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Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are both metabolic diseases that cause blood sugar to increase and inhibit insulin production. They could, however, surface at a different stage in life and have a few key differences that set them apart:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune reaction that attacks—by inherited genetics or environmental elements—cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin and is associated with genetics and lifestyle choice.
Type 2 Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition that results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to circulatory, nervous, and immune system disorders. In type 2 diabetes, there are primarily two interrelated problems:
- The pancreatic beta-cells do not produce enough insulin, the hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into cells
- Cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar, resulting in increased levels of sugar in the blood. This can affect various organs including the kidneys, eyes, and heart.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a blood glucose range of 80-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL about 2 hours after a meal. This range should place your A1c under 7.
High levels of sugar in the blood can damage your veins and arteries, and can furthermore lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, neuropathies, vision problems, etc.
Hemoglobin A1c is an average of your blood sugar over 2-3 months, which provides an effective estimate of how well your diabetes is being managed/controlled. HbA1c under 7 is recommended to keep risk of complications low.
Type 2 diabetes—characterized by unhealthy blood sugar levels—is a genetic condition or pre-
disposition that doesn’t change with treatment.
When your blood sugar is normal with no medication, then you are no longer diabetic. However, the genetic tendency for diabetes always exists, and high blood sugar levels can return.
If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar is under control during treatment (diet, exercise, and medication), it is evident that the treatment plan is working, but to ensure that diabetes does not relapse, treatment should be continued.
Exercise is very beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes. Always consult with your doctor about exercise guidelines, to exercise safely and reduce risks.
Yes. Mostly many people do not show the characteristic symptoms even when their blood sugar levels are in the diabetic range. Many have vague symptoms and complain of body pain and lassitude, etc.
Hence, it is difficult to detect diabetes by means of typical symptoms alone. A lot of personal variations are seen with respect to symptoms of diabetes.
The common symptoms associated with severe diabetes are excessive thirst, excessive hunger, and frequent urination. The person may also feel weak and exhausted.
People living with diabetes and other chronic conditions need personalized care that addresses their specific health needs. Credo Health does just that to help you manage the full diabetes spectrum.
At Credo, we have developed a unique AI-powered care pathway with a fine blend of precision technology and human touch.
Our solution helps engage, educate, empower, and navigate improved clinical outcomes, through well-counselled adherence.
Diabetes Remission is a significant long-term improvement in insulin sensitivity with type 2 diabetes, bringing HbA1c below 6.5%, with or without Metformin.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreatic beta-cells—that help the body control blood sugar—stop working, but not forever, as research shows that biological function is restored in certain cells.
Studies suggest that it is better to help people with Type 2 Diabetes enroll in a well-managed Diabetes Remission program rather than make small lifestyle changes and manage symptoms with medication.
Credo Health’s Diabetes Remission program is holistic, data-driven, evidence-backed, and offers precision nutrition, a personalized health coach, remote monitoring devices, and an experienced care team.
Time and dedication can reverse type 2 diabetes, and the results of improved overall health can be gratifying.
Diabetes Management encompasses all methods and techniques to keep blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels as close to normal as safely possible, to avoid risk for heart disease and peripheral artery disease.
People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care by monitoring blood glucose levels, recommended food in the advised amounts, being physically active, being mindful about weight and stress, oral medications, and insulin use via injections or pumps, if required.
To help patients achieve this, Credo Health offers tech-enabled personalized precision care through continuous monitoring devices, enabling patients to make more consistent and appropriate adjustments in their therapy and lifestyle.
Ketones, or ketone bodies, are molecules produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver. These are then transported through blood and act as energy sources for cells, especially in the brain.
The human body produces three different ketones: beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate (AcAc), and acetone.
- How do we check for ketone levels?
While BHB is the primary ketone produced and measured with a blood ketone test—the most accurate measure of ketones—AcAc is measured by urine sticks, and acetone by ketone breathalyzers. However, these methods are less accurate and less informative than blood testing.Under normal conditions, at any given time, a person has only a low level of ketones—less than 0.5 mg/dL —in the blood. - What is Ketosis?
Ketosis is a state in which the body produces ketones in large amounts. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy, and they can be used by the body for energy instead of glucose.Ketosis can be beneficial for people with diabetes, as it can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Ketosis can also help people to lose weight, as it helps the body to break down fat more efficiently.Ketosis is not dangerous, and it is not necessary to starve yourself in order to achieve it. However, it is important to eat a healthy diet and to exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy weight.Ketosis can be a helpful tool for people who are trying to lose weight and improve their health, but it is not a miracle cure. - What is the difference between ketosis & ketoacidosis?
- Ketosis produces fewer ketone bodies while ketoacidosis produces several ketone bodies causing the blood to become acidic.
- Ketosis occurs when a person follows a low carbohydrate diet.
- Ketosis can have health benefits such as weight loss, but it is better to avoid in case of illness or other medical conditions. Ketoacidosis is dangerous and occurs most often in people who have type 1 diabetes.
- What is Ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis is often also known as diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA and refers to the accumulation of excess acids—”ketone bodies”—in the blood which, thereby, becomes too acidic.A state of ketoacidosis has several effects and symptoms—the first indications of diabetes in a person—including bad breath, extreme thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, and exhaustion. - What are the dangers of Ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis is dangerous and can be fatal in people with diabetes, especially in those that are younger than 24 years of age. If not treated quickly, it can result in a coma and progressively even to death.Maintaining a person’s body and blood within a narrow range of pH values is vital for the enzymes we rely on to work; chemical reactions cannot occur outside this pH range.
Ketone levels in the blood are low when the body burns its fat as a secondary source of energy. However, ketone production by the liver increases—and blood ketone rises to around 0.5 – 3.0 mg/dL —when dietary carbohydrates significantly reduce to around 20-50 g per day.
Consequently, the body burns its fat as the primary source of energy. This condition is known as “nutritional ketosis”.
| Fasting Blood Sugar Level | |
| Normal | < 100 mg/dL |
| Prediabetes | 100–125 mg/dL |
| Diabetes (On two separate tests) | >= 126 mg/dL |
Yes. Even frequent travelers can join the Credo Health program. All our devices are remotely connected, monitored continuously, and progress tracked through your Credo Health App logs.
The Credo Health team will collect your detailed history, reports, and medication details from you, and guide you appropriately.
When a systematic Diabetes Remission program is followed, it is possible to reverse early-stage imbalances.
In a hospital/clinical lab, blood is drawn from the vein and processed to remove all the cells in the blood. Only plasma will be tested for glucose.
A CGM (continuous glucose monitoring), on the other hand, measures the level of glucose in interstitial fluids present between the cells in the human body.
