Posts Tagged ‘Bloodstream’

What is Hemoglobin A1C, Anyway?

Comments: 0December 4th, 2011 by admin



If you have diabetes, then I am sure that you have had – or are about to have – a battery of blood tests. One of those tests is the A1C test that every diabetic is required to have. So what is it?

The A1C test measures the percent of glucose-containing red blood cell molecules in the bloodstream. Now, I realize that none of that makes sense until you understand what all of these words mean.

Hemoglobin A is a protein in red blood cells that is used to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When glucose molecules combine with hemoglobin A in the bloodstream, the hemoglobin A1C molecule is created. Following me? Good. Now here is the kicker: the more glucose in the bloodstream, the more hemoglobin A1C molecules are created. Right? Right. Now that we understand that part, we can go on to what the A1C test measures.

The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin A1C molecules that have formed in the bloodstream. If you have your A1C tested and the result is say, 5, then 5% of the hemoglobin A in the bloodstream has glucose stuck to it and has become hemoglobin A1C. Make sense? In other words, if your A1C is 5, then 5% of the hemoglobin in the bloodstream is hemoglobin A1C. For those of us with diabetes, it is suggested that we try and keep the A1C at or below 7 percent. It is also suggested by the American Diabetes Association that the A1C test be repeated every three months to check for consistency.

Understanding diabetes is tough. Hopefully, understanding the A1C is not.

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Posted in anemia

Anemia Part V – How to Prevent and Treat Anemia With Vitamins and Minerals

Comments: 0June 29th, 2010 by admin



It is hard to believe that America, a country with one of the highest standards of living in the world having over 20 million people with the disease of anemia caused by unhealthy diet, and nutritional deficiency with protein and fat intake 30% more than any other country in the world. Most people understand that anemia is caused by iron deficiency in the bloodstream but in reality anemia is characterized by deficiency in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells diminishing the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to our cells and to remove carbon dioxide. In this article, we will learn how to prevent and treat anemia with nutritional supplements.

1. Iron

Iron is essential for people with anemia. It aids the reproduction of red blood cells as well as improve the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the body’s cell, and removing carbon dioxide from our bloodstream. Since iron is hard to absorb, it is recommended to take the liquid form over the dry form and be sure to take with some vitamin C or most of the iron will be wasted because of poor intestinal absorption. If you are a nursing mother, be sure to check your blood for iron, otherwise iron deficiency will cause iron deficiency to the baby.

2. Copper and zinc

Copper and zinc may not be vital in treating people with anemia, but they are needed in helping our body to absorb iron. With out the balancing of iron, copper and zinc most of the iron’s effects will be wasted. Be sure to talk to your doctor for the right amount of iron, zinc and copper before taking any of the above metal. They are toxic if overdosed.

3 Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It plays an important role to the people with anemia by helping blood clot properly after an injury, which is vital for people with anemia caused by excessive blood loss such as women in childbirth and during menstruation.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to improve the immune system fighting against the invasion of bacteria and virus. Because of poor reproduction and circulation of blood for people with anemia, strengthening the immune system becomes vital. Vitamin C also helps to improve the absorption of iron otherwise most iron intake may be wasted.

5. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for people with pernicious anemia ( vitamin B12 deficiency anemia).
Vitamin b12 deficiency is mostly caused by inadequate absorption, poor diet and medication side effects resulting in large immature and dysfunctional red blood cells thereby decreasing the red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.

6. Folic acid

Folic acid is in the B vitamin family. It is necessary for the formation and maturation of red blood cells. Folic acid deficiency is caused mostly by poor diet, inadequate body absorption and for people eating only cook foods, resulting in less red blood cell count in the bloodstream or folic acid deficiency anemia.

I hope this information will help, if you need more information of the above subject please follow my series of the above subject at my home page at:

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Posted in anemia

Cancer of the Ovary and HE4 – A Promising Screening Test

Comments: 0June 15th, 2010 by admin



Four years ago, Seattle researchers identified a protein, known as Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4), as being highly effective in distinguishing cancer of the ovary from benign ovarian masses and cysts. Since then additional studies have supported these initial findings, including one just published in the December 2007 edition of the journal Gynecologic Oncology.

The only commercially available test to date, that also detects proteins elaborated by ovarian cancer, is CA-125. It is most useful for following patients with known ovarian cancer, to assess how well patients are responding to treatment and to detect recurrence after treatment. The problem with CA125 as a screening test is that is it very often elevated in the presence of normal ovaries or benign ovarian cysts and tumors. In addition, CA125 is not elevated very often in early cancer of the ovary, when it is still highly curable. These two issues, render it almost useless for screening.

