If you’re expecting and your due date falls during the summer or early fall in Abu Dhabi, taking care of your well-being can be a challenge, especially in the hot temperatures. Dr. Mrudhula Peta, a renowned gynecology specialist at LLH Hospital Musaffah, understands the unique needs of pregnant women in Abu Dhabi and shares valuable tips to ensure a safe and comfortable summer pregnancy experience.

How Does Summer Heat Affect Pregnancy in Abu Dhabi?

When the summer heat soars in Abu Dhabi, it’s crucial to be aware of how it can impact your pregnancy. Dr. Mrudhula Peta emphasizes that maintaining a normal body temperature is vital for pregnant women. When a pregnant woman’s body temperature exceeds 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, she faces a higher risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Additionally, inadequate fluid intake can lead to Braxton Hicks contractions (uterine tightening) and fainting spells, posing potential complications to the unborn baby.

Can Hot Weather Affect the Unborn Baby?

In Abu Dhabi’s summer months, pregnant women need to be cautious as the hot weather can pose risks to the unborn baby. Dr. Mrudhula Peta highlights two significant concerns:

1. Dehydration: Staying hydrated is crucial to avoid dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, which can harm both the mother and the baby. During the late second and early third trimesters, a fall resulting from dehydration can lead to amniotic fluid loss. Moreover, dehydration triggers the production of vasopressin, which can cause “false” uterine contractions known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Remaining dehydrated during contractions can reduce blood volume and blood pressure, potentially leading to preterm labor.
2. Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia refers to abnormally high body temperature levels. Early pregnancy hyperthermia can increase the risk of congenital issues in the unborn child, particularly neural tube defects like spina bifida. It’s important to note that this risk is primarily limited to the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Beyond that period, spikes in body temperature are unlikely to cause congenital concerns.

Achieving a Safe and Comfortable Summer Pregnancy in Abu Dhabi: 

To optimize your summer pregnancy experience in Abu Dhabi, Our maternity doctors’ recommends the following tips:

1. Take a Swim: Cooling off in the cool water is an excellent way to beat the summer heat and reduce pressure on your feet. Swimming is not only refreshing but also a low-impact exercise option.
2. Wear Light and Breezy Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics in light colors. This helps you stay comfortable by reflecting the sun’s rays and combating the humidity and heat.
3. Stay Out of Direct Sunlight: Avoid going outside during the peak hours of a sunny day, as pregnant women are more susceptible to sunburn. If necessary, protect yourself from harsh UV rays by wearing a hat, sunglasses, using a parasol, and applying sunscreen with SPF 30 to 45, especially if you have fair skin.
4. Exercise with Caution: Choose your exercise routine wisely and be mindful of the timing and location. Engage in physical activity during cooler hours, such as early morning or sunset, to avoid the intense heat. Consider indoor exercises in air-conditioned environments, such as joining a pregnancy program at the gym or suitable indoor classes. Swimming is an ideal choice as it provides a low-resistance-high-impact workout while keeping you cool.
5. Stay Hydrated: Rehydrate regularly by drinking eight ounces of fluids (water or electrolyte replacement) per hour spent outside on a hot summer’s day. If you experience fatigue, dizziness, weakness, or excessive thirst, seek shelter indoors immediately, lie down, and drink a cool beverage to lower your body temperature. If symptoms persist, it’s essential to consult Dr. Mrudhula Peta promptly.
6. Mist Yourself with Water: Carrying a spray bottle filled with water allows you to periodically spritz yourself and stay cool during your time outdoors in Abu Dhabi.
7. Elevate Your Feet: Spend some time each day elevating your feet above heart level to reduce swelling, particularly in the legs, which can be exacerbated by the summer heat.
8. Eat Nutritious Foods: Proper nutrition is crucial during pregnancy, especially in hot weather. Ensure you consume protein-rich foods and healthy fats like avocados and oils to support your health as you endure the sweltering sun.
9. Avoid Spoiling Foods: If you’re carrying food outdoors, be mindful of items that can spoil quickly under the summer sun. Ensure you select foods that are safe and won’t pose any risks to your well-being.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can enhance your chances of having a smooth and enjoyable summer pregnancy in Abu Dhabi. Trust Dr. Mrudhula Peta’s expertise as a gynecology specialist at LLH Hospital Musaffah to guide you through this special journey.

