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Kidney stone disease, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, is a condition in which hard mineral deposits form inside the kidneys. These stones develop when urine becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals and salts to crystallize and stick together. Kidney stones can affect anyone at any age, but they occur more often in men, with the highest incidence between the ages of 30 and 40. While some kidney stones remain small and pass without causing problems, others can grow, recur, or move into the urinary tract, leading to severe pain and complications. If left untreated, kidney stones may result in kidney infections, damage to the ureters, sepsis, or long-term loss of kidney function, including chronic kidney disease. Recognizing the condition early is key to preventing serious outcomes.Kidney stones vary in size—from tiny, sand-like grains to much larger stones—and they may form anywhere along the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Even after successful treatment, stones can return, making prevention and follow-up especially important. Why do kidney stones form? Several factors increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones. These factors often affect how much calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or water is present in the urine: • Diet and hydration habits: Not drinking enough water, eating excessive salt, sugar, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate) can promote stone formation. • Medical conditions and body chemistry: Obesity, gout, overactive parathyroid glands, digestive disorders (like inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea), and high calcium or uric acid levels in the blood raise the risk. • Medications and supplements: High-dose vitamin C, calcium supplements, and certain medications may contribute to stone development. Warning signs and symptoms Kidney stones may not cause symptoms until they move within the kidney or become lodged in the ureter, blocking urine flow. When symptoms do appear, they can be sudden and intense: • Severe, sharp pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen that may come in waves • Pain during urination, frequent urination, or difficulty passing urine • Cloudy, pink, red, or brown urine, sometimes with sand-like particles • Nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills if an infection is present Some people, however, may have kidney stones without any noticeable symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment If kidney stones are suspected, healthcare providers use urine and blood tests along with imaging studies—such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans—to confirm the diagnosis and determine stone size and location. Treatment depends on the type and size of the stone and the severity of symptoms. Small stones often pass on their own with increased fluid intake and, in some cases, medications to relax the ureter and ease pain. Larger or problematic stones may require specialized procedures, such as shock wave therapy to break them apart, endoscopic removal with a ureteroscope, or surgical techniques for very large stones. Prevention and outlook Most people with kidney stones recover fully, but recurrence is common. Preventive strategies focus on long-term lifestyle and dietary adjustments, including staying well hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, limiting salt and animal protein, and following medical advice tailored to the type of stone formed. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive care, kidney stone disease can be effectively managed, helping protect kidney health and quality of life.

A C-peptide test measures the level of C-peptide in your blood or urine to evaluate how much insulin your pancreas is producing. Because C-peptide and insulin are released into the bloodstream at the same time and in equal amounts, this test provides a reliable picture of your body’s natural insulin production. Unlike insulin levels, C-peptide is not affected by injected or inhaled insulin used for diabetes treatment. For this reason, healthcare providers often rely on a C-peptide test to distinguish between insulin made by the body and insulin taken as medication. Understanding C-Peptide and Insulin C-peptide is a short chain of amino acids created when the pancreas produces insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for helping glucose enter the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. Proper insulin function is essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. In people with Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced, but the body may not use it effectively, or insulin production may decline over time. Measuring C-peptide helps clarify which situation is present. Why Is a C-Peptide Test Performed? Healthcare providers may order a C-peptide test to better understand blood sugar disorders and guide treatment decisions. Common reasons include: • Determining whether diabetes is Type 1 or Type 2 when the diagnosis is unclear • Evaluating how well current diabetes treatment is working • Deciding whether insulin therapy is necessary • Investigating unexplained low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) • Differentiating between insulin produced by the body and insulin taken as medication • Monitoring or diagnosing rare insulin-producing pancreatic tumors (insulinomas) How Is the Test Done? A C-peptide test is usually performed using a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm. In some cases, especially when more detailed information is needed, the test may be done using urine collected over a 24-hour period. Blood testing is more common and quicker. Depending on the clinical situation, your provider may ask you to fast for 8–12 hours or may measure C-peptide after eating to see how your pancreas responds to food. The test is often performed alongside a blood glucose measurement. Understanding the Results C-peptide results must always be interpreted together with blood sugar levels and clinical findings. In general: • Low C-peptide levels suggest reduced insulin production, which may occur in Type 1 diabetes, advanced Type 2 diabetes, after insulin injections, or with certain conditions such as Addison disease or severe liver disease. • High C-peptide levels indicate excessive insulin production, which may be associated with insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, Cushing syndrome, kidney disease, low potassium levels, or insulin-producing tumors. • If no C-peptide is detected, insulin replacement therapy is usually required. Important Notes A C-peptide test does not diagnose diabetes on its own. Blood glucose tests and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) remain the primary tools for diagnosing diabetes. Instead, the C-peptide test plays a supportive role by showing how well the pancreas is functioning and helping tailor long-term treatment strategies.