Just like CA125, HE4 protein breaks free from ovarian cancer cells and finds itself into the bloodstream where it can be detected. The HE4 test, which is patented by Japanese based Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc., is inching closer to FDA approval. Because expression of HE4 by normal ovarian tissue or benign ovarian masses is very low, it has far better potential as a screening test than CA125.

The latest study, headed by Dr. RG Moore, showed that HE4 was the single best marker for Stage I, or early, cancer of the ovary. An additional finding in the study was that combining HE4 and CA125 was better. Statistical analysis showed that this combination had a 76.4% sensitivity and 95% specificity, making the combination more accurate than either test alone.

HE4 is not the only bio-marker that is being investigated as an ovarian cancer screening tool. More than 30 others have been evaluated alone and in combination with CA125 by different investigators. Some of the most promising include: mesothelin, M-CSF, osteopontin, kallikrein(s), and soluble EGF receptor. Keep an eye out for all of these in upcoming breaking news. It is highly likely that we will have an effective screening tool combination for the ovarian cancer, widely known as the “silent killer”, within the next two to three years.

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Posted in cancer

Cocaine – Death On The Loose

Comments: 0June 9th, 2010 by admin



When it comes to addictive drugs that are often abused, cocaine leads the way as one of the most powerful illegal substances on the street. Many who have dabbled in the use of cocaine (even if only for one time), the chances of becoming hooked are quite high. One can never truly control their body’s need for the drug once it has undergone an experience. Numerous individuals will continue to use cocaine, eventually developing an addiction that wreaks havoc on their social and personal lives, as well as job performance, emotions, and health.

Cocaine is often sniffed, snorted, injected, or smoked (which involves the use of crack cocaine or free-base). Snorting cocaine powder through the nose allows the drug to enter the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. The use of a needle releases the drug straight into the bloodstream, while smoking sends cocaine vapors into the bloodstream through the lungs. Injecting and smoking quickly intensifies the effects of cocaine because it makes contact with the bloodstream faster than other methods of use.

Effects of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine users often suffer from the effects of the drug throughout their central nervous system. Peripheral blood vessels become constricted, pupils dilate, and an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature may arise. Some users may succumb to periods of anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. In the worst cases, cocaine users may experience sudden death at first use, but at any time, the threat of unexpected death may occur. High doses of cocaine or constant use may also lead to paranoia, aggressive tendencies, nasal damage (when snorting), seizures, or cardiac arrest.

Getting Help for Cocaine Addiction

Since cocaine use is a dire problem in today’s society, there are many different resources that help people overcome their addiction. A wide range of treatment programs and opportunities are available for cocaine addicts, including both inpatient and outpatient techniques. Self-help groups are a popular way that cocaine addicts cope with leaving their drug of choice behind.

Many of these associations work from a 10- or 12-step model that aims to prevent a relapse, as well as help individuals stay on track. Medication, counseling, and additional meetings also help break the cycle of drug addiction. To find a self-help group, a wealth of outlets can guide one in the right direction, such as doctors, counselors, the phone book, library, and across the Internet.

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Posted in Alcohol

Lack of Vitamin B12 May Cause Pernicious Anemia

Comments: 0January 1st, 2010 by admin



When one lacks vitamin B12 in the body, this can result in a
condition known as pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia can be
detected by a blood test due to the presence of huge immature red
blood cells in one’s blood. Such blood cells show inefficiency at
carrying oxygen.

Pernicious anemia can be triggered by a dearth of food in one’s
diet that has vitamin B12. Or another cause could be a lack of
intrinsic factor in one’s stomach. Those who are at risk for this
condition are vegans.

One treatment for pernicious anemia is consuming large amounts of
folacin to assist red blood cells in growing to the right shape
and size. Still, even the right amounts of folacin will not repair
any nerve damage attributed to vitamin B 12 deficiency. The most
severe effects of Vitamin B12 deficiency are irreversible nerve
and brain damage.

In reality it will take up to 5 years for the condition to develop,
depending on the amount of B12 still stored in one’s body. This in
turn is dependent on how much food with vitamin B12 you actually
consume. Animal products supply the largest amounts of vitamin B12
since this nutrient is not really found in vegetables. (This
explains why vegans are at risk for the disease.)

For one to absorb the vitamin into the body, intrinsic factor is
required in the person’s stomach. This factor is actually a
protein produced in the human stomach. However, if a person’s
stomach has been partially or wholly removed, then the capacity to
produce intrinsic factor is lessened or totally eliminated.

Without intrinsic factor, a person can still end up with vitamin
B12 deficiency even if he were to constantly consume foods
abundant in vitamin B 12. Should one’s stomach be removed through
surgery, he can receive vitamin B12 shots that must be
administered for life at intervals of every three weeks. By
injecting the vitamin into the bloodstream, it is guaranteed that
it will circulate in the person’s system even without the
intrinsic factor.

