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.

Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s Disease: Understanding the Key Differences

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Navigating the Differences Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects millions worldwide, with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease being the two main types. While these conditions share similarities, understanding their differences is crucial for proper diagnosis… Continue reading Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s Disease: Understanding the Key Differences

What Happens if Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is Left Untreated?

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA As an autoimmune condition, ulcerative colitis (UC) can be difficult to manage. Chronic inflammation in the body will disrupt its natural rhythms and processes. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat UC and live a life unrestricted by this condition. If left untreated, however, UC can… Continue reading What Happens if Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is Left Untreated?

Medication and Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis, inflammation in the joints that leads to pain and swelling, affects over 350 million people worldwide. About 4% of those cases (14 million total) are something more severe: rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is an autoimmune condition affecting the joints and the organs. Without proper care, RA can be a debilitating disease that makes daily… Continue reading Medication and Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

From Preclinical to Approval: How Clinical Trials Bring New Treatments to Market

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Clinical Trials Explained Often, we hear of new treatments becoming available, but have you ever wondered what each new treatment has to go through to get approved by a regulatory body like the FDA? Before a new treatment is approved for commercialization, it needs to go through a meticulous trial… Continue reading From Preclinical to Approval: How Clinical Trials Bring New Treatments to Market

Major Depressive Disorder and Genetics

Each part of your body, brain included, has a genetic component that helps control it. During a lifetime, different genes are activated or deactivated depending on your biological needs. In the best-case scenario, the genetic combinations result in stability and growth, while genetic mutations or certain genetic combinations can result in a destabilized mood. According… Continue reading Major Depressive Disorder and Genetics

How Does Type 1 Diabetes Affect the Brain?

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA There are so many things you have to be aware of when living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As a lifelong condition, you need to stay on top of your medication regimen, your diet, any lifestyle changes, all while meeting regularly with your doctor. You may… Continue reading How Does Type 1 Diabetes Affect the Brain?

Night Sweats – Keeping Cool While Sleeping with Type 1 Diabetes

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Whether it is due to heat, humidity, or exercise, sweating is our body’s way of cooling us down. As our internal temperature rises, the brain signals our sweat glands to kick into action. It can also be an emotional response, such as a reaction to a… Continue reading Night Sweats – Keeping Cool While Sleeping with Type 1 Diabetes

Insulin Resistance and Type 1 Diabetes

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) means you are already managing how your body uses insulin to control your blood sugar levels. But did you know that even with type 1 diabetes, you can develop something called insulin resistance? This problem is usually found in people… Continue reading Insulin Resistance and Type 1 Diabetes

Puffy Eyes – A Potential Symptom of CKD

If you have allergies, you know the routine. Step outside, start dabbing at your eyes, and check your pockets for a tissue. Having puffy eyes is a common issue! They can be caused by the aforementioned allergies, lack of sleep, aging, or eating too much salt. They can also be caused by a few different… Continue reading Puffy Eyes – A Potential Symptom of CKD