An occlusal guard is a removable dental appliance designed to protect the teeth and jaw from the harmful effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism). These habits usually occur during sleep and often go unnoticed, yet they can lead to serious dental and muscular problems over time. Many patients only discover they have bruxism after experiencing tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, or visible damage to their teeth. The occlusal guard is worn over the teeth—most commonly at night—and creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower jaws. Instead of teeth grinding directly against each other, biting forces are absorbed and evenly distributed by the guard. This reduces stress on the teeth, jaw joints, and facial muscles, helping prevent further damage and improve comfort upon waking. Occlusal guards are typically custom-made by a dentist using precise impressions or digital scans of the teeth. They are produced from durable dental materials such as acrylic or flexible plastic. Depending on the severity of bruxism, a dentist may recommend a soft, hard, or hybrid occlusal guard. Why Is an Occlusal Guard Needed? An occlusal guard helps protect oral health by: • Preventing enamel wear, cracks, and tooth fractures • Reducing jaw pain, muscle tension, and morning headaches • Minimizing tooth mobility, gum recession, and bone loss • Improving sleep quality and morning comfort How Does an Occlusal Guard Work? During sleep, an occlusal guard: • Prevents direct tooth-to-tooth contact • Absorbs and redistributes clenching pressure • Allows teeth to glide smoothly instead of grinding • Protects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles With consistent use and proper care, an occlusal guard is an effective, non-invasive solution for managing bruxism, preserving dental health, and maintaining long-term comfort.If you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism, visit Dalimed Medical Center for a professional consultation and a custom-fitted occlusal guard. Our specialists will help you preserve your dental health and ensure long-term comfort with a solution tailored specifically for you.

An AMH test measures the level of anti-müllerian hormone in your blood. This hormone is produced by the small follicles in your ovaries and reflects the number of eggs you have — your ovarian reserve. Higher AMH levels usually suggest more available eggs, while lower levels indicate fewer remaining eggs or a naturally declining reserve with age. Although AMH provides valuable insight into egg quantity, it cannot predict how easily you can get pregnant, whether fertility treatment will work or when menopause will begin. Healthcare providers use AMH testing to get a clearer picture of reproductive health. It helps determine if your ovaries are aging faster than expected, estimate how well you may respond to fertility medications and prepare for treatments such as IVF, where multiple mature eggs are needed. AMH can also be useful in identifying or tracking certain ovarian tumors, including granulosa cell tumors. AMH levels rise through adolescence, peak in your mid-20s and gradually decrease as you age. Typical levels range from 1.0 to 3.0 ng/mL, while anything below 1.0 is considered low. Levels may vary slightly depending on the laboratory equipment used. What an AMH test is used for: • Evaluating ovarian reserve, reproductive aging and potential response to fertility treatments like IVF. • Helping diagnose or monitor ovarian masses, especially granulosa cell tumors. The AMH test is a simple blood test that can be performed at any point in the menstrual cycle because AMH stays relatively stable throughout the month. You don’t need to prepare beforehand. If your sample is processed by a laboratory, results typically return within a few days. While at-home AMH kits are available, a specialist should always interpret the results. Fertility is influenced by many factors, including age, ovulation patterns, sperm quality, blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic conditions and uterine abnormalities — none of which AMH can measure. What an AMH test cannot tell you: • Your ability to conceive naturally, your exact fertility potential or the age you will reach menopause. • Other major fertility factors such as sperm count, ovulatory problems, fallopian tube blockage, endometriosis or uterine fibroids. In summary, an AMH test offers valuable information about your ovarian reserve, but it is only one part of the bigger fertility picture. Understanding your results with a qualified specialist ensures you get accurate guidance and a personalized plan for pregnancy or treatment options.