Abu Dhabi: In the face of chronic illness, hope can dwindle, and the prospect of a normal life can seem distant. However, for a 41-year-old Filipino man, his journey took a dramatic turn when he sought medical care at LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi. Under the expertise of Dr. Nikhil Gupta, Specialist Gastroenterology, and the dedicated medical team, this patient’s harrowing battle against a liver abscess was finally won.

The Struggle Begins:

The man had endured over a month of suffering, plagued by a series of misdiagnoses ranging from flu to bronchitis. Multiple treatments had failed to alleviate his condition, and his health deteriorated. Little did he know that the underlying cause of his afflictions was a 15cm liver abscess, filled with pus, disrupting the proper functioning of this vital organ. Complicating matters further, he had recently been diagnosed with uncontrolled diabetes, obscuring the clear manifestation of symptoms.

A Ray of Hope:

When the patient arrived at LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi, Dr. Nikhil Gupta wasted no time in assessing the severity of the situation. Extensive tests, analysis, and diagnosis revealed the underlying link between uncontrolled diabetes and the development of the liver abscess. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the doctor promptly admitted the patient for immediate treatment.

A Miracle Unfolds:

The medical team, led by Dr. Nikhil Gupta and Dr. Harminder Singh, Specialist Internal Medicine, approached the case with unwavering dedication. On the first day, a tube was inserted into the liver, extracting a remarkable 900ml of pus, a rarity in such cases. The following day, an additional 150ml of pus was drained. With a comprehensive treatment plan in place, including antibiotic regimens and meticulous care, the patient showed steady improvement over the course of four days.

A Moment of Triumph:

On the fourth day, while conducting his rounds, Dr. Nikhil Gupta encountered a poignant sight. The patient, overcome with tears of joy and gratitude, expressed his heartfelt appreciation, stating, “I never thought I would regain my health, and you came as a savior to me. Thank you.” After nearly a month of suffering, he once again felt the warmth of vitality and hope coursing through his veins.

The Road to Recovery:

Following seven days of intensive medical care, the patient was finally discharged. During his stay, a staggering 1200ml of pus was drained from his liver, relieving him from the burden of the liver abscess. Furthermore, through the efforts of Dr. Harminder Singh and his team, the patient’s diabetes was effectively brought under control.

A New Lease on Life:

Today, the Filipino man stands as a testament to the unwavering determination of medical professionals and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the expertise and dedication of Dr. Nikhil Gupta, Dr. Harminder Singh, and the entire medical team at LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi, he has triumphed over a life-threatening liver abscess. With his health restored and diabetes under control, he can embrace a future full of promise and joy.

Conclusion:

The case of this Filipino man underscores the invaluable role played by compassionate and skilled medical professionals in transforming lives. The story of his recovery serves as a beacon of hope for those facing daunting medical challenges. LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi stands as a testament to the transformative power of medical expertise, reminding us that miracles can happen even in the most trying circumstances.

Hypertension:

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a global health concern affecting a significant portion of the adult population. This blog aims to provide an overview of essential hypertension, including its symptoms, causes, complications, and available treatments.

Prevalence and Awareness:

• It is estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 worldwide have hypertension, with two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income countries.
• Surprisingly, around 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition.
• Only 42% of adults diagnosed with hypertension receive appropriate treatment.
• Alarmingly, just 21% of individuals with hypertension have their blood pressure under control.

Overview of Hypertension:

Hypertension is defined as having blood pressure levels equal to or higher than 140/90 mmHg. Although it is a common condition, it can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Notably, individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms, emphasizing the importance of regular blood pressure check-ups.

