Stenton Pharmacy & Supermarket

19/05/2025

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes:
Introduction
Type 2 diabetes is a common but serious condition that affects how your body handles sugar (glucose) in the blood. It usually develops in adults, but with changing lifestyles, more young people are now being diagnosed. Let’s walk through the story of Mr. James, a fictional character, to help us understand this condition better.

Case Study: Mr. James - A Wake-Up Call
Subjective (What the patient reports)
Mr. James is a 52-year-old businessman who came to the clinic feeling constantly tired. He complained of:

Excessive thirst

Frequent urination (especially at night)

Blurry vision

Feeling hungrier than usual

Unexpected weight loss despite eating more

He mentioned that both his father and older sister had diabetes. He admitted to eating out often, consuming sugary drinks daily, and rarely exercising due to a busy work schedule.

Objective (What the healthcare provider observes or measures)
Height: 5 ft 10 in

Weight: 102 kg (BMI = 32.7, obese)

Blood Pressure: 145/90 mmHg

Fasting Blood Sugar: 174 mg/dL (normal < 100 mg/dL)

HbA1c (3-month average blood sugar): 8.6% (normal < 5.7%)

Cholesterol Levels: Elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) and low HDL (good cholesterol)

Assessment (Diagnosis and evaluation)
Mr. James was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, likely worsened by obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and family history. He was also at risk for complications such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Plan (What to do next)
Here’s how Mr. James' care plan was structured:

1. Lifestyle Modifications (The Foundation of Treatment)
a. Diet
Reduce sugar, soda, white rice, white bread, pastries

Increase intake of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish and beans), and healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil)

Eat smaller portions more frequently to avoid blood sugar spikes

Tip: “Shop the outer aisles of the grocery store – that’s where the fresh produce and healthier options are!”

b. Exercise
30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days a week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, dancing)

Start slowly and build up gradually to avoid burnout

Tip: “You don’t need a gym – a good pair of shoes and consistency is enough.”

c. Weight Loss
Goal: Lose 5-10% of body weight (can significantly lower blood sugar levels)

Combined diet and exercise are key

2. Medication (When lifestyle alone isn't enough)
Mr. James was started on Metformin, the first-line medication for Type 2 diabetes. It helps:

Reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes

Make the body more sensitive to insulin

Other medication options include:

Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide) – help the pancreas release more insulin

SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin) – help the kidneys remove sugar through urine

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) – slow digestion, reduce appetite, lower blood sugar

Insulin therapy – used when oral meds aren’t enough

3. Monitoring and Follow-Up
Mr. James was educated on how to:

Monitor his blood sugar at home (using a glucometer)

Recognize signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion)

Track progress through regular HbA1c testing (every 3-6 months)

4. Preventing and Managing Complications
If not managed well, diabetes can affect nearly every organ in the body. Here’s how Mr. James was advised to stay ahead:

a. Eye Health
Annual eye check-ups to detect diabetic retinopathy (can cause blindness)

b. Kidney Health
Routine urine and blood tests to check kidney function

Control blood pressure and sugar levels

c. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Check feet daily for cuts, blisters, or wounds

Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot

d. Heart Disease
Control blood pressure and cholesterol

Take prescribed medications like statins

Stop smoking completely

5. Emotional and Mental Health Support
Living with diabetes can be overwhelming. Mr. James was encouraged to:

Join a diabetes support group

Talk to a counselor if he feels anxious or depressed

Get family involved in lifestyle changes

Conclusion: A Message of Hope
Type 2 diabetes is not a death sentence. With proper lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring, many people live long, healthy lives. Mr. James, six months into his plan, lost 8 kg, improved his HbA1c to 6.7%, and reduced his dependence on medication.

Diabetes is a journey—but one that can be successfully managed with the right knowledge, discipline, and support.

Key Takeaways
Early detection and lifestyle changes can reverse or control Type 2 diabetes

Healthy eating and regular exercise are powerful tools

Monitoring and preventing complications is crucial

Stay informed, stay supported, and take control

18/10/2024

The Nigerian government has recently introduced a new initiative aimed at alleviating the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. This initiative, known as the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), or Pi-CNG, is designed to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel source, with the ultimate goal of reducing the cost of transportation for Nigerians. The initiative is also tasked with increasing the availability of CNG conversion outlets nationwide in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), developing a CNG funding scheme, and implementing conversion incentive programs to encourage the adoption of CNG technology.

