Condition Education Library

Diabetes

Symptoms of Diabetes
Common symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Sores that take a long time to heal
• Frequent infections

Prevention and Management

Lifestyle Changes
Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are key strategies to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet, consisting of fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and good fats, is also crucial for managing blood sugar.

Monitoring
Regularly checking blood sugar levels helps manage the condition. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight can also provide important health insights.

Weight Loss
Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity, especially for those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Stress Management
Finding healthy ways to manage stress can be part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.

Healthy Diet
A diet that includes whole fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, along with good fats and lean proteins, can help control blood sugar levels, notes this YouTube video.

Thyroid Disease

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism/Hypothyroidism
Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive:

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid):
Fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle weakness, and a slowed heart rate.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid):
A fast or irregular heart rate, weight loss, trembling, anxiety, and an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

Prevention

Iodine Intake:
Ensure adequate intake of iodine through foods like seafood, dairy products, or iodized salt to prevent hypothyroidism caused by deficiency, though too much iodine can also be problematic.

Lifestyle and Environment:
Managing stress, getting enough quality sleep, quitting smoking, and limiting exposure to environmental toxins can support thyroid health. A healthy diet low in sugar and processed foods may also be beneficial.

Treatment

Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism):
The most common treatment is daily thyroid hormone replacement medication, such as Levothyroxine, which helps restore hormone levels and relieve symptoms. This treatment is often lifelong.

Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism):
Treatment aims to slow hormone production and can include:

Medications: Anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole.
Radioactive Iodine: A dose of radioactive iodine that damages the thyroid gland to stop it from producing excess hormones.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland may be necessary.

Managing Complications:
Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders can help prevent serious complications, such as high cholesterol and heart problems, which can result from untreated hypothyroidism.

When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent symptoms you suspect are related to thyroid function, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan.

High Cholesterol

Symptoms of elevated cholesterol
High cholesterol often presents no symptoms, but some physical signs may appear when it has caused complications, such as:

Xanthoma: Fatty growths under the skin
Corneal arcus: A white or gray ring around the iris of the eye
Dizziness or headaches
Chest pain or shortness of breath: If arteries supplying the heart become narrowed

Prevention

Healthy diet: Eat more foods high in fiber, such as oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish like salmon and walnuts.

Avoid unhealthy fats: Limit foods containing saturated fats and avoid foods with trans fats, like many fried and packaged items.

Exercise: Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as walking, swimming, or gardening.

Quit smoking: Quitting smoking is a critical step in improving cardiovascular health.

Manage weight: Losing weight, even a small amount, can help improve cholesterol levels.

Reduce stress: Managing stress can be interlinked with preventing high cholesterol.

Depression

Symptoms of Depression

Emotional:
Persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood, irritability, loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

Physical:
Fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances (too much or too little), and physical aches and pains.

Cognitive:
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Behavioral:
Reduced energy, social withdrawal, increased or decreased activity, and suicidal thoughts.

Prevention Strategies

Lifestyle Habits:
Regular exercise can improve mood, while a healthy, balanced diet and sufficient sleep (7–9 hours for adults) are important.

Mindfulness and Stress Management:
Techniques like meditation, tai chi, or taking breaks from screens can help manage stress.

Social Support:
Building strong relationships and confiding in friends, family, or support groups can be beneficial.

Avoiding Triggers:
Staying away from alcohol and recreational drugs, which can worsen symptoms, is recommended.

Goal Setting:
Setting small, achievable goals and breaking down tasks can help build confidence and motivation.

Treatment Options

Therapy:
Various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychoanalytic therapy, can help address underlying issues and develop coping strategies.

Medication:
Antidepressants can be effective but may take several weeks to show full results. These medications work by affecting brain chemicals involved in mood.

Other Treatments:
For severe or treatment-resistant depression, options like ketamine (approved for treatment-resistant cases as esketamine nasal spray) or electroconvulsive therapy may be used under medical supervision.

Medical Monitoring:
A doctor can rule out other medical conditions, monitor medication side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.

When to Seek Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it’s important to seek professional help.

