Fasting blood sugar refers to the glucose level in your blood after not consuming any food or drink, except water, for at least 8 hours. This measurement provides valuable insights into your overall health and, particularly, your risk of developing or managing diabetes. This is a simple sugar that circulates in our bloodstream. It serves as the primary source of energy for our cells. Your blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. There are certain factors that influence it such as food intake, physical activity, and hormonal regulation. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a pivotal role in regulating blood glucose levels.

The National Library Of Medicine tells us when blood sugar rises after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin then binds to receptors on cells, signaling them to absorb glucose from the blood and use it for energy. Excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for later use.

But is it necessary for people who do not have issue with their blood sugar to constantly monitor their blood sugar?

Why Should You Monitor Blood Sugar?

Blood glucose monitoring is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing complications associated with diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Regular monitoring helps you as by tracking blood glucose levels over time, individuals can identify patterns and trends, such as spikes after certain meals or dips during exercise. According World Health Organization, monitoring blood glucose levels can help detect conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur when blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Symptoms may include dizziness, sweating, palpitations, blurred vision, and confusion.

For people with diabetes, regular blood glucose monitoring is crucial for adjusting insulin doses or other medications to maintain optimal blood sugar control. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can occur when blood glucose levels are elevated. Over time, chronic high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. If your fasting blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, it's a strong indicator of diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar.

What Happens When Your Blood Sugar Is High?

Does your blood sugar monitor show a reading above 100 mg/dlc? Does it mean you will be on a lifetime of medication with major dietary restrictions? Well, please understand that much before your tests results will show a definite diabetes diagnosis, regular blood tests will show you in the prediabetic range, hence making regular check-ups extremely important. According to Dr Manoj Chawla, Consultant Diabetology at P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Khar, “Prediabetes which is defined as BS Fasting > 110 < 126 and/or HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.4% in the absence of diabetes is a precursor to diabetes and probably the best window of opportunity to identify the risk, make changes to one's lifestyle and modify the risk factors to prevent progression to diabetes and try and achieve remission to normoglycemic status." It basically means prediabetes is considered a critical stage in the progression to type 2 diabetes. It offers a valuable opportunity to intervene and prevent the development of full-blown diabetes. You can still make lifestyle changes and see improvement.

How Does One Avoid High Blood Sugar levels

Dr Chawla tells us that paying attention to your lifestyle habits can really help you in the long run. He says, "Regular physical activity and exercise regimen including minimum 150 minutes per week of walk/ moderate intensity and a hypocaloric diet which is devoid of high fat and high carbohydrates helps greatly. Moreover, improved protein intake including regular use of protein supplements and increased fiber intake is also devised. There is also an emerging role of sleep hygiene and gut microbial health, leading to a reduction in inflammation and insulin resistance.”

Many people tend to ignore the changes in their bodies, putting off checkups until later. Lori Harvey has taken a different path. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the 28-year-old opened up for the first time about her long struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Speaking on the September 16, 2025, episode of the SheMD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney, Harvey revealed how her symptoms were brushed aside for years before she finally received a diagnosis. She also shared what now brings her relief and helps her manage the conditions.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. This often causes severe pelvic pain and can make it harder to conceive. The misplaced tissue can lead to inflammation and the development of scar tissue in the pelvic region and, in rare cases, elsewhere in the body.

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, and there is currently no way to prevent it. While there is no cure, symptoms can often be managed with medication or, in some cases, surgery. According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects around 10% of women and girls of reproductive age worldwide, nearly 190 million people.

ALSO READ: Ebola Outbreak: Why African Countries Are Disproportionately Impacted By The Disease?

Recently, American model Lori Harvey opened up about her own struggle with both endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She revealed that for years her symptoms were dismissed before she finally received a diagnosis.

“I’ve been so frustrated. I’ve been going to my gynecologist because I’ve just been feeling like something’s off in my body,” Harvey shared on the SheMD podcast. “But every time I go to her, she’s like, ‘You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong.’ And I was like, ‘But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off.’”

Harvey later discovered she had been experiencing symptoms of both conditions since the age of 16, though she never realised how serious they were because her concerns were not taken seriously at the time.

Endometriosis Symptoms: What Led The Actress To Finally Realise Her Diagnosis?

Endometriosis most commonly causes intense pelvic pain, especially during menstrual periods. It can also bring discomfort during sex, pain while using the bathroom, or even difficulty conceiving. For some women, the pain is concentrated in the lower abdomen, and it may worsen during periods, intercourse, or bowel movements. Others may not experience noticeable symptoms at all, which often delays diagnosis.

For Lori Harvey, the warning sign was her extremely painful periods. “I used to have the most excruciating periods of my life. Every single time I felt like I needed to go to the hospital just crazy cramps,” she told PEOPLE. “I’m taking 800 milligrams of ibuprofen. Nothing is working. It’s just debilitating.”

Endometriosis Treatment: What Helped Lori Harvey Get Relief?

There is no cure for endometriosis, but treatments can help manage the symptoms. Options often depend on how severe the pain is and whether a person is planning to get pregnant. Doctors may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain, along with other medications or, in some cases, surgery.

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For Lori Harvey, the turning point came when she began taking Metformin, a drug usually prescribed for diabetes that helps regulate blood sugar. “It completely changed my life,” she shared. The medication helped balance her hormones, allowing her to return to a more stable routine. She said she can now eat and exercise normally without the sudden weight changes that once felt “alarming.”

Many women tend to overlook the signs of conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, often dismissing them as ‘normal’ period pain or hormonal changes. But even mild or silent symptoms should not be ignored. If something feels unusual in your body, it’s important to consult a doctor early on and explore treatment options.