It is remarkable enough to note that a pound of calves liver per
day has enough vitamin B12 that even those who don’t have the
intrinsic factor will be able to absorb the right amounts of the
vitamin to avoid pernicious anemia.

Among other things, the deficiency is caused by: fish tape worm;
Crohn’s disease, abdominal or intestinal surgery that may hamper
the production or absorption of intrinsic factor; and chronic
alcoholism.

The importance of a well-balanced diet that incorporates animal
products cannot be overstressed for preventing the condition.
(Vegans, since they are at risk, should consult a good dietician to
avoid developing pernicious anemia.)

Spotting the condition early on and quickly treating it may reduce
its severity while forestalling neurologic complications. The
impact on the central nervous system could become irreversible
should treatment not be started within 6 months from when symptoms
are first detected. Furthermore, Vitamin B12 deficiency may
trigger a false-positive Pap smear due to the condition’s effect
on epithelial cells.

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Posted in anemia

Diabetes And Cinnamon – Can Cinnamon Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Comments: 0November 17th, 2009 by admin



Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is characterized by excess amounts of glucose in the bloodstream. It is classified into type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder where the body destroys pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for reducing the glucose level in blood. Type 2 is a development from the bodies resistance to insulin. This means that the body cannot use the insulin it produces to reduce glucose levels to an acceptable level.

Type I cannot produce insulin; type 2 cannot get enough insulin even though the body still produces it.

Recent studies have suggested that cinnamon has had positive affects on reducing the blood sugar levels. This could be seen as good news for people with type 2 diabetes as it could effectively minimize their need for medication but is cinnamon all that it’s cracked up to be. This article will shed more light on the studies.

The study, published by the diabetic care journal in 2003 was conducted at the university of Peshawar, Pakistan. 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes took part in the experiment for a period of 60 days. During this time each subject ingested cinnamon cassia, as opposed to true cinnamon, mixed with wheat flour. The mixture was taken in varying concentrations in capsule form.

During the experiment the subjects levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides reduced in proportion to the amount of cinnamon ingested. The placebo cases showed no signs of change.

The conclusion of the experiment was that cinnamon taken as a part of the regular diet could benefit people with type 2 diabetes to keep blood sugar levels lower. It could also benefit the general population and minimize their risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Of course, more study is needed and exactly how cinnamon does this is still unknown. The conclusion in no way suggests that cinnamon can be used as an alternative to prescribed medication, but as another part of a healthy eating regime and regular exercise.

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Posted in Diabetes

Decisions Upon Leukemia Treatment

Comments: 0March 23rd, 2009 by admin



Very often persons without any disease symptoms whatsoever are diagnosed with chronic myeloid Leukemia during a routine blood testing. Unlike the acute forms of Leukemia, the chronic form develops an increased number of white blood cells which can still work normally in spite of their high rate of division. This aspect is responsible of the mild onset of the disease but the negative impact is due to the impossible stopping of the white cell production.

The most effective treatment in these cases is a bone marrow transplant that still implicates risks that make it inaccessible to many of the Leukemia patients. A series of other different therapy methods are available that mostly implicate high challenges in deciding upon the right one.

The increased production of immunity white blood cells is caused by an abnormal chromosome called Philadelphia that allows the bone marrow to produce irregular cells with a very rapid multiplication rate inside the bloodstream. Most of the chronic myeloid patients are taken by surprise by diagnose as they have no clinical manifestations.

The actual development of the disease is mostly unknown but physicians usually use the number of white blood cells to predict the further course of the Leukemia; a further identification of abnormal cells inside the bone marrow has a negative prognosis. Another important clinical sign is the increase of some organ’s size (especially spleen) due to an accumulation of white cells inside their tissues.

The most efficient treatment is the injection of healthy cells from a compatible donor inside the bone marrow. It has the highest chances of curing the patients but also the most many side-effects. The second therapy method is the targeted therapy with Gleevec but its curative potential is not yet well established as it has been available only since 2001. A treatment way with benefic results until this time is the immune sustaining Interferon. Other possible cures are in course of development but are not yet approved.

Patients requesting a treatment for Leukemia always expect to be cured after the therapy. The most efficient treatment is the bone marrow transplant with also the most high risks and side-effects. Other possible cures are still in process of experimentation and their capacity to provide a definitive cure is unknown. A series of years are required to determine their exact benefit.

A patient choosing to undergo a bone marrow transplant must be matched with an available donor and take a cure with immuno depressives who may cause a series of infections due to the decreased capacity of defense of the organism. A patient must be well informed about the risk and the cure statistics before choosing to suffer a transplant. This therapy is the most appropriate for young patients but is not recommended for elder persons with other pathological conditions.

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Posted in leukimia