Natural gas, as the name suggests, is a naturally occurring fuel source, often extracted as a byproduct of petroleum drilling. It can either be obtained in its pure form or as a mixture containing methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other compounds. In refineries, most of the compounds are removed, leaving methane as the primary component. Methane, the simplest carbon-based gas (with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms), burns cleanly, producing only carbon dioxide and water v***r, which results in lower greenhouse emissions than any fuel except hydrogen.

From an economic perspective, natural gas offers substantial savings compared to petroleum-based fuels. The price of natural gas ranges from 79 cents to $1.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge), making it an attractive alternative to traditional fuels, especially in a country where fuel costs can be a significant burden. Furthermore, CNG vehicles boast the same or even better fuel economy per British thermal unit (Btu) thanks to the higher octane rating of natural gas. Test drives of CNG vehicles have shown no significant performance losses and a range of about 250 miles, making them viable for regular use.

CNG vehicles operate similarly to gasoline-powered vehicles with spark-ignited internal combustion engines. Natural gas is stored in a high-pressure fuel tank, usually located at the rear of the vehicle. The gas is transferred through the fuel lines, and a pressure regulator reduces it to a level compatible with the engine's fuel injection system. The fuel is then mixed with air in the intake manifold or combustion chamber, where it is compressed and ignited by a spark plug.

Converting a gasoline-powered vehicle to a CNG hybrid doesn’t require much beyond installing a new fuel tank and regulator. The regulator reduces the tank pressure from 3600 psi to 125 psi, feeding the fuel into a secondary fuel rail and injectors, which are connected to the engine. A wiring harness is also installed to intercept throttle information and pass it to a new fueling computer, which adjusts the data before sending it to the CNG injectors. While this process is technically straightforward, it raises critical questions about safety and regulation, especially in the context of Nigeria.

One of the key safety concerns revolves around the CNG fuel tanks themselves. These tanks must meet stringent standards for impact and puncture resistance, much like conventional gasoline tanks. There are four types of CNG tanks, ranging in complexity and cost. Type I is made entirely of metal, usually steel or aluminum. Type II features a metal core with a fiberglass or carbon composite wrap around the middle. Type III is fully wrapped in composite materials around a thin metal core, and Type IV is a lightweight plastic tank wrapped in carbon-fiber composite. Although Type IV tanks are the lightest, they are also the most expensive.

The recent explosion of a converted CNG vehicle in Benin City, Edo State, raises serious concerns about the safety of these conversions. This incident has prompted important questions: What types of fuel tanks or cylinders are being used for these conversions? Who is responsible for regulating the quality and safety standards of the CNG components? Are the mechanics conducting these conversions properly trained and certified? Are the components being used tested and approved for CNG conversions, and if so, by whom?

In a country like Nigeria, where regulations are often poorly enforced or nonexistent, safety must be a priority. While the economic savings from using CNG may be appealing, they should never come at the expense of public safety. The recent explosion is a call for strict oversight, proper training, and the use of certified, high-quality components in the CNG conversion process. In a space as unregulated as Nigeria, where standards can easily be compromised for financial gain, the government must step in to ensure that safety protocols are followed rigorously. Cutting corners may save Naira, but it could also cost lives.

As the Pi-CNG initiative rolls out across the country, it is essential that both the government and the public stay vigilant about the safety of CNG technology. Lowering transport costs and reducing reliance on petroleum-based products are noble goals, but they must be achieved without jeopardizing the lives and well-being of Nigerians. Only through careful regulation, proper training, and a commitment to safety can CNG be a viable and safe alternative for the country’s transportation needs.

17/10/2024

There are two things you need most in life, above all else: 1. Wisdom, and 2. Money.

27/06/2024

A 22-year-old chronic ma*****na user in Canada tragically succumbed to a severe heart rhythm disorder following days of intense vomiting and abdominal pain

A 22-year-old chronic ma*****na user in Canada tragically succumbed to a severe heart rhythm disorder following days of intense vomiting and

18/06/2024

In 2018, a friend’s daughter, freshly graduated as a Doctor of Pharmacy from a New York program, was poised to begin her career. However, after returning home to Philadelphia, she began to show signs of depression, which quickly escalated into psychosis. Despite spending a month in a psychiatric hospital, doctors were unable to determine the cause of her ailment.

Her parents delved into their family history, searching for any instances of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but found none. Her life became a series of mood swings between mania and hypomania. Despite consulting numerous psychiatrists, no solution was found, leaving her father, a pharmacist, increasingly desperate.

A breakthrough came unexpectedly during a conversation at church. A man who overheard the father discussing his daughter's condition offered to meet him at his pharmacy. This man recounted a similar experience with his sister in Nigeria during the early 1990s. After graduating from university and while preparing for the National Youth Service Corps, she began showing signs of bipolar disorder. Despite extensive treatment in Nigeria, her condition worsened. It was only after taking her to London that doctors discovered she was suffering from iron deficiency. After receiving iron supplements, she recovered within three days.

