Whelehans Health Blog

Diabetic foot problems   Prolonged exposure to high glucose levels can impair blood vessels and nerves, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. The diminished sensation in the feet, coupled with compromised blood flow, makes individuals with diabetes prone to injuries and infections that often go unnoticed. Early detection of complications is pivotal. Regular check-ups to assess sensory perception, vascular health, and skin integrity is important. Identifying warning signs such as changes in skin colour, temperature, or the presence of calluses enables timely intervention and reduces the risk of complications. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), prevalent in diabetic individuals, necessitates focused interventions...

Diabetes   (Basic Treatment) Today I will discuss basic treatment rather than the causes and types diabetes which I discussed in the past in the Westmeath Topic . I also discussed Ozempic earlier this year Diabetes treatment The aim of diabetes treatment is to do what your body once did automatically, which is to mimic the insulin pattern you had before diabetes and to keep blood sugar under control.   Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes There is no cure for type 1 diabetes but it can be kept under control. Type 1 diabetes is controlled by giving your body insulin. This...

Anti-depressants  Part 4   Suicidal feelings with SSRIs in younger people There is some evidence of increased suicidal thoughts (although not actual suicidal acts) and other side-effects in young people taking antidepressants. However, the National Institute for Clinical excellence in the UK has stated that Fluoxetine, an SSRI antidepressant, can be used in the under-18s. There is no clear evidence of an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts in adults of 18 years or over. Young adults are more likely to commit suicide than older adults, so a young adult should be particularly closely monitored if he or she...

Anti-depressants  Part 3   More on the newest antidepressant on the market   As vortioxetine is the newest antidepressant on the market (over 5 years ago), I am going to discuss it in a little more detail than other antidepressants.   Serotonin Modulator Serotonin Modulator is a relatively new class of anti-depressant used to describe the vortioxetine (Brintillex®) which is the only drug in this class. How is works is not fully clear but it is thought to act as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), agonist of the 5-HT1A receptor, and antagonist of the 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptors. It is indicated for major depressive illness and is generally reserved when other antidepressants...

Anti-depressants  Part 2   Side effects of antidepressants The most common side effects are as follows:   Tricyclics Tricyclics commonly cause dry mouth, a slight tremor, fast heartbeat, constipation, sleepiness, and weight gain. These effects are reduced if a low dose is given to start and the dose is then slowly increased. Other side effects which are more common in older people include confusion, inability to pass urine, and postural hypotension. They should be avoided in patients with heart conditions as they can cause irregular heartbeat. They can cause erective dysfunction and delayed ejaculation in men. Tricyclic antidepressants are dangerous...