Archives for March 2020

What Causes Migraines?

Migraines affect 39 million Americans and a billion people worldwide every year. They can occur with or without warning signs, and for many people, they manifest suddenly. They are characterized by severe pain in the head that often requires you to drop whatever activity you are doing.

While you may experience sensory disturbances before a migraine comes, for many, it can come out of nowhere. Fortunately, you can avoid a migraine if you’re able to manage or steer clear of your triggers.

Here are some common causes of migraines.

Hormonal Changes

More women get migraines than men. Upon reaching adolescence, many women experience migraines due to hormonal changes happening in their bodies. Migraines usually occur during or before a menstrual period or during menopause or pregnancy. Changes in estrogen levels can trigger a migraine for many women.

Likewise, medications that cause hormonal changes, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies, can also cause migraines.

Sensory Stimuli

There are many sensory triggers that can cause migraines. Flickering screens, bright lights, such as flashlights and the sun, and loud noises are some examples. Secondhand smoke and strong smells emanating from perfume, cigarettes, and paint thinners, among others, can also set off migraines for a lot of people.

Stress

Physical, emotional, and mental stress can set off a migraine. Physical stress may include strenuous exercise and sexual activities. Work and home life conflicts are also common causes of stress. All of these issues can serve as migraine triggers. Similarly, anxiety, depression, excitement, and shock can also be triggers.

Changes in Sleep Cycle

Jet lag, too much sleep, or a lack of sleep can all trigger migraines. If this is a trigger for you, being on a consistent sleep schedule that ensures you get just enough sleep can help prevent migraines.

Dietary Triggers

Not watching what you eat may also give you migraines. Eating processed foods with additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame is linked to migraine attacks. Salty and aged foods, such as cheese and salami, can give you migraines, as well.

While coffee and alcohol can be comfort drinks, they are linked to migraines. Consume these drinks in moderation. Aside from avoiding certain dietary triggers, remember to stay hydrated and eat regularly. Dehydration and skipping meals are also triggers for many.

Weather Changes

Frequent changes in weather are likely to affect your body temperature. Temperature changes cause migraine attacks for many people.

Genetics

Family history also contributes to your risk of developing migraines. For example, if one of your parents frequently experiences migraines, you may be at a higher risk of getting them – however, your triggers may be different than theirs.

Migraine Treatment In Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida

If your migraines prevent you from enjoying life, consult with a family medicine provider for treatment options. At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida, our family medicine providers can help figure out your triggers and provide treatment options for much needed relief.

Visit us today and see how we can help get rid of your migraines. To make an appointment, please call (561) 434-1935, or you may request an appointment online.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

There are a number of different types of diabetes, but two of the most common are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The complications of diabetes, regardless of the type, can be serious if the disease is ignored and left untreated.

Many people have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes without any knowledge that they have the disease. The high levels of glucose in the bloodstream can negatively impact circulation, which can thereby impact the nerves and lead to diabetic neuropathy.

Causes of diabetes are still unknown, although we do know how to treat it once it is discovered. Let’s talk about type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and what you can do about each of them.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

This type of diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, so it is also referred to as juvenile diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes do not naturally produce insulin, or they produce very little insulin, which is the hormone the pancreas produces to convert sugar (glucose) into energy. Insulin is also needed by the body to store glucose for future use, thereby regulating your blood sugar levels.

Ongoing insulin therapy is imperative to maintaining the good health of someone with type 1 diabetes. With insufficient levels of insulin in your body, you can experience dangerously low energy levels and high blood sugar levels.

This condition requires close monitoring of blood sugar levels and regular insulin shots. In the case of type 1 diabetes, most patients are born with it and cannot prevent or cure it.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Much more common than type 1 diabetes is type 2 diabetes. The causes are usually poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Smoking has also been shown to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Having someone in your immediate family (parent, sibling, child) with type 2 diabetes increases your risk of developing it. This is the type of diabetes that people are often unaware of until the symptoms become more apparent and complications occur; however, almost everyone with type 2 diabetes had prediabetes first, so regular checkups by your family medicine provider will detect it before it becomes an issue.

With type 2 diabetes, either the diabetic’s body does make insulin but there is a problem with the absorption of glucose by the cells (insulin resistance), or the body does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is often an adult-onset disease, but more and more children are now being diagnosed with it due to high obesity incidence among children.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Regardless of whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can include:

  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very hungry
  • Urinating frequently
  • Losing weight for no apparent reason
  • Having blurry vision
  • Feeling extremely tired

Treatment for Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves regular insulin injections as necessary to maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, treatment for type 2 diabetes typically involves making lifestyle changes, such as exercising and dietary changes. Medication and diabetic foot care is also part of the treatment to avoid limb loss.

Advances in technology and research have greatly extended the average lifespan of patients with diabetes. Today, both of these two types are manageable diseases, and you can live a normal and active life.

Diabetes Management in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

Our board-certified internal medicine family medicine providers here at Advanced Medical specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic medical conditions, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We will help you manage your symptoms and prevent complications so that you can enjoy life.

To schedule a consultation, call Advanced Medical today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!