Inspired by this story, the father decided to try the same approach. He took home a bottle of ferrous sulfate and gave his daughter a tablet that night. The next morning, she greeted him with a "good morning"—something she hadn't done in a long time. After three days of taking iron supplements, she had fully recovered, engaged in full conversations, and even decided to seek a job. She is now working at a chain pharmacy and preparing for her licensing exam.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, affecting more than two billion people. It is essential for numerous vital functions, including oxygen transport, cellular respiration, immune function, neurotransmitter metabolism, and DNA synthesis. In the brain, iron deficiency can lead to poor myelination and impaired monoamine metabolism, influencing neurotransmitters like glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This can result in memory deficits, learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and emotional and psychological problems.

Research indicates that iron deficiency is linked to various psychosocial consequences, including impaired psychomotor function, reduced work capacity, delayed socioemotional development, and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and restless legs syndrome.

17/04/2024

One of the primary reasons Nigeria struggles with issues like those of a banana republic is the blatant disregard shown by the government and its agencies towards court orders.

The recent incident involving the EFCC's siege on the residence of former Governor Yahaya Bello, despite a court order restraining such actions, reflects a troubling trend. This lack of respect for the rule of law undermines justice and creates an environment where obtaining fair treatment in court becomes nearly impossible.

To address this systemic issue, I suggest implementing a strict policy. Any personnel from agencies like the EFCC who violate court orders should face serious consequences, including termination, arrest, and prosecution for contempt of court. Additionally, accountability should extend to leadership positions, such as the head of the EFCC, who should also be removed from office and brought before the law.

This approach should be consistent across all government agencies. Those who disregard court orders must face legal repercussions to restore trust in the judicial system and uphold the rule of law.

11/04/2024

Junior Pope: If the reports of the recent boat accident we came across online are accurate, there are critical factors that contributed to the tragic and preventable death of Junior Pope and his colleagues in the accident yesterday.

Firstly, in this modern era, boats operating across rivers in Nigeria must be equipped with life vests. This should not be up for debate. Many individuals cannot swim, and even proficient swimmers may struggle against powerful river currents. The provision of life vests is essential. Moreover, having trained divers readily available is crucial. Nigeria lacks the necessary infrastructure, such as functional emergency services, that can swiftly respond to rescue individuals in distress.

Secondly, addressing superstitious beliefs is paramount. It is disheartening that in this day and age, irrational beliefs still influence actions during emergencies. When someone drowns, the immediate response should be to transport them to a hospital. If competent individuals are present, administering first aid is vital. This includes clearing the airways, performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, checking for breathing and pulse, and repeating the cycle as necessary. Relying on ancient practices like appeasing river deities is not only outdated but also perilous.

Junior Pope's tragic demise underscores the consequences of our collective ignorance, adherence to superstitious beliefs, and the absence of proper institutional support for emergency situations.

03/02/2024

Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones because it helps the body utilize calcium from the diet. Traditionally, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to rickets, a disease where bone tissue doesn't mineralize properly, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities. However, research is increasingly highlighting the importance of vitamin D in preventing various health problems.

Symptoms and Health Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency:
Bone pain and muscle weakness can indicate a vitamin D deficiency. Yet, many people may experience subtle symptoms, and even without obvious signs, insufficient vitamin D levels can pose health risks. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with:

At Stenton Pharmacy, we have all your vitamin supplements.

If you avoid the sun, use sunscreen, have milk allergies, or follow a strict vegan diet, you might be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, is made by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also found naturally in certain foods, such as fish, fish....

17/12/2023

Hiring: A PHARMACIST TO WORK 8 AM TO 4PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND EVERY OTHER WEEKEND.
SEND YOUR RESUME (CV) TO STENTONPHARMACY@GMAIL.COM

02/12/2023

For a clearer skin, exfoliate with this Ammonium Lactate Cream 12%

Call 09166239657 to order or send a message. You can also walk into our store at 29B Afolabi Aina Street off Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikeja. Lagos.

02/12/2023

If you suffer from motion sickness when travelling, the Motion Sickness Relief is the solution you need.

It works for Children and adults.

Call 09166239657 to order or send a message. You can also pick up at 29B Afolabi Aina Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo Road. Ikeja, Lagos.

25/11/2023

New arrivals.

Elastalift 4X Brightening Vitamin C anti-aging face serum. with Glycolic acid, ferulic acid, and lactic acid. 52mL.

N7,500