DISEASES

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria, typically affecting the lungs. It's a significant global health concern, despite being preventable and curable. TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Close contact with an infected individual increases the risk of transmission.

Types of TB

1. Pulmonary TB: The most common form, affecting the lungs.
2. Extrapulmonary TB: Affects other organs like the lymph nodes, brain, or bones.
3. Latent TB infection (LTBI): Individuals have the bacteria but don't show symptoms and cannot transmit it to others.
4. Active TB: Individuals show symptoms and can spread the infection.

Symptoms: Persistent cough, often producing sputum (phlegm), Fever, Night sweats, Weight loss, Fatigue and Chest pain. 

Diagnosis: Sputum smear microscopy, Chest X-ray, Tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and Molecular tests for rapid diagnosis. 

Treatment: Requires a long-term course (6-9 months) of multiple antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and treatment adherence is crucial to prevent drug resistance and transmission.

Prevention

1. BCG vaccine: Offers partial protection in childhood.
2. Early detection and treatment of active TB cases.
3. Good ventilation in homes and public spaces.
4. Addressing social determinants of health that contribute to TB risk, like poverty and malnutrition.

Global Burden: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.3 million people died of TB in 2022, making it the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19. Over 10 million new TB cases were reported globally in 2022.

Challenges

• Drug resistance, particularly multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB), poses a major challenge.
• Limited access to healthcare and diagnostic tools in some parts of the world.
• Social stigma associated with TB can hinder diagnosis and treatment.

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It affects how your body uses insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: The body produces little or no insulin. This type usually affects children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy.
• Type 2 diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it. This type is more common and often develops in adults, although it can also occur in children and adolescents.
• Gestational diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact causes of different types of diabetes vary, several factors contribute to their development:

• Genetics: Family history plays a role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Lifestyle factors: Overweight, obesity, and lack of physical activity are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
• Environmental factors: Certain viruses and exposure to chemicals may contribute to type 1 diabetes risk.

Symptoms: Early symptoms of diabetes can be mild and easily overlooked. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. Common symptoms include: Increased thirst and urination, Unintended weight loss, Fatigue, Blurred vision, Slow-healing wounds and Frequent infections. 

Diagnosis: Diagnosing diabetes involves blood tests to measure blood sugar levels. Different tests are used for different types and situations.

Treatment and Management: While there's no cure for diabetes, it can be effectively managed through a combination of approaches:

• Medications: Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, different medications like insulin, oral medications, or injectable medications may be used.
• Healthy diet: Choosing nutritious foods, controlling portions, and limiting sugary drinks are crucial for managing blood sugar.
• Physical activity: Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve diabetes management.
• Blood sugar monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar levels helps track progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Complications: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various health complications, including Heart disease and stroke, Nerve damage (neuropathy), Kidney damage (nephropathy), Eye damage (retinopathy) and Foot problems. 

Prevention: While some risk factors for diabetes are beyond our control, lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Living with Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic condition, but with proper management and support, it doesn't have to limit your life. There are many resources available to help you live a healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes.

Management of diabetes aims to maintain blood glucose levels within target ranges, prevent complications, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with the condition. A comprehensive approach, involving lifestyle modifications, medication management, and ongoing support, is crucial in the effective management of diabetes mellitus.