Consult a Doctor:
Make an appointment with a primary care physician or a mental health professional.
Emergency Situations:
In case of suicidal thoughts or emergencies, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Reach Out:
Contact a trusted friend, family member, spiritual leader, or a mental health provider for support.

Anxiety

Anxiety Symptoms

Physical: A racing heart, fast breathing, sweating, and nervousness are common physical manifestations.
Cognitive: Excessive worry that interferes with daily life, relationships, or work.
Behavioral: A strong urge to avoid situations that cause worry or distress, or having trouble with alcohol and drug use.

Prevention Strategies

Regular Exercise
Physical activity improves mood, sleep quality, and reduces stress hormones.
Healthy Lifestyle
Eating a balanced diet, getting enough restful sleep, and minimizing intake of substances like caffeine and alcohol can all help prevent anxiety.
Stress Management
Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
Support Systems
Building strong relationships with friends and family provides a valuable resource for coping with stress and worry.
Mindful Consumption
Limiting news and social media can reduce feelings of distress, as can avoiding alcohol and drug use, which can worsen anxiety.

Treatment Options

Therapy
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is an effective treatment that helps individuals change their thinking patterns and reactions.
Medication
Doctors may prescribe medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), or benzodiazepines (for short-term use) to help manage anxiety.
Self-Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
Dietary changes: Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals like magnesium and calcium can help manage symptoms.
Relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation methods like progressive muscle relaxation can help manage symptoms.
Support groups: Participating in groups for people with anxiety can provide a sense of community and coping strategies.

When to See a Doctor
Seek professional help if you feel you are worrying excessively, if it’s interfering with your life, or if you experience other mental health concerns like depression, irritability, or substance abuse. If you have thoughts of suicide, seek immediate emergency help. Resources like the 988 Lifeline can provide immediate support.

Asthma

Asthma Symptoms
Common symptoms of asthma can include: 

• Coughing, especially at night or during exercise
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping

Prevention

To prevent asthma symptoms and attacks, you can take the following steps:

Identify and avoid triggers
Triggers can include air pollution, smoke, mold, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and respiratory infections like the flu or common cold. 
Minimize exposure
Use allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses, fix leaks to reduce mold growth, and wash bedding regularly. 
Get vaccinated
Annual flu vaccines and other recommended vaccinations can help prevent infections that can worsen asthma. 
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Regular exercise (as advised by your doctor), maintaining a healthy weight, and finding ways to manage stress can help control your asthma. 
Quit smoking
Quitting is one of the most beneficial actions for managing asthma, leading to milder symptoms and improved lung function. 

Some medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and beta-blockers, can trigger asthma symptoms in some people; consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking them. 

Treatment

Asthma treatment involves both medication and managing the condition’s impact on daily life. 

Quick-relief medications: Used for immediate symptom relief, these include short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol, which quickly open airways. 
Long-term control medications: These are used regularly to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms, with inhaled corticosteroids being a common cornerstone of this approach. 
Combination inhalers: Provide a combination of medications, often including and inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist.
Leukotriene modifiers: These are daily pills that help reduce asthma symptoms. 
Oral corticosteroids: May be prescribed for a short course to treat severe flare-ups. 
Biologic therapies: Monoclonal antibodies may be recommended for severe cases of asthma. 

If you suspect you have asthma or your symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis and develop a personalized management plan. 
Asthma Action Plan: Work with your doctor to create a plan that outlines when to take medication, how to avoid triggers, and what to do when symptoms worsen or during an emergency. 

Influenza

Symptoms of Influenza
Symptoms often come on suddenly and include: 

Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough and sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people, particularly children, may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications is to get vaccinated annually. Other preventive measures include: 

• Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes. 
• Eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest to keep the immune system strong. 
• Getting the seasonal flu vaccine, which can provide partial protection and lessen symptom severity. 

Treatment

Home care
Rest, drinking lots of clear fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are the main components of home care for flu symptoms. 
Medical attention
For otherwise healthy individuals, no specific treatment is usually needed, but it’s recommended to contact a healthcare provider, especially if you are in a high-risk group. 
Antiviral medications
A doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs if started within 48 hours of the first symptoms to help reduce flu symptoms. 
Seeking immediate care
Go to the emergency room or seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe muscle pain, or a worsening of symptoms.