Values of glucose readings show 10% variations for CGM when compared to the accuracy of laboratory results, and this is universally accepted by all doctors across the globe.
Why is it that top doctors are not considering CGM patches, but prefer only glucometer measurements?
Continuous recording of glucose levels requires material and manpower. Multiple blood glucose readings have to be interpreted on a weekly basis and correlated with the respective person’s nutrition and activity levels, which is a time-consuming process.
Most doctors are not in a position to monitor nutrition and physical activity levels for each patient on a regular basis and therefore do not insist on CGM.
It is NOT stopping insulin instantly but aiming at keeping your blood glucose under control and to prevent complications, that we focus on.
Neither do we promise to take you out of medication. After three months, however, we consider reducing medication, if your blood glucose levels are under control.
Such an outcome cannot practically be guaranteed, as nutritional modifications and lifestyle interventions have to be continued lifelong to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
For the Diabetes Remission program, glucose levels data from CGM patches every seven days is sufficient to plan nutrition and activity intervention.
You don’t have to prick everyday as diabetes doesn’t change with daily readings. However, the alternative for daily pricking is continuous monitoring through CGM patches.
Subsequently, blood glucose level data retrieved from CGM on a weekly basis is sufficient to plan for nutrition and activity intervention.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries—the human body’s primary blood vessels.
The blood pressure reading is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is written as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.
The reading written on top represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, pumping blood into the arteries. This pressure is called systolic pressure.
The lower reading represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. This pressure is called diastolic pressure.
For example, a blood pressure reading is written as 120/80 mmHg, or “120 over 80”. The systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.
The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure has classified blood pressure measurements into several categories:
| Blood Pressure | Systolic | Diastolic |
| Normal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | < 80 |
| Hypertension | Systolic | Diastolic |
| Stage 1 | 130-139 | 80-89 |
| Stage 2 | >= 140 | >= 90 |
While the cause of high blood pressure in most people remains unclear, inactivity, poor diet, unhealthy weight gain, older age, and genetics can all contribute to the development of high blood pressure.
High blood pressure doesn’t often have any symptoms, so you don’t usually feel it. For that reason, high blood pressure is usually diagnosed during a routine checkup.
It is especially important to pay attention to your blood pressure reading if you have a close relative with high blood pressure, or other risk factors.
Visit your physician immediately if you have unusually strong headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or poor exercise tolerance—your blood pressure could be extremely high!
It is important to reduce high levels of pressure in order to reduce the risk of complications associated with high blood pressure.
Several potentially serious health conditions are linked to high blood pressure, including:
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart Disease: Heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertensive cardiomyopathy
- Kidney Disease: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and filters in the kidneys, as a result of which the kidneys cannot excrete waste properly.
- Stroke: High blood pressure can lead to stroke, either by contributing to the process of atherosclerosis (which can lead to blockages and/or clots), or by weakening the blood vessel wall and causing it to rupture.
- Eye Disease: High blood pressure can damage the very small blood vessels in the retina.
High blood pressure treatment usually involves making lifestyle changes, dietary changes and, if necessary, drug therapy.
Lifestyle changes are key to keeping normal blood pressure. In fact, most doctors will suggest lifestyle changes first before prescribing drugs.
- Quit smoking: This might be the most important step you can take to improve health.
- Lose weight: Keeping a healthy weight can help lower your blood pressure. If you’re overweight, work with your doctor to design a safe weight loss plan to get closer to your ideal weight.
- Eat a healthy diet: For example, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, is high in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains and low in salt and fat. Also make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals. Though there is no real evidence regarding the benefits of multi-vitamins, some studies show that having the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and calcium can improve heart health. And the best way of getting vitamins is through your food.
- Lower the amount of salt in your diet.
- Exercise: Regular aerobic activity on most days of the week, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure. Regularity of exercise is as important as intensity.
- Limit alcohol: If you drink, women should drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day; men should limit intake to two drinks. “One drink” means 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.
- Reduce stress: Emotional factors play a role in blood pressure. Studies show that relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or therapy may reduce blood pressure.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to treat high blood pressure, when needed. Commonly prescribed drugs to treat high blood pressure include:
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Alpha-blockers (alpha-adrenergic antagonists)
A healthy lifestyle and a sensible diet are important.
Key Factors:
- Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
- (About 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
- Quit smoking
- Eat a healthy diet, limiting sodium (salt) and alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Managing stress
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s important to see your doctor on a regular basis. They can answer your questions during these visits.
However, there may be other times when you may need to speak to your doctor. For instance:
- If you aren’t responding to the prescribed treatment and your blood pressure is still high
- If you are having any side effects from the blood pressure medication; if this happens, your doctor may wish to adjust the dosage of the medication or put you on another medication.
As is true with any medication, high blood pressure drugs have side effects. Among the most common are the following:
| High Blood Pressure Drugs | Side Effects |
| Diuretics | Headache, weakness, low potassium blood levels |
| ACE inhibitors | Dry and persistent cough, headache, diarrhea, high levels of potassium in the blood |
| Angiotensin Receptor Blockers | Fatigue, dizziness or fainting, diarrhea, congestion, high levels of potassium in the blood |
| Calcium Channel Blockers | Dizziness, heart rhythm problems, ankle swelling, constipation |
| Beta-Blockers | Dizziness or lightheadedness, decreased sexual ability, drowsiness, fatigue, low heart rate |
| Alpha-Blockers | Dizziness, headache, pounding heartbeat, nausea, weakness, weight gain |
Some drugs that you take for another condition may cause an increase in blood pressure. These include:
- Amphetamines
- Methylphenidate (Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin)
- Corticosteroids
- Hormones (including birth control pills)
- Certain migraine medications
- Cyclosporine
- Erythropoietin
Also, many over-the-counter (OTC) medications that contain pseudoephedrine and ephedrine (such as allergy and cold medicines, and appetite suppressants) can increase blood pressure.
Don’t stop taking any prescribed medication, including high blood pressure drugs, without talking to your doctor.
The higher your blood pressure, the higher is your risk of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and, as new research has found, even dementia.
High blood pressure contributes to heart attacks and strokes by damaging the inner walls of the arteries and by speeding up the inflammatory process.
By consuming diets high in salt and fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, one’s lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure gets close to 90%.
For years, that’s what we thought. Physicians were taught in medical school that blood pressure normally increases with age.
But in recent years, anthropologists have found a wide variety of primitive people who consumed diets with little or no added salt and whose blood pressure did not rise with age.
They included Eskimos, the Masai of Africa, New Guinea Highlanders, and African Bushman. Among these populations, high blood pressure was virtually unknown.