Risk Factors of Hypertension:

Several factors contribute to an increased risk of developing hypertension, including:

• Advancing age
• Genetic predisposition
• Overweight or obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive salt consumption
• Heavy alcohol consumption

Symptoms of Hypertension:

Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature. However, extremely high blood pressure levels can manifest symptoms such as severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and blurred vision. Immediate medical attention is necessary for individuals experiencing these symptoms alongside high blood pressure readings.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Hypertension is diagnosed when repeated blood

pressure measurements show systolic readings ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic readings ≥90 mmHg. The primary focus of treatment involves lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication. Recommendations for managing hypertension include:

• Adopting a healthy, low-salt diet
• Weight reduction for overweight individuals
• Regular physical activity
• Smoking cessation
• Medication, if prescribed by a healthcare professional

Prevention:

Prevention plays a vital role in managing hypertension. Incorporating the following lifestyle changes can help prevent and control high blood pressure:

Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables

• Engaging in regular physical activity, both aerobic and strength-building exercises
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Complying with prescribed medication
• Attending scheduled medical appointments

Complications:

Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious complications, including:

• Damage to the heart, potentially causing chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythm.
• Increased risk of stroke due to arterial blockage or rupture in the brain.
• Kidney damage, potentially leading to kidney failure.

Conclusion:

Essential hypertension poses a significant health risk worldwide, with a substantial number of individuals remaining undiagnosed and untreated. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and complications associated with hypertension is crucial for effective management. By implementing lifestyle changes, seeking timely medical attention, and adhering to prescribed treatments, individuals can reduce the impact of hypertension on their overall health and well-being.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of Blindness in the working age group population worldwide. The prevalence of diabetes is rising with increasing industrialization and globalization along with sedentary lifestyles. Consequently, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy is also expected to increase especially with increased life expectancies. The duration of Diabetes is the major risk factor in the development of retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is the ocular manifestation of end-organ damage in Diabetes. Retinal neurodegeneration followed by microvascular abnormalities result in retinal damage. 

Only about 60% of people with diabetes are screened annually for diabetic retinopathy. There needs to be a lot more referrals to the Ophthalmologists for retinal screening.

People with type 1 diabetes should have annual screenings for diabetic retinopathy beginning 5 years after the onset of their disease, whereas those with type 2 diabetes should have a prompt screening at the time of diagnosis and mandatory yearly screenings thereafter. A dilated retinal examination along with retinal fundus photography for documentation is recommended. Patients with manifested diabetic retinopathy are monitored more frequently as required.

Women with diabetes who become pregnant should be monitored closely during their pregnancies because the disease can progress rapidly. However, an eye examination is not required when gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. 

Maintaining blood sugar, blood pressure and serum lipid levels lowers the risk of retinopathy developing and/or progressing, so patients must be informed of the importance of maintaining good levels of glycosylated haemoglobin along with normal blood pressure and blood lipid levels. It is also vital to educate patients that during early stages of the disease, the vision remains normal. It is only during the moderate and late stages of the disease that visual impairment occurs.

Management options for diabetic retinopathy includes following a healthy diet and lifestyle, medical management, timely ophthalmic evaluation, and treatment under the care of an ophthalmologist. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections are effective in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema. Laser pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) remains the mainstay treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Late stages may require vitreous surgery along with retinal endo laser at the time of surgery.

Early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy plays a pivotal role in optimizing treatment outcomes and preventing visual impairment or loss.

Discover crucial insights about diabetic retinopathy, a prevalent eye disease among individuals with diabetes, and a significant cause of blindness in adults. LLH Hospital’s ophthalmology specialists provide comprehensive information to help you understand and tackle this condition effectively. Stay informed and take control of your eye health with LLH Hospital’s expert guidance on diabetic retinopathy.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which can cause serious health problems if left untreated. It can be caused by genetics, environmental triggers, and autoimmune disorders. The condition usually begins in childhood or young adulthood and may last throughout your life. To control blood sugar levels, you must take insulin injections regularly and carefully manage your diet.  

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes? 

It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.  

When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose (a type of sugar), which enters your bloodstream and raises blood sugar levels.  

However, if you have the condition, your body cannot make enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. 

The cause is unknown. It appears that some combination of genetics and environmental factors (such as viruses) triggers the disease. 

What are the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes? 

In the early stages, symptoms may not be noticeable, but they can include the following: 

• Increased hunger and thirst 
• Urination frequency 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Blurred vision 
• Irritability or mood swings 
• Frequent infections 

What are the Risk Factors? 

The most common risk factors include: 

Age – Children under the age of 10 are at greater risk for developing the condition because their bodies haven’t yet fully developed the ability to produce insulin. 

Family History – If your family has a history of type 1 diabetes, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. 

