms of the disease include type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There are also reversible forms of the condition (prediabetes) in which your blood sugar levels are unnaturally high, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Women can also develop gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. However, this condition usually resolves itself after the doctor delivers the baby. How Do I Know if I Have Diabetes? Symptoms of diabetes vary depending on how high your blood sugar levels rise. Some patients, especially those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes may not exhibit any symptoms at first. This is the opposite of type 1 diabetes, in which symptoms tend to have a quick onset and prove more severe. The following includes a list of diabetes symptoms that you should look out for: Hunger/Fatigue: When you eat food, your body converts this fuel into glucose that your cells then convert into energy. In order for this to happen, however, you need insulin to usher the glucose in. If your body does not produce enough insulin, then glucose cannot enter the cell. As a result, you will feel lethargic and confused. Frequent Urination/Unusual Thirst: Normally, the body reabsorbs glucose as it passes through the kidneys. With diabetes, however, as your blood sugar elevates, your kidneys cannot keep up. This leads to excessive urination, which in turn will make you thirstier. Dry Mouth/Itchy Skin: Because your body is undergoing excessive urination, there is less moisture available for other functions. This may make feel your mouth dry and your skin itchy. Blurred Vision: Unstable fluid levels in the body may make the lenses in your eyes swell. As a result, they change in shape and lose the ability to focus properly. Yeast Infections: Yeast feeds on glucose, which your body is not able to properly absorb when you have diabetes. The excess glucose levels in the body make yeast infections much more likely. Slow Healing Sores/Cuts: As time goes on, high blood sugar will affect your circulation, causing nerve damage. This makes it much harder for your body to heal wounds normally. In severe cases, diabetic foot ulcers may form, causing gangrene and leading to the need for limb amputation. Diabetes: How to Care for Foot Problems Diabetes may become dangerous for your feet. Even a small laceration may lead to serious ramifications. This is only exacerbated in cases

Many people don’t realize how important the knee joint is to their everyday lives until they injure it. After all, the knee enables us to walk, sit, stand, and run. When you suffer a knee injury, it can limit your ability to perform even simple tasks. But, why is the knee so vulnerable to injury? And, what types of treatments do doctors at NJ Spine and Ortho prescribe to resolve these injuries? Browse this handy guide to find out. Understanding Your Knee The knee is the largest and strongest joint in the body. It connects the tibia (shinbone), femur (thighbone), and patella (kneecap). Rubbery tendons connect the knee bones to muscles, thus allowing for movement. In addition, ligaments connect the bones to each other, delivering stability to the joint. Cartilage between the knee bones, known as menisci, helps to absorb any shock while you walk, run, or engage in physical activities. In addition, synovial fluid keeps the joints lubricated, reducing the friction of moving bones. While all these parts of the knee can be very effective in keeping it healthy and stable, sometimes injuries do occur. Both active and sedentary individuals can experience knee problems. Therefore, we must be mindful of our movements and ways to keep the knee healthy. What Puts You at Risk for Knee Injuries? By understanding some of the common causes of knee injuries, you may be able to prevent some painful (and possibly debilitating) conditions. Here are some risks that you need to be aware of if you want to protect your knees: Sports Participation: Physical activity is a great way to keep the knee healthy and strong. Unfortunately, some sports put your knee at greater risk for injury. Those who participate in sports requiring sudden changes in direction like soccer, football, basketball, or wrestling may put their knees at risk. In addition, runners, cyclists, and athletes who perform lots of jumping and landing activities can develop inflammation in the knee. Occupations: Just like participating in sports, repetitive movements at your job—like squatting or kneeling—may put you at a higher risk for developing knee conditions. Falling or Trauma: Those who slip and fall or who are involved in car accidents may suffer knee fractures and dislocations. Sometimes these injuries are unavoidable. But, by taking proper precautions and safety measures, you may be less likely to suffer knee trauma. Being Overweight or Obese: Excess weight puts more stress on your knee joints. In time, even simple activities like walking or climbing the stairs can cause injury. Poor Muscle Strength & Flexibility: Weak or tight muscles prevent your knee joint from working effectively. Genetics & Family History: Some people are more prone to conditions like osteoarthritis, which puts the knee at greater risk for injury. In addition, some individuals are born with extra joint space making the knee less stable. Previous Injuries: Once you suffer a knee injury, the knee becomes compromised and more likely to sustain future injuries. Common Knee Injuries Here are some of the