Scientists observed that the only time blood pressure rose with age was when people from these normally high blood pressure-free populations abandoned their traditional diets and starting eating modern diets dense with calories and full of highly salted foods.
You cannot “cure” high blood pressure, but there’s a very good chance that with lifestyle treatment (the right diet, losing weight, and regular exercise) you can get high blood pressure under control and significantly lower your risk of developing life-threatening diseases.
Lifestyle treatment, such as the Pritikin Program, can reduce blood pressure more than drugs, and dramatically lower the risk of diabetes, heart attack, cancer, and stroke.
Blood pressure falls so dramatically, studies on the Pritikin Program have found that many people no longer require high blood pressure drugs, or have their dosages significantly reduced.
In a study of 1,117 hypertensives who attended the Pritikin Longevity Center for two to three weeks, the following trends were observed:
- Systolic blood pressure (the top number) fell on average 9%.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) fell 9%.
- Of those patients on high blood pressure drugs, 55% returned home free of their drugs.
- The remaining 45% returned home with markedly reduced dosages.
Both readings are equally important. Clinically, systolic blood pressure is measured when the heart contracts to pump out oxygenated blood, and diastolic blood pressure is measured when the heart expands to pull in deoxygenated blood.
A person’s blood pressure reading at any given time is affected by many factors such as stress levels, food or drink intake, activity levels, and even the time of day. It is possible that you may just be seeing normal fluctuations in blood pressure.
Quality of results depends on your adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. Reduction in blood pressure can usually be witnessed within a month of starting the program. However, achieving normal blood pressure could take 3-6 months depending on the degree of the blood pressure condition.
While results can be witnessed immediately or in a week’s time in Diabetes Remission, it would take three months to witness results for Blood Pressure. However, delaying the onset of complications is more critical, provided you adhere to our recommendations religiously.
We believe that this treatment plan will suit you as you are hypertensive and do not have any other associated major illness(es). You are also at an age when you would respond well to the precision care plan.
Weight Management
Unhealthy weight gain is a complex condition characterized by an excess of body fat. Unhealthy weight gain is more than a cosmetic issue. Unhealthy weight gain occurs when hormones become unbalanced and signal the body to maintain a higher weight.
It is a medical condition that raises your risk of developing other diseases and health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and some cancers.
Unhealthy weight gain is defined as having a BMI of 25 or greater. The body mass index (BMI), which is a ratio of weight and height, is frequently used to evaluate whether someone is overweight.
You are overweight if your BMI is between 23 and 24.9.
A high body fat-to-muscle ratio puts strain on both your internal organs and bones. It puts you at risk for a variety of diseases and ailments, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke, breathing difficulties, chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, PCOS, and infertility.
Weight gain may result from a multitude of factors – biological or lifestyle related. It is not always about excessive calorie intake or leading a sedentary lifestyle. Some of these factors can be controlled, while others are beyond our control.
Unhealthy weight gain may be caused by:
- Genetics – influences how your body converts food consumed to energy and stores fat.
- Slower Metabolic rate due to decreased muscle mass as a person gets older.
- Insufficient sleep – causes hormonal shifts that cause you to feel hungry and seek high-calorie foods.
- Certain health conditions – These include but are not restricted to
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Cushing Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism, and a few others.
Unhealthy weight gain is curable, but it is a long process that takes personal commitment and lifestyle adjustment. A balanced diet, exercise and setting goals for yourself are some ways that may help you reduce weight and fight unhealthy weight gain.
There is no single guideline that applies to everyone. There are multiple approaches to weight loss depending on the person’s medical history, present lifestyle, eating habits and food choices.
At Credo, each member is carefully studied before being recommended a precision care plan to lose weight at a safe and sustainable rate.
Any type of physical activity that moves your body and burns calories qualifies as exercise, according to the AHA (American Heart Association).
Trying something you enjoy is one of the finest ways to go about it. If you enjoy what you’re doing, even if it’s difficult, you’re much more likely to stick with it. Here are some exercises you may use to ease yourself into a regular fitness routine.
- Walking
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Lifting weights
If you have a pre-existing comorbidity along with unhealthy weight gain, it is advised to consult a clinician before you begin any physical activity to avoid mishaps.
Be it prevention of unhealthy weight gain or losing unhealthy weight and maintaining a healthy weight, the baseline is to get in more physical activity and eat a healthy diet that can keep the unhealthy weight gain at bay.
What you need to do:
- Reduce your intake of processed and sugary foods
- Increase your vegetable and fruit consumption
- Consume a high-fiber diet
- Focus on foods with a low glycemic index
- Participate in aerobic activities on a regular basis
- Include weight training in your exercise routine
- Focus on managing your daily stress levels
- Learn to set a smart meal plan that allows you to stay consistent.
If you want to lose weight and keep it off, aim for a weekly weight loss of 0.5–1 kg. Slow, consistent weight loss is simpler to maintain over time.
This is because it promotes the development of healthy eating habits and is safer than rapid weight loss, according to research.
Losing weight too quickly can lead to muscle loss, slow metabolism, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, gallstones, and a variety of other problems.
This is especially true if you attempt to lose weight quickly without medical assistance, although slow weight loss may sound frustrating or not as appealing as fast weight loss.
There are plenty of ways to help speed up weight loss safely. For example, you can cut back on sugar and starches, increase your quality protein and fiber intake, increase activity, etc.
Slowly changing your eating and exercise behaviors will help you lose weight and keep it off in the long run.
Your healthcare team can inform you about food choices and assist you in developing a healthy eating plan that is right for you.
Strength, endurance, and metabolism can all be improved with an organized exercise program and increased daily activity.
Support groups and counseling can also assist you in identifying harmful triggers and coping with anxiety or emotional eating difficulties.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) is considered “good” cholesterol, while LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) is considered “bad”.
This is because HDL carries cholesterol to your liver, where it can be removed from your bloodstream before it builds up in your blood vessels.
LDL, on the other hand, takes cholesterol directly to your blood vessels where they get deposited on the inner surface of the arterial walls and thickens them.
It is true that not all supplements will be good for you. Still, no medication should be taken with doubt or disbelief. Therefore, you can decide whether to continue or discontinue the medication after discussing your concerns with your doctor who prescribed it.
We get the clinical investigations done through the labs that are partnering with us. The phlebotomist comes to your doorstep to collect the samples at a convenient time scheduled by you.
Your health coach will brief you on the instructions to be followed before the tests. The reports would be reviewed by your care team and the treating physician, after which the relevant interventions would be suggested to you.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Credo Cardiac rehabilitation program is an intelligent disease management digital platform that is designed to help you recover and improve your health after a heart attack, other acute forms of heart disease or cardiac surgery. It is a supervised, multifaceted, team-based secondary prevention program aimed at improving heart health.
