Three must-know things about three important things.

Gallstones

Gallstones are form or hard deposits within the gallbladder. The gallbladder lies between the liver and the intestine and secretes bile in order to aid digestion (of fats especially).

  1. Gallstones are common and many people have them without ever knowing it. This requires no intervention. Excessive gallstones can cause serious complications though.
  2. Gallstones can cause obstruction, pain, inflammation and infection. In these cases surgery is often needed – left untreated this can become a serious and life threatening condition. Gall Bladder removal (cholecystectomy) is the usual procedure. It is typically done using laparoscopic “keyhole” techniques allowing rapid recovery and overall good outcomes.
  3. The main risk factors for developing problematic  gallstones are being overweight, over 40, and female gender. Diabetes is also a known risk factor as are certain other less common conditions.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to increased pressure within the eye, which leads to optic nerve damage and vision problems. The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.

  1. Open is the most common form. The pressure gradually builds up and causes no symptoms at all. The vision damage is slow but relentless if untreated. Treatment is usually with eye drops and this will often be long term / lifelong since no cure is available. In some cases eye surgery is an option.
  2. Closed angle glaucoma usually presents suddenly with severe pain and  red eye and vision changes. This is a medical emergency requiring urgent expert care. Immediate eye surgery is almost always required.
  3. The only way to detect open angle glaucoma is to have eye screening where the eye pressure is measured and the optic nerve examined. This is something everyone should do on a regular basis.

Gestational Diabetes

This refers to abnormally high blood sugar levels occurring in a pregnant woman. This is mainly caused because pregnancy hormones can interfere with insulin and sugar / glucose metabolism.

  1. Gestational diabetes, much like Diabetes itself, does not usually cause symptoms initially. It can cause itchy skin, increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision and more. But more commonly the issue is picked up at routine screening (hence the value thereof).
  2. Gestational diabetes carries risks for the mother and the baby. But good diet and lifestyle combined with modern medical care ensure that outcomes are overall very good.
  3. After pregnancy, women who have had gestational diabetes should have regular blood sugar screening because there is an increased risk of the development of Diabetes. Lifestyle changes including active living and good weight control may also be important.

Written by Dr Colin Burns