HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · APRIL 2018 drinking can ’ t kill brain cells as previously believed , but it does damage the dendrites . These are the branch-like ends of the brain cells . They are key components in passing messages from one neuron to another . Any degradation of the dendrites may cause significant cognitive impairment .
The research also suggests that any dendrite damage may be reverse with specific , targeted therapies and training , but there are no guarantees that those treatments will work in every case . Differing levels have damage can result in different outcomes .
FIVE NEW TYPES OF DIABETES Could Mean Targeted Treatment for Thousands of Patients
For decades , diabetes has been classified as either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes , but recently Swedish researchers have identified five distinct types of the disease and offers the possibility of targeted treatments for patients . Some of these five types can be more dangerous than the types of diabetes we ’ ve long known about . The study dug deeper to look for specific characteristics .
Together , researchers have created a new classification system to help medical professionals identify those who would be at most risk for complications and may one day allow medical professionals to treat patients on a more personalized scale with much more effective treatments .
From the researchers ’ analysis , they were able to identify five distinct clusters of diabetes that have distinct characteristics . SIRD , Severe Insulin- Resistant Diabetes , involved the highest levels of insulin resistance and offered the highest risk of diabetic kidney disease . MOD , Mild Obesity- Related Diabetes , is the most benign of the new classifications of diabetes . MARD , Mild Age-Related Diabetes , is another benign form of diabetes . SIDD , Severe Insulin-Deficient Diabetes solely effects young adults with poor metabolic control . Finally , Severe Autoimmune Diabetes overlaps with what we currently know as Type 1 Diabetes .
What these new classifications tell us is that it is possible to help identify those people at higher risk of complication and will give doctors a better guide for their treatment choice for their patients , especially for those suffering from the most severe forms of this disease – SIDD , Severe Insulin Deficient Diabetes , and SIRD , Severe Insulin-Resistant Diabetes . The risk of kidney complications is substantially increased with SIRD . With SIDD , the risk of diabetic retinopathy is higher . With this new-found knowledge , doctors could target individuals who fall into these categories and intensify their treatment regimes . In addition to those who meet the criteria for these classifications , a new classification system could benefit those who ’ ve suffered with diabetes 1 or 2 for many years . It would allow doctors to specifically target certain segments of their disease and could give them a clearer path forward .
This new classification system promotes the combination of different measurements to form a much more specific diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan by going beyond the simple glucose levels and looking at other factors . It is a precision oriented finding that could have lasting results for thousands of people around the world . In their opinion , this new system could represent a bold , new step in identifying and managing this deadly disease . The potential benefits for patients could be life-changing for patients worldwide .
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN DRINKING HEAVILY AND BRAIN HEALTH ( ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH ): For years , research scientists and the medical community have known that there are negative long-term effects of heavy alcohol consumption , but until recently , they ’ d not yet studied with overconsumption of alcohol does to the brain long-term . Recent studies have pointed to significant brain damage as a result of heavy alcohol consumption . They ’ ve found that heavy
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is another brain disorder that alcoholics could suffer from . In this condition , memory impairment , significant confusion , eye paralysis , and decreasing levels of muscle coordination significantly lessens the quality of life for those affected . In contrast to the previously discussed condition , this syndrome does not lead to brain cell death because it isn ’ t the result of the alcohol specifically . It occurs due to a thiamine deficiency .
Thiamine , an important B vitamin , is crucial to neuron health . Consuming large quantities of alcohol leads to a thiamine deficiency by disrupting the body ’ s ability to absorb it . Alcoholics tend to drink more of their calories , thus , making them malnourished . That malnourishment adds to the depletion of thiamine reserves in the body .
For years , we ’ ve been led to believe that brain cells are destroyed with high alcohol consumption . That ’ s a myth . There ’ s no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption kills brain cells or damages them in any way . In order to actually kill brain cells , one would have to consume a fatal amount of alcohol , thus , killing themselves in the process . While it ’ s now noted that there can be significant brain damage , none of the current evidence points to any actual brain cell damage . However , as noted previously , there is a strong correlation between consuming large quantities of alcohol and major impairments . There is also strong evidence that heavy consumption of alcohol leads to a vast array of social and socioeconomic problems .
As with any potential harmful substance , there are risks that need to be considered . Follow the healthcare guidelines to avoid these complications . If you believe you might have an alcohol problem , seek help before it ’ s too late . Much of the damage done as a result of heavy drinking cannot be reversed . Be proactive in your healthcare and seek help when needed . Rampant alcohol consumption may be seen as a harmless norm , but healthcare professionals and those struck with significant impairments know all too well just how life-altering the seemingly harmless substance can be . For more information about alcohol and how it can affect you , seek counsel from your healthcare provider and get the answers and resources you need to live a long , full life .
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