Lifestyle diseases (diabetes, hypertension), genetic disorders

1. Lifestyle Diseases

Lifestyle diseases are caused by an individual's daily habits, diet, and environment.
They develop due to poor lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, stress, and smoking.
They are generally non-communicable and take years to develop.
Examples include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and stroke.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.
It occurs due to insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively.
There are two main types:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin, often due to obesity and lack of exercise.
Common symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision.
Long-term complications: kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, heart disease.
Prevention and management:
- Maintain a healthy diet with controlled sugar intake.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
- Take prescribed insulin or oral medications if necessary.

Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure remains abnormally high over time.
It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Causes of hypertension:
- Poor diet: High salt, high fat, and low fiber intake.
- Lack of exercise: Leads to obesity and weak cardiovascular health.
- Smoking and alcohol: Constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
- Chronic stress: Triggers hormonal imbalance and increases heart rate.
- Genetic factors: Family history of hypertension increases risk.
Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath.
Prevention and management:
- Maintain a balanced diet with low salt and saturated fats.
- Exercise regularly to keep heart and blood vessels healthy.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.
- Practice stress management techniques like meditation and yoga.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly and take prescribed medication.

Genetic disorders are diseases caused by abnormalities in an individual's DNA.
They can be inherited from parents or result from mutations.
Types of genetic disorders:
- Chromosomal Disorders: Caused by missing, extra, or damaged chromosomes.
- Single-Gene Disorders: Caused by mutations in a single gene.
- Multifactorial Disorders: Result from a combination of genes and environmental factors.

Down Syndrome: Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to intellectual disability and facial abnormalities.
Sickle Cell Anemia: A disorder where red blood cells are shaped abnormally, causing low oxygen transport and severe pain.
Thalassemia: A blood disorder causing low hemoglobin levels and anemia.
Hemophilia: A disorder where blood does not clot properly due to lack of clotting factors.
Cystic Fibrosis: Affects the lungs and digestive system due to thick mucus buildup.
Huntington’s Disease: Affects the nervous system, causing loss of motor control.
Color Blindness: Affects the ability to differentiate certain colors.
Muscular Dystrophy: Causes progressive muscle weakness.

Many lifestyle diseases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Regular health checkups help in early detection and management.
Genetic counseling can help families understand the risks of genetic disorders.
Advanced treatments include gene therapy and medications for genetic conditions.

Lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension are preventable through diet, exercise, and stress management.
Genetic disorders are inherited conditions caused by DNA mutations.
Medical advancements have improved the diagnosis and treatment of both lifestyle and genetic disorders.