Systemic lupus erythematosus - a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect the skin, joints, liver, brain and other organs. Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes the autoimmune disorder. Systemic lupus is 10 times more common in women than in men. It most commonly occurs in women between 20 and 40 years. It can be inherited, but only 3 of the 100 children whose parents suffered from lupus, a disease she also.

Causes

Systemic lupus erythematosus - an autoimmune disorder that is a condition where the immune system attacks his own body (other common immune diseases are diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications   and violations of the thyroid gland).

Possible triggers of lupus include infections, drugs (such as minocycline or hydralazine) or sunlight. Hormonal changes also play a role in the development of lupus - is to some extent explains why this violation is much more common in women.

The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus

Different people have this disease can cause different symptoms. Someone disease affects only joints - most commonly small joints of the hands and feet. The joint pain and there is a feeling of stiffness. This symptom is often worse in the morning. Sometimes there is also swelling and muscle pain. In very rare cases, it causes severe lupus arthritis.

Another symptom of SLE is a butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the cheeks and nose. Sometimes rash appears, and in other areas of the skin exposed to sunlight - on hands, neck, and so on. Approximately six out of 10 patients with lupus observed hypersensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

When lesions of blood vessels under the skin, the metabolism Improves metabolism and losing weight without dieting   in fingers and toes - so-called Raynaud's phenomenon. In addition, in patients with lupus may experience ulceration of the mucous membrane of the mouth and hair loss (alopecia). In severe cases, hair falls out very quickly and in large quantities, but usually they again begin to grow normally when the lupus becomes less active.

Complications

• Mild anemia - one of the possible complications of lupus. Less common reducing the number of blood cells and platelets.
• Some patients develop an inflammation of the pleura and pericardium, which may in turn cause pleurisy or pericarditis. Very rare defeat itself heart and lung tissue.
• Approximately one out of three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus inflammation of the liver, and as a result, ingress of protein in the urine. In the mild form this complication is not a serious danger. Much less is a common complication of lupus renal failure.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus is often accompanied by mental health problems, including depression and increased anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease? . Depression can be a part of the disease (for example, if it is also a consequence of hormonal changes), and may develop as a reaction to the disease. Symptoms of lupus causing in many patients the villas negative emotions, so when the first signs of a depressed state, it is important to talk with a psychologist or therapist.

Sometimes lupus causes inflammation of the brain that can lead to the development of such disorders as epilepsy, headache, migraine, and so on.

How progressive systemic lupus erythematosus?

• Soft SLE. At this stage, symptoms such as joint pain Joint pain - how to understand what is going on?   and / or rash, and fatigue.
• Moderate SLE. The symptoms of this disease are the phases of inflammation in various parts of the body besides the joints and skin. Can develop pleurisy, pericarditis, an inflammation of the kidneys and weaknesses.
• Severe SLE. In some cases, it develops severe inflammation that causes damage to internal organs such as heart, lung, brain and kidney. At this stage of lupus can be life-threatening.

As a rule, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbation periods lasting several weeks followed by periods of remission, which can be quite long. It is not known why it starts in lupus exacerbation and remission occur.

Peace of mind even in difficult situations - an important part of maintaining the level of sugar in the blood. Proper nutrition and physical activity - the basis of any program to control diabetes and weight loss. But add a third element - control stress.

Studies show how important control stress in diabetes. People who regularly use relaxation techniques, significantly reduced blood sugar levels. Hemoglobin A1c (blood sugar over several months), one-third of participants in the experiment fell by percent or more during the year - an effect comparable to drugs and superior diet and exercise.

What are the impacts of stress on diabetes and how to fight them?

Stress hormones increase blood sugar

Why voltage reduction reduces blood sugar? There are several factors. Firstly, when you are stressed, the body produces stress hormones such as cortisol to help you react to danger ("fight or flight"). These hormones increase heart rate and breathing, as well as direct the glucose from the reserves into the blood, to give the necessary energy to muscles. The result - an increase in blood sugar levels.

Stress contributes to insulin resistance

Diabetes itself already unpleasant, but stress hormones complicate pancreatic production of insulin, which is needed for glucose clearance from the blood. Also, some of these hormones contribute to insulin resistance.

Stress leads to weight gain

The main reason for the struggle with chronic stress - cortisol increases appetite. Put simply, stress causes you to eat more. Stress also stimulates the cells to store fat in the abdomen. Namely excess fat in this area increases the risk of heart attack. Regularly practicing relaxation techniques Relaxation and stress - calm, not panic! You reduce the level of stress hormones, and be able to stop this relationship. It will also help you to perform tasks related to the control of food and exercise.

Think about it. When you're under stress, you want to eat something fatty, high-calorie. Also, you are unlikely to go on a long hike when you have a full emergency cases, the deadline is approaching, and so on. When you learn to relax, you can take a step back and see the whole picture, and realize their true priorities - including health care. In addition, control of stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis   It helps to avoid the emotional problems associated with poor control of blood sugar Blood sugar - a very important indicator Including depression and fear.

Watch out for sugar - and the level of stress

Studies show that stress differently affects the blood sugar level Blood sugar - one of the main indicators of human health   different people. Want to find out exactly how this happens in your case? Every time you measure the level of glucose in the blood, mark your level of stress on the ten-point scale (1 - a sunny day at the beach, 10 - the worst day of your life). Two weeks later, compare the number (you can draw graphs), you will see how stress affects your blood sugar.