Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is the term used to refer to a condition that results in excessive blood glucose or sugar levels. It generally occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it effectively. When left unmanaged, high blood sugar levels can cause several complications. One of these complications is joint pain. Signs and symptoms of some diabetes-induced conditions that may cause joint pain include the following: Diabetic Arthropathy High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves, causing diabetic neuropathy that can also affect the joints, known as arthropathy. Some conditions that fall under this category include: Charcot’s foot This condition affects the foot joints, causing them to deteriorate over time. It may also cause symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, redness, numbness, the area being hot to the touch, or changes in the appearance of the feet. Diabetic hand Some people with diabetes may experience shoulder pain and limited mobility due to a frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis. Arthropathy may also affect joints in the hand by causing conditions such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This occurs when the median nerve is compressed. It may cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Trigger finger:

Today, sugar-laden treats are readily available, which tempt one at every turn. While the occasional sweet indulgence may seem harmless, excessive sugar consumption can silently or indirectly impair one’s immune system, the body’s defense mechanism against illness and infections. It’s essential to recognize the impact of sugar on one’s immune health. Here are a few common indicators of a compromised immune system due to excessive sugar intake. Check them out. Effect of glucose on one’s immune system Glucose is needed for the body to produce energy. In moderate amounts, it can support one’s daily activity. Still, excessive consumption of refined sugar and carbohydrates can cause various health issues, including a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. It also affects one’s immune system, a complex network of cells and tissues that work in tandem to defend one’s body from foreign invaders and maintain one’s overall health. Any spikes in sugar intake suppress the optimal functioning of one’s immune system. Those with type 2 diabetes, a common autoimmune disease marked by high blood glucose levels, are among those who get affected the most. A diabetic person’s immune system recognizes sugar as a harmful substance and triggers an inflammatory response. This inflammation can damage the pancreatic cells, which are tasked with producing a sugar-regulating substance called insulin.

The human heart supplies oxygen to different parts of the body, maintains blood pressure, and expels carbon dioxide through exhalation. But with an increasing frequency of heart conditions, as per 2021 reports, heart disease costs the country a whopping $239.9 billion each year. Heart problems may have various underlying causes; however, diabetes is often responsible for triggering or worsening them. Some heart problems caused by excessive sugar intake and diabetes are as follows: Arrhythmia Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats. Since diabetes disrupts the heart’s structure, the condition may be caused or worsened by diabetes. Individuals with this condition experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, etc. Stroke Diabetes pathologically alters the body’s blood vessels, which can trigger the onset of stroke. Studies have also shown that survival rates of individuals with stroke are lower among patients with diabetes. Heart attack Patients with type-2 diabetes are twice as susceptible to heart disease as those with regular blood-sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes may also develop silent heart attacks, which do not have any initial symptoms. Patients having suffered a heart attack may experience swelling in their legs or ankles, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea, among other symptoms. Atrial fibrillation According to research reports, diabetes significantly increases one’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Sugar has become an integral part of modern lifestyle and eating habits. It is present in most store-bought foods, from packaged snacks, cereals, and baked goods to sauces and energy drinks. While sugar can provide a momentary burst of pleasure to taste buds, excessive consumption can harm one’s dental health. Therefore, recognizing the early signs of these dental issues due to high sugar consumption is crucial for early intervention and optimal oral health. Tooth decay and cavities The bacteria in one’s mouth feed and thrive on the sugar consumed through food and produce acids. These acids erode tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. Tooth sensitivity Sugar-rich foods can lead to enamel erosion, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath. As a result, individuals may experience discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks. Toothache As cavities progress, they can cause toothaches characterized by sharp or throbbing pain. The pain may worsen when biting down or consuming cold or sugary foods. Tooth discoloration Sugar is a major food source for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the formation of plaque and tartar. Over time, these substances can stain the teeth, resulting in a yellowish or brownish appearance.

With the fast-paced world, getting a good night’s sleep is becoming harder. We often attribute sleep loss to external factors like stress or technology, but sugar can also be a culprit that we tend to overlook. Despite its seemingly harmless nature, sugar can negatively affect our sleep patterns and overall health. Many people are unaware of sugar’s harmful impact on sleep and its correlation with sleep disturbances and constipation. Here’s everything you should know. Disrupts the sleep-wake cycle Consuming excessive sugar close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Sugar stimulates insulin release, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This spike in energy can make it difficult for your body to relax and enter the sleep phase, causing insomnia or fragmented sleep. Promotes restless sleep Sugar can contribute to restless sleep by causing blood sugar fluctuations throughout the night. As your blood sugar levels rise and fall, your body may experience sudden awakenings or interruptions in sleep. These disruptions can leave you tired and groggy in the morning, even after a seemingly long night of rest. Increased risk of sleep disorders Studies have shown that high-sugar foods are associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring.

One thing that most people want to do after a hectic day at work or after engaging in intense exercise is get a good night’s rest. Sleeping ensures that the body gets the opportunity to relax and recharge for the next day. However, the position in which one sleeps may have an effect on their sleep quality and overall health. So, here is a look at how sleeping positions can affect sleep: Fetal position Taking on a fetal position is one of the healthiest ways to sleep, especially for those who are pregnant or dealing with lower back pain. It can also help reduce snoring. However, here one should ensure that their posture is relatively loose, or it could limit deep breathing while asleep. One could try the fetal position by sleeping on their side with bent legs curled toward their body. Sleeping on one side Although similar to the fetal position, here, the legs are not pulled in toward the body. The posture could help with digestion and reduce heartburn, but it may not be ideal for everyone, as it can cause stiffness in the shoulders and jaw tightness on that side. Placing a pillow between the lower legs could help improve the alignment of the hips and prevent low back pain.