This is done virtually using Credo Health App. Our AI-powered care pathway helps predict, prevent, and delay complications with a fine blend of precision technology and human touch. Your personalized Health Coach will support you through your journey with Credo.
- Improve cardiac strength
- Establish faster recovery of physical & mental health
- Monitoring vital parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugars)
- Adopt heart-healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet
- Curb or stop habits such as smoking
- Manage your weight
- Find ways to manage stress and learn how to cope with heart disease
- Prevent future complications
- Decrease your risk of coronary artery disease and other heart conditions
- Improve quality of life
People who had,
- Angina, or chest pain (which occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood)
- Heart attack
- Coronary bypass surgery
- Heart valve replacement or repair
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Heart or lung transplant
Heart disease is managed with cardiac drugs and a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program. Together, they help reduce your metabolic risk factors like abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and behavioral risk factors like inadequate exercise, unhealthy diet, weight issues, chronic stress, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
Several studies have shown that aggressive lowering of LDL levels below 100 mg/dL can open up blocked coronary arteries at-least partially. Smoking cessation is another well-proven factor in reversing heart disease.
In our own experience from treating Indian patients with coronary heart disease, we have seen that while each and every individual who participates in the program shows improvement, the chances of prevention of disease progression are highest in those who start early and sustain the changes for a long time.
CR helps people with a wide range of cardiac issues.
You may be suggested by your doctor to participate in the hospital’s CR program if you have a heart condition or had heart surgery or a heart attack.
You will be given an exercise plan unique to you, and expertly guided on how you can improve your habits, switch to a healthier diet, and quit tobacco (if you’re a smoker).
A CR program also offers you emotional support which includes arrangements to meet others who are undergoing the same experiences as you are, and who can help you stay on track to maintain a healthier heart.
While our CR programs are tailored to suit the individual needs of each patient, our basic package is for a duration of 3 months. This, of course, depends on your desire, and ability, to learn and incorporate suggestions provided.
The CR program continues as a Cardiac Wellness (CW) program, an intelligent care companion, monitoring the patient lifelong to prevent risk of future cardiac events.
It is normal to feel down or stressed after being diagnosed with a heart condition. These feelings are usually short term and will improve with time as you adjust to living with that condition.
However, some people develop anxiety and depression after a cardiac event, and this requires support from a healthcare team. If you are worried about how you are feeling, tell someone, and seek help from your Health Coach.
A CR program provides the opportunity for patients to talk about some of the strange feelings that occur to them after a cardiac event. The team supports such patients and provides assistance as necessary. This might involve counselling, or simply talking to others who have been through similar cardiac events.
Love and companionship are positive emotions that contribute to mental and physical health. Studies have shown that regular sexual activity in married couples is good for the heart.
However, certain individuals who have suffered a heart attack should refrain from vigorous physical and emotional activity, including sex, during the period of recovery. They may resume normal sexual activities with appropriate counselling and advice.
In our experience, we have observed that couples (where one of the partners has had a heart disease or procedure) are often reluctant to discuss the issue of resuming sexual activity. However, they appreciate the guidance given by the healthcare team on this aspect as it helps in clarifying their doubts and fears and improves their quality of life.
Post Cardiac Catheterization / Angioplasty
Seek medical advice if you have:
- A hard, tender lump (larger than the size of a pea) under the skin, swelling and redness or increasing pain around the wound / suture site
- A high temperature (fever) (>100 degree)
Call for an ambulance if you experience:
- Bleeding from your wound that does not stop, or restarts, after applying pressure for 10 minutes
- Severe chest pain that doesn’t ease
- Discoloration, coldness, or numbness in the leg or arm where the incision was made
Below are a couple of instructions to adhere:
- Avoid heavy lifting (more than 5 kg) and/or pushing/pulling heavy objects for the first 7 days after the procedure
- Do not participate in strenuous activities for 7 days after the procedure. Most sports are to be avoided, including:
- Jogging
- Golfing
- Playing Tennis
- Bowling
No. There will be no feeling of the stent inside.
Actually, you would probably feel better after it has been implanted and blood flow to your coronary artery has been restored.
The person should be extremely cautious with his/her diet and make simple lifestyle changes to lead a normal life after stenting without risk for heart attack.
Yes. You should have more energy, as symptoms of heart disease—including trouble breathing and chest pain—will improve, as angioplasty widens / opens your narrowed / blocked arteries, restoring normal blood flow in your body.
It is recommended that you sleep in an upright position for the first few weeks. You can sleep on a recliner or a foldable bed as they are quite comfortable. A neck pillow can be used to support your neck and spine.
It is normal to feel tired, or even a bit weak, for a few days after receiving a stent, and it is not uncommon to experience some pain or soreness at the catheter site.
If you received a stent because of a heart attack, you would likely feel tired for several days.
It has been common practice for stent recipients to take a combination of 2 blood thinner medications to clear a blocked artery—called dual anti-platelet therapy—to reduce the risk of forming blood clots.
Blood clots inside the metal stent holding the artery open. This could potentially cause a heart attack or stroke. To make sure this doesn’t happen, patients are regularly prescribed blood thinners after angioplasty.
Yes, but only slowly for the first one week. Walking, climbing stairs, and taking care of routine activities are fine.
After one week, you may resume moderate activities, but you should avoid over-exertion that leads to shortness of breath, tiredness, or chest pain.
In the insertion site:
- Increased pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Other drainage
In the affected arm or leg:
- Cold and clammy extremities
- Numbness or tingling
Others:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Profuse sweating
- Dizziness or fainting
Post Cardiac Surgery
Usually between 4 to 8 weeks. If you had minimally invasive surgery, you may recover even sooner.
All normal activities can be done. Your rehab team would specify your restrictions, which may include lifting moderate to heavy weights up to 3 months after surgery, limit climbing stairs in the first 2 weeks, sports until you are comfortable without symptoms and driving when you are still taking pain medications.
Are there any restrictions on the daily activities?
| Daily Activity | Restrictions |
| Driving | Unless permitted by your doctor, avoid driving for 4-6 weeks, as concentration, reflex time, and eyesight are often affected for 6 weeks |
| Work | You can resume professional work as soon as your concentration, confidence, and physical abilities are restored Most people return to light office work after 6 weeks, and heavy work at 3 months |
| Gardening | 1st Week – able to water the garden using a hose 3rd Week – able to do a small amount of weeding and pruning 6th Week – able to dig soft soil 8th Week – able to trim hedges |
| Housework | Start with activities that you like to do the most and keep it simple. The following can all be started early:
Avoid doing the heavier tasks or, if needed, delegate them to a family member. |
| Sex | Sex requires about the same amount of energy as walking up two flights of stairs! Though it is normal to lose interest in sexual activity for a while, you’re generally ready to ease back into this around the 3rd Week. However, like other activities, you should be back to normal by the end of 3 months. |
Yes, but avoid travelling to places that are more than 2,000 meters above sea level, as oxygen in the air keeps decreasing as you move to higher altitudes, i.e., only less oxygen will be carried in your blood.
