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Showing posts with the label HIV AIDS

How to Read Your Urine Albumin Test and eGFR Results With Diabetes

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A urine albumin test is one of the simplest and most important checks for anyone with diabetes, yet its result is often the most confusing line on a report. Together with a blood test called eGFR, it shows whether diabetes is starting to affect the kidneys. This practical guide explains how to read both results, what the stages mean, and what usually happens next. Quick answer: The urine albumin test, reported as the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), measures protein leaking into the urine; below 30 mg/g is normal, 30 to 300 is moderately raised and above 300 is severely raised. The eGFR estimates how well the kidneys filter; 90 or above is normal, and below 60 for three months or more suggests chronic kidney disease. People with diabetes should have both tests at least once a year. Key takeaways ✅ Kidney disease in diabetes is usually silent until late. ✅ A raised urine albumin is often the first sign, even with a normal eGFR. ✅ One abnormal result is usually re...

HIV and AIDS: Symptoms, Tests, Treatment and Prevention

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system's CD4 cells. Without treatment it slowly weakens the body's defences until serious infections and cancers develop, the stage called AIDS . Today HIV is a manageable long-term condition: with daily treatment, people with HIV can live a normal lifespan, and once the virus is fully suppressed they do not pass it on through sex. In India, testing and treatment are free through the National AIDS Control Programme. Quick answer: HIV often causes no symptoms for years, so the only way to know is a blood test. Some people get a flu-like illness 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Modern tests detect most infections within about 6 weeks, and a repeat test at 3 months confirms a negative result. HIV is prevented by condoms, never sharing needles, testing in pregnancy, and emergency medicine (PEP) started within 72 hours of an exposure. Treatment (ART) is free and lifelong in India. Key takeaways ✅ Get tested if you have eve...