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Itching In Scalp And Hands. Diagnosed With Insulin Resistance. Having Epilepsy And Had Recurring Urinary Tract Infections. Advise?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Sep 2013
Question: Hi Doc,

I recently had a lot of itching in my scalp and hands so i went to the doctor and was diagnosed with insulin resistance. My test reports showed- insulin fasting- 20.29uU/ml, PP insulin 38.9uU/ml, blood glucose fasting- 101mg/dl, Blood glucose-pp- 105mg/dl. I have been prescribed Zyrtec at night, Alaspan in the morning, Acnonac and Glycomet SR 500 twice daily, and have been told not to have any milk products and sugar. Now my concern is that if I am not supposed to take any milk products such as paneer and dahi etc, how will I get my calcium and proteins? I am a vegetarian. Apart from that, I have been on a diet since past two months and haven't been eating more than 3 tablespoons of sugar on a daily basis. I don't consume alcohol. My height is 167cm and weight is 73kgs currently. I used to be 78 two months back. I am also epileptic since past 7-8 years, have had recurring UTIs. I dont know why is this all happening when I don't really eat fatty foods. I am just 21 years old and facing so many issues. I used to take E-cod and Cranpac as supplements which was recommended by the doctor. Stopped now. I researched online a bit. From what I could gather, I am pre-diebetic... I am freaking out :( Pls tell me is this permanent or for a short term? Is there any chance of me getting back to normal? Also, am i alot over the normal range of the insulin, etc... And what kinds of precautions should I be taking? I have already stopped eating sugar. I am a coffee addict but have limited myself to black coffee with no sugar.

Thankyou
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pratap VGM (4 hours later)
Dear XXXX

Welcome to Healthcare magic

I shall answers one by one

First thing I want to tell you is milk and milk products contains protein named CASEIN, which is allergic to some persons, they develop the same type of symptoms which you have mentioned, so you might be instructed not take milk products suspecting allergy to this protein.

The best alternative protein is Albumin which is present richly in egg white, since you are a vegetarian, it is advisable to get proteins from pulses and cereals. Pulses are found to be very good in prediabetes patients.

Your sugar values and serum insulin values are looking good, I don't think there is any abnormality in that, but your fasting glucose values are quite high when compared to normal range (According to American Diabetes Association criteria 100-126 mg/dl is glucose intolerant or prediabetes)

The best way to treat prediabetes is diet and exercise, next improving insulin resistance by addition of tablet metformin starting with low doses and gradually raised to high doses. Physical activity is recommended at-least 45 min to 1 hour per day, which should be preferably aerobic exercises like walking, cycling etc.

Diet should consist of more quantity of mono and polyunsaturated fats which should constitute about 25 - 30% of your diet along with more amount of proteins (20%) and carbohydrates should consist of complex carbs.

Hope these information is helpful for you

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pratap VGM (1 hour later)
Hi Doc,

Thank you for your reply. I have already been on a diet past two months, then why would this happen? And yes I need to start exercising. Can you pls elaborate on mono and polyunsaturated fats? What kinds of food consist of that? I have already started taking meds for itching and insulin as mentioned in my query above but there is not much improvement. I still am itching myself like crazy. Is caffeine bad for me right now? Because I drink black coffee twice a day.

Thankyou
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pratap VGM (16 minutes later)
Dear XXXX

These mono and poly unsaturated fats are considered good fats as they helps to maintain low cholesterol levels and even if you don't take these fats in sufficient quantities then they may cause even obesity and heart problems

Polyunsaturated fats include
1. Fish oil supplements
2. Walnuts
3. Flax seeds oil
4. Oils such as sunflower, safflower, soyabean oil, corn and cotton seed

These helps to raise HDL cholesterol and decrease the triglycerides and total cholesterol

Monounsaturated fats include
1.Canola oil
2. Peanut oil
3. Olives
4. Olive oil
5. Avocados
6. Seeds such as safflower, sunflower and pumpkin
7. Most nuts such as almonds, cashews and peanuts, Almond butter, peanut butter and cashew butter

Monounsaturated fats especially works to decrease the LDL cholesterol which is commonly called as bad cholesterol.

Try to take foods XXXXXXX in omega 3 fatty acids which also possess antioxidant properties and additional protection for your heart and kidneys. Omega 3 fats are XXXXXXX in sea foods especially sea fishes. Since you are a vegetarian, you can get this through cashews, peanuts, almonds etc. As suggested before, you may also take Omega 3 supplements.

Too much caffeine is not good for body as it is a strong stimulator of heart.

For your itching problems, try to avoid caffeine and adjust the insulin dosage accordingly after consulting your doctor. Try to avoid oral drugs as much as possible and many times itching which is not subsiding after taking mast cell stabilizers, are usually caused by one of your medicines.

Hope this information is helpful.

Thanks
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pratap VGM

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 869 Questions

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Itching In Scalp And Hands. Diagnosed With Insulin Resistance. Having Epilepsy And Had Recurring Urinary Tract Infections. Advise?

Dear XXXX

Welcome to Healthcare magic

I shall answers one by one

First thing I want to tell you is milk and milk products contains protein named CASEIN, which is allergic to some persons, they develop the same type of symptoms which you have mentioned, so you might be instructed not take milk products suspecting allergy to this protein.

The best alternative protein is Albumin which is present richly in egg white, since you are a vegetarian, it is advisable to get proteins from pulses and cereals. Pulses are found to be very good in prediabetes patients.

Your sugar values and serum insulin values are looking good, I don't think there is any abnormality in that, but your fasting glucose values are quite high when compared to normal range (According to American Diabetes Association criteria 100-126 mg/dl is glucose intolerant or prediabetes)

The best way to treat prediabetes is diet and exercise, next improving insulin resistance by addition of tablet metformin starting with low doses and gradually raised to high doses. Physical activity is recommended at-least 45 min to 1 hour per day, which should be preferably aerobic exercises like walking, cycling etc.

Diet should consist of more quantity of mono and polyunsaturated fats which should constitute about 25 - 30% of your diet along with more amount of proteins (20%) and carbohydrates should consist of complex carbs.

Hope these information is helpful for you

Thanks