For four years, 24-year-old Sneha suffered from severe, one-sided headaches that felt like a storm. These attacks, which were often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, left her exhausted and anxious. Living in a small town, she saw many doctors, but nothing seemed to help. Her parents watched helplessly as their once cheerful daughter spent her days in a dark room, adding to Sneha's despair.

In a recent post on social media platform, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD, shared the case of a young women who was suffering with debilitating migraines. Despite the seriousness of her condition, doctors were unable to find what could help her. But a trick that she did out of sheer desperation, turned out to be the answer to her problem

Simple Home Remedy For Migraine

One day, out of pure frustration, Sneha grabbed a cold pack, pressed it to her forehead, and wrapped a soft headband tightly around her head. To her surprise, the pain began to ease. The relief wasn't always complete, but even a little bit was enough to give her hope for the first time in years. This small "hack" made her feel like she wasn't completely helpless against her pain.

Also Read: Do This 1 Thing Before You Pop A Pill For Your Migraine, According To Pharmacist

When Sneha and her parents finally visited Dr. Kumar, they were tired but hopeful. She hesitantly told him about her simple trick, worried he might dismiss it. Instead, he reassured her that it was a safe method and explained that many patients find comfort from cold therapy and gentle pressure on the head. He told her she could continue to use it at home as a supportive measure.

Can Migraines Be Mistaken As Headaches?

After a careful evaluation, Dr. Kumar confirmed Sneha’s diagnosis of migraine. He started her on a proper medical treatment plan and, importantly, discussed preventive strategies. He advised her on simple lifestyle changes, such as getting consistent sleep, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding certain food triggers that could set off her attacks.

As the doctor explained the plan, Sneha’s parents' faces filled with relief. They finally had answers and a clear path forward. Sneha herself smiled for the first time during their conversation, a genuine smile that showed she no longer felt alone in her fight against this debilitating illness.

How To Tell the Difference Between Migraines and Headaches?

Despite being a common problem, not many people know how to differentiate between a headache and migraine. According to the NKC Health organization, the key difference between a headache and a migraine is how severe the pain is. Headaches can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain, but migraines are often so debilitating that they can stop you in your tracks. A common way to remember migraine symptoms is the acronym POUND:

• Pulsating pain that throbs.
• One-day duration for a severe attack.
• Unilateral (one-sided) pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Disabling intensity that keeps you from your daily activities.
• Migraines also often come with other symptoms, like a sensitivity to light

What You Should Know About Migraines

Dr Kumar highlighted several key points about migraines from Sneha’s experience.

• Migraine is a serious illness, not just a headache. It can be disabling and emotionally draining for both patients and their families.
• Simple home remedies like cold packs, headbands, and resting in a quiet, dark room can offer temporary comfort.
• These home remedies are helpful but not a substitute for professional medical care.
• It's crucial to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis, the right treatment, and personalized advice on prevention.

The recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, with confirmed 81 cases have brought this question again to the world: Why are African countries disproportionately impacted by Ebola Outbreaks?

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks have periodically occurred in affected regions of West and sub-Saharan Africa since the emergence of EVD in 1976. It continues to remain endemic in these regions to this day, whereas, it has been eradicated from other areas.

To understand why certain regions are disproportionately impacted, we must understand these followings.

Pathology Of The Virus

Ebola’s incubation period can last from 2 to 21 days, but transmission begins only when symptoms appear. Once it strikes, the disease moves swiftly. Without supportive care, like IV fluids, antibiotics, dialysis, or specialized infection control, the fatality rate can soar up to 70% in places like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Compare that to the 2014 Ebola scare in the United States: nine cases, just one death, and zero spread beyond the initial outbreak. The contrast underscores a painful truth, Ebola is not only a medical problem but also a systemic one.

The Lack Of Resources

In countries like the US, hospitals are equipped with rehydration tools, multiple blood pressure medications, and well-trained doctors. They also have strict infection control systems to prevent the disease from moving beyond hospital walls.

In contrast, in many West African facilities, even the most basic supplies can run out. During the 2014 West Africa outbreak, some hospitals stocked just one type of blood pressure drug, hardly enough to save lives when patients’ bodies responded differently.

Also Read: Ebola Outbreak Update: Vaccines Continue To Arrive As Congo Yet Again Becomes Disease Hotspot

The disparity in staffing is equally grim. The US has about 245 doctors for every 100,000 people. Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea? Just 1.4, 2.2, and 10 per 100,000, respectively, notes University of Michigan's School of Public Health. In a disease outbreak where immediate and skilled intervention can mean the difference between containment and chaos, this shortage is devastating.

Violence and Distrust: The Invisible Enemy

But Ebola doesn’t just thrive on weak health systems, it feeds on broken trust. Many African nations hardest hit by Ebola have been scarred by years of civil conflict. Public health systems, roads, and communications were already fragile before the virus appeared. In Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, the memory of political violence and neglect fueled deep distrust of governments and outsiders.

During the 2014–2016 epidemic, attacks on doctors and aid workers became common. Rumors spread faster than the virus: some communities believed Ebola was a foreign invention, others feared that medical workers were spreading it deliberately. When burial traditions, like washing and touching the dead, were discouraged by officials, resistance turned violent, noted the report by University of Michigan. Cultural clashes and misinformation made every effort to contain the disease harder, often putting lives at even greater risk.

Why Ebola Persists

Ebola remains endemic in parts of Africa because it is more than a virus, it’s a reflection of the gaps in public health, governance, and community trust. The combination of limited resources, dangerously low numbers of medical staff, fragile infrastructures, and deep-seated distrust creates a cycle where each outbreak threatens to become a catastrophe.

Until these systems are rebuilt, hospitals resourced, communities engaged, and trust restored, Ebola will continue to lurk, waiting for its next chance to reemerge.