Genetics – If you have certain genetic markers for type 1 diabetes, you may be at higher risk of developing it than someone without those markers. 

What are the Treatments Available? 

It is a lifelong condition affecting how your body metabolizes glucose and produces insulin.  

The goal of the treatment is to manage your blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, as well as regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels and administering insulin shots. 

The most important aspect of treating Type 1 Diabetes is maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. A healthy diet can help you regulate your blood sugar levels, while exercise gives you more energy to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

It is an autoimmune disease that results in the body’s immune system attacking the cells that produce insulin. The team of board-certified physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals at LLH Hospital, Abu Dhabi, specializing in the treatment of type 1 diabetes and will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs, 

Diabetes is a serious, life-threatening illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s important to protect yourself against it by staying healthy. Here are nine tips for protecting yourself against diabetes: 

Know the Warning Signs 

The first step to protecting yourself against diabetes is knowing the warning signs. It’s important to understand what symptoms you should be on the lookout for so that you can catch any problems early and get treatment before they become too serious. The symptoms include: 

• Excessive thirst 
• Frequent urination 
• Increased hunger 
• Blurred vision 

Get Screened Early and Often  

It is a serious disease, and early diagnosis can help you control your health. If you’re at risk for developing diabetes, get screened early and often. 

The first step in preventing the condition is getting regularly screened for the disease. The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults between the ages of 45 and 65 get tested at least every three years, while adults older than 65 should be tested annually. 

If you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, increased thirst, or unexplained weight loss, talk to your doctor about additional testing options. 

Control Your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Weight 

High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obesity are all risk factors for diabetes. As such, they should be monitored closely—especially if they run in your family.  

If you have any of these risk factors, make sure to see your doctor regularly for check-ups.  

This will help ensure that your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight stay within healthy ranges to reduce your chances of developing diabetes later on down the line. 

Be Active 

Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. The more active you are, the lower your risk of developing diabetes. 

Start by adding more activity into your daily routine whenever possible, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to the store instead of driving. Gradually increase your activity level until you get at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate physical activity per week. 

Exercise can also help you manage blood glucose levels if you have diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels after eating, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing insulin resistance. 

Make Healthy Food Choices  

Eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Here are some tips for making healthy food choices: 

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. 
• Choose whole grains instead of refined grains. 
• Limit added sugars and sodium (salt). 
• Eat less than six ounces of red meat per week, and avoid processed meats completely. 

Get Plenty of Sleep 

According to a study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, people who sleep less than six hours per night are more likely to develop pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. And if you already have diabetes, getting enough sleep can help you manage it better. 

The reason is that sleep deprivation causes your body to produce more cortisol and insulin, which can lead to insulin resistance and cause high blood sugar levels. When you get enough sleep, your body can produce more insulin, lowering blood sugar levels and helping protect against diabetes. 

Stay Hydrated 

One of the first tips to help prevent it is to stay hydrated. The kidneys play an important role in regulating glucose metabolism, and water consumption help with their function. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t function as well because it’s unable to process blood sugar properly. Drinking eight glasses of water daily is important for overall health, but it’s especially beneficial for diabetics. 

Quit Smoking and Alcohol 

In the fight against diabetes, smoking and alcohol are two of the biggest enemies you can face. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol consumption is a risk factor for the condition. The more you drink, the higher your risk. 

In addition, smoking increases your risk for type 2 diabetes as well as other health problems. It damages blood vessels, reduces circulation, and damages organs like your liver and heart. This damage can lead to high blood pressure and increased levels of bad cholesterol in your body. 

Discuss Your Risks with Your Doctor 

If you have a family history of diabetes, you may be at risk for developing the disease. Your doctor can help you determine whether you are at risk and how to prevent it. The best way to protect yourself against it is to consult your doctor to discuss your risks and get regular checkups to protect yourself against diabetes. 

Diabetes is a common condition, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself. LLH Hospital, Abu Dhabi is a leading diabetes care and treatment provider in the UAE. Our board-certified physicians are highly trained and experienced in the field, and we offer a full range of services for patients with diabetes.  Our services include: 

• Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, including insulin pumps 
• Chronic disease management 
• Complications management and prevention 

We also offer a comprehensive education program to help you learn how to manage the disease.