This could cause headaches, extreme breathlessness, or symptoms of angina.
Consult your doctor or heart specialist for professional advice before you plan to travel to a high-altitude destination.
There are specific Do’s and Don’ts as follows: (till 4 weeks)
- Do not reach backward
- Do not let anyone pull on your arms for any reason — for instance, if they are helping you move around or get out of bed
- Do not lift anything heavier than 5 to 7 pounds (2 to 3 kilograms)
- Do not do even light housework for at least 2 to 3 weeks
- Do not do any activities that require keeping your arms above your shoulders
- Brushing your teeth is OK
- Keep your arms close to your sides when you are using them to get out of bed or a chair
- Check with your provider before using your arms and shoulders more
Fortunately, complications from valve surgery aren’t common. You should consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may signal a problem with your heart:
- Persistent chest pain (angina) which is not related to your wound (rare, but possible)
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Persistent fever over 38 °C
- Chills
- Rapid weight change (over 2 kg in 24 hours)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Excessive tiredness or weakness
- Severe, or increasing, shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Wound infection (signs include ooze, redness or swelling)
- Weight loss or appetite change
- A cold or sore throat
Yes, if these precautions are followed
- Clean your surgical cut every day with soap and water, and gently dry it
- Do not use any creams, lotions, powders, or oils unless your provider tells you it is OK
- Showers are better than baths because the wound doesn’t soak in the water. Soaking the wound could cause it to reopen or become infected
- Remove the dressing before bathing unless instructed otherwise
- Gently rinse the wound with water as you bathe
- Do not rub or scrub the wound
- Do not use lotions, powders, cosmetics, or any other skin care products on the wound
- Gently pat-dry the area around the wound with a clean towel. Let the wound air dry
- Apply a new dressing
The following:
- Taking your medications as advised by your doctor
- A heart-healthy diet
- Adequate exercise
- Stress management
- Keeping cholesterol, BP, blood sugar and weight under control
- Quitting smoking and staying away from alcohol
- Attending a cardiac rehabilitation program after heart surgery
Cardiac Wellness
- A heart-healthy diet
- Adequate exercise
- Stress management
- Keeping cholesterol, BP, blood sugar, and weight under control
- Quitting smoking and staying away from alcohol
- Taking your medications as advised by your doctor
At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on five or more days of the week.
Try all four types of exercise
- Endurance
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Strength – for all of your major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week for 30-minute sessions each
Certainly. Every activity counts.
Climbing the stairs two steps at a time burns more calories. Likewise, walking to the nearby shop or parking the car in the farthest parking lot to get that extra bit of walk to the supermarket are all ways of being active.
Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour. Even the act of getting out of your chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.
The idea is to engage in a sustainable and enjoyable form of activity that is both easy to pursue and can be continued for decades.
Walking, swimming, cycling, and jogging are all beneficial forms of exercise. Walking, which is both sustainable and easy to pursue, is an optimal form of activity for the human body.
For individuals with joint problems that limit walking, swimming is a great alternative. The optimal physical activity for you should be based on:
- What you like doing
- Your health conditions
- Your age
- Your daily routine
- A heart-healthy diet
As salt in the diet can cause an increase in blood pressure for certain people, it is usually recommended that salt be consumed in moderation.
It is particularly important to watch your salt intake if you have high blood pressure or if you have a condition called heart failure, where the heart is functioning poorly.
Many foods, such as pickles, dried fish, potato chips, peanuts, roasted nuts, and ready-made meals, have very high salt content. The following might help you make this health change:
- Removing the salt-shaker from the dining area
- Using very small amounts of low-sodium salt while cooking
- Substituting salt with other flavours like pepper and lime juice
People who consume excessive amount of alcohol are at increased risk for:
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
Alcohol is high in calories and may lead to weight gain and obesity. Abdominal obesity (also called a paunch in men) is common in habitual drinkers and leaves them at a high risk for heart attack. Binge drinking, on the other hand, can cause severe hypertension.
Patients on cardiac medications should avoid alcohol as it can alter the effect of the drugs and can also lead to serious side effects.
People who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer a heart attack than those who do not exercise. However, heart attacks are normally a result of multiple risk factors and taking care of one will not automatically control your overall risk.
Also, exercise needs to be prescribed for patients with heart disease, to help them make a full recovery. Medically supervised exercise programs need to be tailored to the individual’s needs.
Most of the time, heart problems commonly manifest by symptoms of:
- Chest discomfort (such as chest pain)
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Inability to exercise
Heart disease causes as much mortality and morbidity in women as it does in men. However, women do not often have the classic signs and symptoms as described in the literature.
Heart attack symptoms in women are different from signs of a heart attack in men. For example, women don’t have “classic” symptoms such as chest pain, and therefore, must be very vigilant because certain symptoms are not as easy to detect.
Angina “chest pain” is the most common presentation in both men and women, but more women than men tend to have unusual symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Tiredness
- Unusual amount of fatigue Any inability to perform previously normal activity or any discomfort in the chest area should not be neglected or ignored
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
When you try to do things and feel “pain” in the jaw, back, or sometimes the arm, pressure, tightness, or discomfort.
The worst, or the most dramatic form of this, is a heart attack, which occurs when a person has a sudden coronary artery blockage and can be life threatening if timely medical attention is not sought.
Many people are at risk for stroke and heart disease but experience no symptoms. Early detection and control can prevent disease progression and major consequences.
Nutrition
You can eat just about anything you want, but it is clinically critical to know the proper portion sizes you are putting on your plate. A dietitian can help you learn to count carbohydrates, and with meal planning that is specific for you.
Fruits, starchy vegetables, milk, yogurt, rice, cereals, bread and other grains all have carbs and give you important nutrients. Many snack foods, such as pretzels, chips and popcorn, have carbs.
Sweets, including regular soda, cakes, candy and cookies, also contain carbohydrates. Be sure to check the nutrition label on each food item to determine carbohydrate content.
Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. With diabetes, it is essential to watch portion sizes and get most of your carbs from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk and yogurt.
Besides counting carbs, people with diabetes also benefit from consuming lower amounts of fat, more high-fiber foods, and just enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Sugar-free foods can be part of a healthy meal plan in small amounts. Keep in mind though that some of these foods still have carbs (in the form of other sweeteners such as sorbitol, iso-malt, and mannitol) and may affect your blood glucose levels.
