Category: Conditions

Living with a health condition? On the PatientsLikeMe blog, find helpful health information and patient stories about being diagnosed, trying different treatments, and living day-to-day with a chronic condition.

How Type 1 Diabetes Affects the Organs

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can get very high. Over time, high blood sugar can damage various organs in the body. Understanding the damage T1D… Continue reading How Type 1 Diabetes Affects the Organs

Why Am I Suddenly Getting Rashes? Early Signs of Lupus

Our skin is the largest organ in the body. It protects us from germs and helps regulate temperature. Every inch of our skin has about 19 million skill cells, 1,000 nerve endings, 20 blood vessels, and 60,000 melanocytes. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause a number of different symptoms, including skin rashes. One… Continue reading Why Am I Suddenly Getting Rashes? Early Signs of Lupus

Genetics vs. Environment: The Factors Contributing to Lupus Risk

The Lupus Foundation of America estimated that 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus, with an additional 16,000 new cases each year. Lupus is still a very under-researched and misunderstood condition, so today, we’ll unravel the factors that contribute to lupus risk, exploring the interplay between genetics, the environment, and common symptoms. Let’s dive in!… Continue reading Genetics vs. Environment: The Factors Contributing to Lupus Risk

Moving Through Fibromyalgia: Gentle Exercises for Pain Relief at Home

If you have Fibromyalgia, you may be wondering what you can do at home to relieve pain and feel better gently. Look no further! PatientsLikeMe has a guide to some simple home exercises designed around Fibromyalgia.⁠ Exercise can be incredibly helpful for people with pain! It helps combat fatigue, increases energy, and improves sleep and mood. Remember… Continue reading Moving Through Fibromyalgia: Gentle Exercises for Pain Relief at Home

Difference Between Depression and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Depression is a mental illness that can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. Clinical depression, also known as MDD or major depressive disorder, is the most severe form of depression. This is different from the depression one might experience because of grief or another medical condition.   Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder Health professionals have a… Continue reading Difference Between Depression and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Ozempic Shown to Reduce Risk of Serious Illness and Death

Weekly injections of semaglutide medications, such as Ozempic, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of serious kidney outcomes, major cardiovascular events, and death in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to a recent study. These drugs have become tremendously popular because of their potential for diabetes management and weight… Continue reading Ozempic Shown to Reduce Risk of Serious Illness and Death

Comparing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood glucose. In 1980, 108 million people had diabetes. By 2014, that number rose to 422 million. It is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. There are two primary types of diabetes to understand. Knowing the… Continue reading Comparing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Symptoms develop gradually and can vary! Recognizing the early signs is crucial for managing the disease effectively. Here is an overview of the key symptoms and what to watch for. Early Symptoms Progressive Symptoms Ways of Managing Parkinson’s While Parkinson’s disease cannot be… Continue reading Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Types of Bipolar Disorder 

Bipolar disorder is a mood condition that dysregulates an individual’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. When extreme shifts in these moods are occurring, it can feel difficult to accomplish everyday tasks. Medical professionals agree that there are three main types, though type I and type II are most diagnosed. According to Medical News Today,… Continue reading Types of Bipolar Disorder