What Is a Diabetes Eye Exam?

It is not the same as a regular vision exam. Learn more about what a diabetes eye exam is and what it reveals about your eyes. Or, the exam can monitor the progression of eye problems that an eye doctor has already identified. Verywell / Joules Garcia This is why eye doctors recommend that people with diabetes get an eye exam once a year. This is called dilation. These drops allow the eye doctor to see the back of your eyes using special equipment....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 507 words · Mr. Joshua Frazier DVM

What Is a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)?

The DRE is no longer recommended for routine screening. Risks Although a digital rectal exam poses virtually no risks, some people find it briefly uncomfortable. Still, as with many preventative procedures, potential discomfort is temporary. Getty Images Given that, it is not a test that should be skipped or resisted when its necessary. Before the Test There is nothing you better do prior to a digital rectal exam. you’ve got the option to eat, exercise, and otherwise do what you normally do beforehand....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 284 words · Bradley Ali

What Is a Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?

This is sometimes done after a miscarriage to further evaluate the uterus if abnormal uterine bleeding occurs. This article covers why and how its done to help you prepare for the procedure. PeopleImages / Getty Images Why Its Done A D&C removes tissue from the uterine lining. PeopleImages / Getty Images Couples can use this information to understand if their baby had any genetic abnormalities. You will likely be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure begins....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 274 words · Miss Samantha Ibarra

What Is a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order?

A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is a legally recognized order signed by a physician at a patients request. This article explains the meaning of DNR. It details what resuscitation means and the rules governing DNR orders. shironosov / istockphoto What DNR Means DNR means do not resuscitate. A DNR means that the person does not want any life-saving measures. Resuscitation means to revive or bring back to life. Cardiac arrest patients do not....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 340 words · Matthew Smith

What Is a Doctor of Osteopathy?

This article explains what a DO is and how they are trained. It also details osteopathic treatment and the difference between osteopathy,naturopathy, andchiropracticcare. Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health What Is Osteopathy? Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health Some osteopathic physicians offer traditional diagnosis and treatment. Both traditional (allopathic) medicine and osteopathy focus on treating symptoms and diseases with medication and surgery. But DOs also may integrate their training in osteopathic manipulative treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 425 words · Kristin Nguyen

What Is a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)?

Catching cancer early can greatly improve your treatment outcome. This is repeated for the next two bowel movements. It works similarly to the gFOBT by using a chemical that changes color if there’s blood. Verywell / Cindy Chung Like the gFOBT, there are dietary restrictions you should probably follow before you do the test. You’ll read the results yourself and send them to your healthcare provider. In the case of the reagent pad or tissue test, you perform this testandrecord the results at home....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 280 words · Sarah Perry

What is a Functioning Alcoholic? Signs and Seeking Help

The term “functioning alcoholic” is not a medical term. “Functioning” is subjective and limiting when describing a person living with alcohol use disorder. Christopher Ames / Getty Images Do People With Alcohol Use Disorder Drink Every Day? Christopher Ames / Getty Images The way people with alcohol use disorder present in their day-to-day lives varies significantly. People with alcohol use disorder are dependent onalcohol, but that does not mean that they drink every day....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 331 words · Taylor Clay

What Is a Fungal Ear Infection or Otomycosis?

A fungal ear infection, also calledotomycosis, is an infection of theouter earthat is resulting from a fungus. They typically occur in one ear at a time. Symptoms of a fungal ear infection include: Your ears may also get red, swollen, and inflamed. Doucefleur / Getty Images The skin of your affected ear may become flaky. When to See a Healthcare Provider Fungal ear infections are not likely to go away without treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 407 words · Eddie Beard

What Is a Glass Eye Prosthesis?

There are a variety of things you should know about artificial eyes and how to care for them. Jessica Olah / Verywell When Is a Glass Eye Needed? Removal of an eye is something that must be seriously discussed and the circumstances of each case weighed. Jessica Olah / Verywell Or, the eye may need to be removed to save the sight in the still healthy eye. Eye removal surgery can be done in different ways....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 365 words · Angela Kim

What Is a Globulin Blood Test?

They make up almost half of the proteins in your blood. Globulin tests, also called globulin electrophoresis, can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions. High levels may indicate infection, inflammatory disease, or anautoimmune disease. Simon’s Photo / Getty Images Low levels may be a sign of liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. This article explains the purpose of a globulin test. It also describes the testing process, what results mean, and ways to improve your levels....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 655 words · Tamara Brown

What Is a Gluten Challenge?

Gluten must be in your system in order for testing to confirm celiac disease. you better be consistently eating gluten for celiac disease testing to be accurate. That’s becauseblood testsand intestinal tissue sample evaluations look for your body’s reaction to the protein. Dougal Waters/Getty Images It’s recommended that anyone considering a gluten-free diet get tested for celiac disease first. Without gluten in your system, celiac diseaseif presentcannot definitively be diagnosed....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 568 words · Timothy Steele

What Is A Hangover?

Symptoms and Recovery Ahangoveris a common condition that occurs hours after alcohol consumption. You may have aheadache, feel nauseated, or get dizzy when you have a hangover. Hangovers tend to occur afterheavyalcohol consumption. LaylaBird / Getty Images This article will discuss the causes of hangovers, symptoms, and different strategies for hangover recovery. There are several recognizable effects of a hangover. Because drinking is often an evening activity, hangovers are commonly described as “morning-after” effects....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 384 words · Cameron Huynh

What Is a Health Insurance Premium?

Ahealth insurance premiumis a monthly fee paid to aninsurance company or health planto provide health coverage. But keep in mind that most health plans are heavily subsidized, as discussed below. The premium payments have adue date plus a grace period. ERproductions Ltd / Blend Images / Getty Images Other health insurance costs may includedeductibles,coinsurance, andcopayments. Premiums are not considered cost-sharing. If you don’t need any treatment, you won’t pay a deductible, copays, or coinsurance....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 335 words · Ryan Villegas Jr.