Many sugar free foods have high calories, carbohydrates, and lots of fat. Make sure to read the nutrition labels before consuming.
If you eliminate concentrated sources of carbohydrates (foods that turn into sugar in your blood stream) like candy and cookies, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes medication.
Everyone with type 2 diabetes will benefit from an improved diet, but you may still need other interventions, such as increased physical activity, weight loss, or medication to keep your blood sugar level in the target range.
Check with your doctor about any diabetes medication dose adjustments that may be required if you change your diet.
Several studies funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have found that the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is very similar to the Pritikin Eating Plan, lowers blood pressure as well as or better than any drug.
Both promote menus that are low in fats, salt, cholesterol, red meat, and sweets; high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans; and moderate in seafood, poultry, nuts, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods.
The following steps can also help:
- Infuse fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Consume more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
- Consume less red meat and sweets
- Consume foods that are high in fiber, magnesium, potassium, and calcium
- Consume foods with less sodium
- Avoid junk food, processed food, packaged food and bakery products
More than 100 studies published in peer-reviewed journals on the Pritikin Program have found that this eating, exercise, and lifestyle treatment also substantially lowers the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
This is because it reduces key cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol, triglycerides (blood fats), inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, blood sugar, insulin, oxidative stress, and of course high blood pressure!
Landmark research by the National Institutes of Health compared the DASH diet with varying levels of sodium (3,300, 2,400, and 1,500 mg a day).
They found that the biggest reductions in blood pressure—high levels to as low as 120/80—occurred in those individuals on the 1,500 mg-of-sodium-a-day diet.
The blood-pressure-controlling benefits of a low-sodium diet compelled the American Heart Association to recommend a daily sodium consumption limit of less than 1,500 mg for all Americans.
For more than 50 years, the Pritikin Program has recommended that people consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.
Product
Member app screen after payment while onboarding
Yes. Your health coach will be your single point of contact (SPOC) throughout your journey at Credo Health. The details of your personal health coach would be informed to you on the Credo Health App and you would be able to speak to your health coach with a single click.
Your personal health coach will monitor your progress and assist with any challenges that you may come across with adherence to precision care. Periodically, your personal health coach would be supplemented by our team of experts to ensure that you get maximum therapeutic benefits.
Building an effective treatment plan requires continuous personal monitoring. Your personal health coach performs this function and is accountable for providing appropriate intervention periodically. Your Credo Health App helps you connect with your personal health coach for any support or clarification you require.
We have an accomplished team of well-qualified and experienced healthcare professionals who are certified and clinically competent to help you improve your quality of life. They can be registered nurses, nutritionists, or physician assistants.
Your health coach will get in touch with you daily / weekly depending upon the health plan which you have chosen at the mutually agreed time between 9 am-6 pm where you can interact with them. You can click the call button on the Credo App to be able to connect with a health coach.
Except for Ambulatory blood pressure, you are the owner of all the devices you get from Credo Health.
You will be given an orientation on how to use the devices at the time of delivery by the Credo Health Executive. We will also be sending you some video tutorials on how to use the devices. If further training is required, we will support you during the entire program.
We have a window period of 30–90 days within which we accept reports from accredited labs. But beyond this period, we recommend you to repeat the laboratory and other medical tests.
Please be assured that we will avoid unnecessary tests. The details of such medical tests will be explained to you by your Health Coach on enrolment.
It is recommended that you make a log of your activity at frequent intervals as notified. This activity logging helps record the various inputs (food, exercise, etc.,) given to your body and how they reflect as outputs measured with various vital parameters and biochemical tests. This plotting helps Credo Health’s care providers to customize nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle habits, and medication, so as to reach mutually agreed health goals.
Supportive Counselling
You may have a lot of thoughts and feelings that you don’t know what to do with. It is so important to feel understood and supported in exploring and navigating through these things.
Supportive Counselling gives you the opportunity to discuss your thoughts and feelings about any issue that you face in everyday life that may have you feeling confused or lost. A qualified therapist will help you analyze these issues in a professional and confidential setting.
It is a process in which you, as the expert of your life, gain greater awareness, and find your own answers. You are free to discuss anything you please in a safe and judgement-free space – thoughts, feelings or any psychological concerns you may have. from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, and thoughts, to regrets, aspirations, memories, and any other psychological concerns.
Supportive Counselling is a continuous process where the behavioral therapist uses a psychological framework to facilitate insight and awareness to help you discover your own answers.
This process takes anywhere between 4 and 20 sessions, depending on your needs. Each session lasts for 50 minutes.
You can start by fixing an appointment with the behavioral therapist through the Credo Health App following which the therapist will give you subsequent appointments after each session.
Supportive Counselling alleviates symptoms, improves self-esteem, restores relation to reality, regulates impulses and negative thinking, and reinforces the ability to cope with life stressors and challenges.
It is great for members who are new to therapy, as it provides a less structured therapeutic environment.
Talking to someone about how you are feeling is very important, as you do not have to deal with this by yourself. You can discuss things with your precision care team, family, friends, and even other members.
Any chronic condition has a major impact on the individual’s life that can cause a great deal of stress.
Coping with a chronic medical condition is not just about physical wellbeing. Often, these emotions are bottled up in an individual as they do not wish to further distress their caregivers. Hence, this impacts the mental health of the individual.
The emotional and psychological dimensions of chronic conditions are often overlooked when medical management is considered. If these are not attended to, it could lead to diminished function, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and a lot more.
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| Denial | Refusing to accept that they are not well The inability to follow medication and treatment plans |
| Anger | “Why me?” Blaming themselves or blaming others for not recognizing that something was wrong. |
| Low Mood | The common symptoms of chronic illnesses such as lack of energy and nausea can fuel low mood |
| Fear | “What is going to happen?” “How am I going to cope?” “How is the family going to manage?” Thoughts of early death, detachment from family, etc. |
- Lack of sleep
- Diminished appetite
- Lack of energy
- Loss of sex drive
- Low mood
- Psychological Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Feelings of being a burden on others
- Guilt
- Loss of control
- Unacceptance
- Disbelief
Yes, supportive Counselling sessions are confidential. The setting is private and professional. The exception would be if you were to pose a danger to yourself or others, in which case the relevant parties would be notified.
Your overall wellbeing status will be shared with your health coach and the treating doctor to help us serve you the best. However, no confidential information will be shared without your consent.
No friends, parents or siblings are allowed in the counselling session as the process is strictly confidential.
