The NERVE of Diabetes

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Joann Ariola

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Typically, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some sort of nerve problems, know as neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a shorter term for peripheral neuropathy, meaning nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy from diabetes can damage the nerves in your hands, arms, feet and legs. This condition can cause pain, numbness and weakness. Depending on the degree of neuropathy, and how long you have been a diabetic, nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart and reproductive organs.

The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. Diabetic neuropathy also appears to be more common in people who have issues with controlling their blood glucose, have high blood pressure and are overweight.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary depending on the nerves affected and develop gradually over the years. Symptoms may include:

Trouble with balance
Numbness and tingling of extremities
Abnormal sensation to a body part (Dysesthesia)
Diarrhea
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Vision changes
Burning or electric pain in extremities

When treating diabetic neuropathy, a nutritionist may recommend healthier food choices and exercise to help lower your glucose and glycohemoglobin levels. Additionally, analgesics and low doses of antidepressants can be prescribed for pain relief, burning and tingling.

If you are a diabetic and have been experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center and Department of Nutrition can help. Call 718-206-7001 to get the process started.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Can Your Hypertension Medication Affect Your Dental Health?

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Managing your high blood pressure with the appropriate medications is very important for your overall health, but sometimes those medications can negatively affect your dental health.

Often, medications that are used to treat hypertension can have side effects in the oral environment. Some of these medications can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, causing xerostomia, or dry mouth. Without the proper amount of saliva, the mouth can become irritated and inflamed. Dry mouth can also increase the risk of developing infection, gum disease, and the development of plaque, and therefore cavities.

Gum swelling or gingival overgrowth is another possible side-effect of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Gingival overgrowth occurs when gum tissue becomes so swollen that it begins to grow over the teeth. Swollen gum tissue creates a favorable environment for bacteria because plaque can easily get trapped underneath the gums, making it hard to brush and maintain good oral hygiene.

It is import to inform your dentist about any health conditions you have, and the medications you are taking. Good oral hygiene and more frequent visits to the dentist can help lower your chances of developing complications.

Jamaica Hospital operates an outpatient dental center that treats a wide variety of conditions. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-6980.

Could Hypertention be Triggering your Migraine?

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Joann Ariola

The exact causes of migraines are unknown, people with migraines may inherit the tendency to be affected by certain migraine triggers, such as fatigue, bright lights, weather changes, and Hypertension.

One condition that is commonly associated as being a “trigger” for a migraine is Hypertension.

In patients with migraine and established hypertension, good control of blood pressure may be beneficial in controlling their headache.

So, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any migraine medications since many of the drugs used to treat hypertension may cause headaches.

If you are experiencing painful migrain headaches, the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has convenient hours and days of operation. To schedule an apointment, call 718-206-7001.