Generally, your first session will be used for assessment and consultation, rather than for treatment. This allows you to identify your issues as you see them, and for your therapist to start gaining an idea of what your needs are. Unfortunately, therefore, having just one session is unlikely to have any lasting benefit for you.
The standard format of weekly sessions helps you make gradual and steady progress that means you see real results. In some cases, the therapist will agree to two or more sessions per week, if both of you deem it beneficial and are mutually available at an agreed time.
Since there is no professional body or association for counselling in India yet, there is a lot of confusion between the role of a therapist or a psychiatrist.
- In basic terms, a psychiatrist is a registered doctor who can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists typically focus on the biological aspects of a problem.
- Psychotherapists offer talking therapy and would not typically provide diagnoses or medication. Where necessary, they will liaise with psychiatrists to support you further. Therapists typically focus on the psychological, emotional and sociological aspects of helping a person grow.
Your therapist will be available to you at your scheduled appointment time only. In case of an emergency, you will need to seek other resources.
After Supportive Counselling, you may experience the following:
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“Feel lighter” |
“Gain clarity” |
“Learn more about themselves and others” |
“Feel less stuck or overwhelmed” |
“Feel energized” |
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“Feel good, positive and hopeful” |
“Take decisions and actions” |
“See positive changes” |
“Improve relationships” |
The therapist’s role is to create a warm and accepting relationship where you will feel comfortable talking about anything you wish to. Based on what you share, the counsellor will attempt to understand your life and facilitate self-exploration, insight, and awareness, helping you reach your goals.
The PCP is a treatment approach tailormade to each individual based on their clinical history, examinations, and biochemical reports.
Various data points are provided by remote monitoring devices, nutritional inputs, lifestyle modifications, biomarkers, and prescribed medications, integrated through IoT. Thereafter, the outcome is monitored and measured through artificial intelligence and machine learning.
This enables us to deliver personalized precision treatment and, thereby, set achievable goals for you.
Devices
24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
It is a measure of your blood pressure at regular intervals in your own environment like while watching TV, while meeting, or sleeping. This will help us understand the trend of your blood pressure respective to the various activities you perform.
This will enable us to plan your lifestyle modification and medication. It is the most ideal representation of a person’s blood pressure. It can sometimes avoid medication and wrong diagnosis of blood pressure.
No, you cannot wear it during a bath or swim. It is just a water-resistant device.
It is recommended that you wear it during the night, as it will help us check your sleep BP. Normally, during sleep, there will be a slight reduction in blood pressure.
If there are any deviations in this pattern, it will be reflected in the recording and the medication and lifestyle can be modified accordingly. You can keep the monitor slightly away while keeping the cuff on the arm.
You can log your various activities on the Credo Health App by simply clicking a button that records your time and activity for easy plotting.
Alternatively, you can note down activity and time manually and notify your health coach.
This monitor is for diagnostic purposes only and you need not own such a costly device. Alternately, you can notify your health coach who can guide you if you need it.
Our team will collect the ABP monitor from your home, after we have finished monitoring you.
The rashes are temporary and would fade off in a few hours. You can apply calamine lotion or any moisturizer over the rash till that time. You can wear the device cuff over the shirt.
Although the ABP monitor shows the reading by itself, we would plot your readings and activity on a chart and show it on your Credo Health App.
You might experience slight stiffness, but it is important to wear the ABP monitor for the entire day and night except during showers and sports. However, any kind of vigorous sports should be avoided. During a shower or while in sports, you can uncuff the device by clicking the Pause / Break option under the green button.
There are clear instructions in the manual, and for any additional support, our device trainer/health coach can guide you on how to re-cuff the ABP to your arm.
Make sure the cuff is above the elbow joint and the arrow on the cuff is in line with your arm artery. The cuff should be tied firmly with only one finger to pass underneath it.
This ABP is for 24/48 hours regular monitoring. You can click the break option under the green button of the ABP monitor and restart the device by clicking the measure option under the green button
If the cuff is bulged it means the air is retained in the cuff. You can compress the cuff to let the air disperse from the cuff to retie it to the arm.
No. You need not worry. Our battery will last more than 24 hours.
Our care team would set the periodic intervals for readings. At least 14 readings are required in a 24-hour monitoring window, and at least 6 of them should be during sleep hours.
Never use it while bathing. Please ensure that you do not drop it. Refrain from using the ABP device during intense sports.
The tube side of the cuff should be 1-2 centimeters above the inside elbow. Ensure that the air tube is on the inside of your arm before wrapping the cuff securely, so that it does not slip round in that space.
Switching user ID enables you to save readings for 2 people.
Either of the control buttons can be pressed to interrupt while a measurement is being taken. This will deflate the cuff. The measurement will be recorded with an error and will not be repeated. The next measurement will be taken as scheduled.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Patch
Continuous Glucose Monitoring is done via a special device kit which has a sensor, reader, and receiver in it. This sensor, which measures glucose at set intervals, is attached to your skin, and helps in recording real-time readings with various activities like food, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle habits. These readings help us plan the required interventions in managing your diabetes.
Continuous glucose monitoring is wearable technology that makes it easier to track blood sugar levels over time. Blood sugar is another term for blood glucose.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices help manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes with fewer fingerstick tests. A sensor just under the skin measures glucose levels 24 hours a day. A transmitter sends results to a wearable device or cell phone.
A CGM device can—
Show you a bigger picture of how diabetes affects you
CGM measures glucose levels every fifteen minutes. The data shows a complete view of how blood sugar levels change over time. This information can help the provider better understand how food, activity, stress, and illness impact blood sugar levels.
Lead to more personalized care
CGM tells when glucose goes up or down, and the Provider (Doctor) can download CGM data from the device and review it for patterns and trends. They can then personalize the care based on what they learn.
Alert to highs and lows
Most CGM devices send an alert when glucose levels rise or fall a certain amount. With this information, one can make changes quickly and may be able to treat or prevent highs or lows before they turn into a big problem.
Reduce how many fingerstick checks need to be done
CGM significantly reduces the number of fingerstick tests to be done each day.
The CGM patch records the trends of the glucose level, continuously, once every 15 minutes. Once a week, cumulative data of glucose readings are taken and interpretation is done. Dip and rise in glucose levels are co-related with the activity pattern and nutritional intake of the member.
This provides an insight on the type of food that causes a dip or rise in glucose levels, based on which nutrition intervention & activity intervention is planned.
Using a weekly pattern of glucose levels, we co-relate the blood glucose levels data with the nutrition and activity levels of the member, and thereby suggest appropriate diet and physical activity interventions.
Absolutely not. It pierces just 0.4mm of your skin!
The readings of the CGM patch would not be evaluated individually, but the trends and analysis of the readings are important. They are reliable to make better decisions for the doctor.
Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) is the measure of choice here. The improved CGM performance in the hypoglycemic range, including values between 40 and 80 mg/dL, may be able to provide reassurance that glycemic control can improve in the absence of an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Accuracy of the patches are well accepted by all the doctors, with 10% variations as compared to laboratory results.
The patch is water-resistant for 30 minutes and up to 3 feet under water. You can use it for a quick shower, but it is not advisable to use the patch for a tub bath.
It is simple and there are no hard maintenance tips. Just try to have quick showers and do not rub on the sensor.
It can store close to 1,300 readings before being transferred to the reader. Day 15 of use is its expiry date.
It is better for you to be blindfolded to your readings for the first 14 hours, but you would be able to see on the app after we upload them.
The built-in blood glucose meter is NOT for use in a dehydrated, hypotensive, in-shock, hyperglycemic, or hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis. It is also NOT for use on neonates and critically ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes.
The sensor on the CGM patch takes a few hours to adapt before it starts collecting the readings and storing them.
A single reading from the CGM patch would not be taken for decision by your doctor. The trends and analysis are important when arriving at any decision.
No. The readings will appear on the app after they are uploaded from the backend to your App profile.
Mild itching sensation is common among members with sensitive skin. As the member is not used to wearing this patch, he/she may feel uncomfortable for a day or two. However, if the itching is very severe, CGM patch has to be transferred to the other arm, in which case, the cost of the new patch should be paid by the member.
Omron Body Composition Monitor (BCM)
The Omron BCM estimates body fat percentage using the Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) method.
The device sends out an extremely weak electrical current of 50 kHz and less than 500 μA through your body to determine the amount of fat tissue. This low electrical current is not felt while operating the Monitor.
Visceral fat is body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity and around a number of important internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines.
Device should be placed on an even surface.
Blood Glucometer
Yes, it is possible to test with all types of blood (capillary, venous, arterial, and neonatal).
As users currently do with most other types of blood glucose test strips on the market, they can simply check the expiration date clearly printed on the vial of their Accu-Chek Active test strips.
As with today’s products, you will receive an E-4 error code.
Deletion is based on the logic that when the number of stored blood glucose readings in the memory reaches 720, adding the 721st record causes the 1st record to be deleted.
The stored values will be kept in the meter at all times: they cannot get lost when changing the battery. If the battery change is done according to the user instructions (empty battery stays in the meter until new battery is available to be inserted) the time and date settings remain stored in the meter as well.
Generic
All interventions will be discussed and proposed to you only after the approval from your treating doctor. Your doctor can remotely monitor your health anytime, tracking your progress even when you do not go to the clinic.
Yes. You will receive notifications on your App to remind you to take your medications.
Credo Health’s chronic conditions management program is recently launched yet completely backed by reputed doctors, clinical advisors, and technical experts, each with more than three decades of experience.
Along with continuous real-time monitoring devices and lifestyle modification, this program is completely new to the world, only just a few years old.
However, all activities are scientifically backed and evidence-based. No new medicines will be added without the treating doctor’s clearance, and the entire treatment plan is completely accessible to your primary doctor.
Our treatment plan is formulated entirely based on the guidelines framed by established health organizations.
These include the American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology in relation to the current population’s scenario.
The treatment is based on proven medical science, safe, advanced technologies, our AI-powered care pathways, and custom algorithms.
These enable treating doctors to build and provide individualized therapeutic solutions, as each member is unique and requires a personalized plan.
This is a scientifically-proven and approved technology. There are many research articles by doctors which have proven this method of intervention.
This way of treatment/intervention is not new. However, the way it is being delivered is innovative. Interventions are based on integration of existing medical knowledge with technological advancement.
Lifestyle modifications are an important part of chronic conditions management and prevention. Even minute lifestyle modifications like a brisk, 30-minute walk daily can make a major difference in bettering your condition.
That said, if you are not willing to make any lifestyle modification it will become a genuine challenge in the treatment process and clinical progression, in spite of nutritional alterations, medication adherence etc.
Yes. After we have discussed and finalized your goals, you’ll receive a summary of those goals in accordance with the priority on your App.
Yes. An appropriate fitness plan can be formulated in accordance with your work schedule, daily priorities, and commitments.
Mostly, you would immediately receive a call back from the health coach. However, if the health coach is occupied with another member, you can expect a call back at the earliest, for which we shall fix a mutually convenient time.
Yes. You can expect daily calls from the health coach in the initial period, till you stabilize. It will be done according to the package plan.
Based on current data, participating in walks after meals might have a potent blood-pressure-lowering effect.
In simple terms, taking a walk before a meal amplifies your body’s metabolism which leads to better consumption of calories once we ingest and digest our food.
It is therefore advisable to go for a walk before a meal to reap maximum metabolic benefits out of brisk walking.
It depends on member adherence to the precision care plan, visible changes in blood sugar parameters and blood pressure readings.
Any improvements can be observed by the end of the 4th week of the respective program, and significant changes can be observed by the end of the 12th week.
As Credo is a health tech company, a wide geography is an advantage for us and not a challenge.
Technical
Click on “More” at the bottom bar of the home screen. On the next screen you will find your Settings.
Go to Application settings and simply enable “Allow Notifications” from the Credo application.
By clicking the “Sync” button on the home screen, the app will sync the device automatically.
You will get an alert message to turn on the internet service in your device. Once a successful connection to the internet is established from your device, it will send your offline data to the online server.
- Make sure Bluetooth® is enabled on both your mobile device and the BP Monitor.
- Open the Credo Health App on your mobile.
- Click on “Sync Device”.
- Make sure Bluetooth® is enabled on your mobile device.
- Login to the Credo Health App with your credentials registered with us.
- Click the “Sync” button that you will find on top of the home screen. If you are a first-time user, you will be shown a pop-up window with a list of devices.
- Select the Body Composition Monitor from this list.
- Click the “Sync” button, and thereafter, every time, data from your paired device will sync directly with your Credo Health App.
- Download the Fitbit App on your mobile device.
- Login with your credentials registered with Fitbit.
- Click on the “Sync” button that you will find on the home screen, and it will integrate with the Credo Health App automatically.
- Go to Google Play Store
- Choose the Credo Health App.
- Click the “Update” button on the screen, and the Credo Health App will be updated automatically.
1.0.15 (Required OS Android 8.0 and up)
Finance
That depends on the package you have enroled for. To know more about your package, please refer to the welcome email from “support@credo.health” or please write to “support@credo.health”.
If the transaction is successful, you will be provided with a payment receipt. However, if your money has been deducted but the transaction status is shown as failed, please contact your service provider or write to “support@credo.health”.