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World Diabetes Day, November 14
The percentage of
diabetic patients all over the world is increasing day by day.
Diabetes is the
third widespread and serious disease after heart disease and cancer.
We need
energy to carry out any activity by the body. Our body converts glucose
into working power and remains active. Digestive process converts
carbohydrates from our food into glucose. As the proportion of glucose in
the blood increases, immediately pancreas gland situated behind the
stomach releases hormones known as insulin. It converts glucose in the
form of power and stores the extra glucose in the cells of liver and
muscles. Thus the quantum of glucose in the blood remains balanced. Diabetes
mellitus is a disease state in which pancreas not functions normally, no
sufficient insulin is produced and so, the body is not capable to manage
its food intake properly, body’s metabolism gets disturbed.
The sugar,
starch and other carbohydrates are not burnt properly because of missing
insulin, it leads high blood sugar. The kidneys cannot bear too much sugar
(glucose) in the blood and as a result it is filtered out with the urine.
Body therefore, utilizes fat instead of glucose. When glucose is converted
to strength, the fuel is fully utilized but when fat is utilized as a
fuel, poisonous gases like acetone are produced. A diabetic patient
becomes comatose called as diabetic coma.
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Two major types of diabetes mellitus are:
Diabetes
Type I / also
called as
juvenile
Diabetes or
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)
The patients belonging to this category have their pancreas damaged due to
virus. In such cases the cells producing insulin normally get destroyed.
Therefore, it becomes essential to get insulin injected from outside. So,
It is called as insulin dependent diabetes.
It can occur at any age, though it most commonly occurs during younger
age.
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Diabetes
Type II
/ also called as
type 2 diabetes mellitus, adult-onset diabetes,
Non-Insulin
Dependant Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
This diabetes is more common than type-I. About 95 to 98% of diabetic
patients fall in this class Type-II diabetes mostly occurs in people who
are over 40 and overweight. In this type of patients, insulin is produce
in the body but its quantum is lower than required. This diabetes can be
controlled by proper food, exercises and performance of Yogic exercises.
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Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes also
involves a combination of inadequate insulin secretion and responsiveness,
resembling type 2 diabetes in several respects. It develops during
pregnancy and may improve or disappear after delivery. Even though it may
be transient, gestational diabetes may damage the health of the fetus or
mother, and about 20%–50% of women with gestational diabetes develop type
2 diabetes later in life.
Gestational diabetes
mellitus (GDM) occurs in about 2%–5% of all pregnancies. It is temporary
and fully treatable but, if untreated, may cause problems with the
pregnancy, including macrosomia (high birth weight), fetal malformation
and congenital heart disease. It requires careful medical supervision
during the pregnancy.
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Fetal/neonatal risks
associated with GDM include congenital anomalies such as cardiac, central
nervous system, and skeletal muscle malformations. Increased fetal insulin
may inhibit fetal surfactant production and cause respiratory distress
syndrome. Hyperbilirubinemia may result from red blood cell destruction.
In severe cases, perinatal death may occur, most commonly as a result of
poor placental profusion due to vascular impairment. Induction may be
indicated with decreased placental function. Cesarean section may be
performed if there is marked fetal distress or an increased risk of injury
associated with macrosomia, such as shoulder dystocia.
Other types
There are several rare
causes of diabetes mellitus that do not fit into type 1, type 2, or
gestational diabetes:
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Genetic defects in beta
cells (autosomal or mitochondrial)
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Genetically-related
insulin resistance, with or without lipodystrophy (abnormal body fat
deposition)
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Diseases of the
pancreas (e.g. chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis)
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Hormonal defects
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Chemicals or drugs
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The tenth version of the
International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) contained a
diagnostic entity named "malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus" (MRDM or
MMDM, ICD-10 code E12). A subsequent WHO 1999 working group recommended
that MRDM be deprecated, and proposed a new taxonomy for alternative forms
of diabetes. Classifications of non-type 1, non-type 2, non-gestational
diabetes remains controversial.
Diabetes insipidus
(DI)
Diabetes insipidus
(DI) is a disease characterized by excretion of large amounts of severely
diluted urine, which |
cannot be reduced when fluid intake is reduced. It
denotes inability of the kidney to concentrate urine. Diabetes insipidus
(DI)
is caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or by an
insensitivity of the kidneys to that hormone.
Effects of
uncontrolled diabetes
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Diabetes Type 2 may affect all parts of the body
causing serious complications as,
Atherosclerosis, Retinopathy, Neuropathy, Foot problems,
Nephropathy etc...
In
comparison to the healthy man, the possibility of having high blood
pressure and ailment of heart is 2 to 3 times more for a diabetic patient.
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Diabetes
may lead to gangrene, damage of retina, kidneys.
If
diabetes is not properly controlled then in the long run fat gets
deposited on inner layer of arteries and the possibilities of
occurrence of paralysis increase.
Complications of diabetes
include eye problems and blindness, heart disease, stroke, neurological
problems, amputation, and impotence.
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Causes for
Diabetes:
Although the causes of diabetes are still unknown, medical science does
know that certain factors contribute to its development.
Heredity
Food
Stress that affects the cells of the body seems to set the stage for
diabetes in these people.. Obesity
Diagnose
Symptoms of
Diabetes:
Unusual thirst,
frequent and profuse urination,
loss of weight despite increased appetite and food intake,
weakness and drowsiness,
itching of the skin and boils.
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TABLE FOR CONTROL OF
DIABETES:
CONDITION BEFORE MEALS AFTER MEALS(2 hr after meals)
Normal 65 - 100 mg/dl 100 mg/dl 120 mg per
day
Acceptable 120 mg/dl 150
mg per day
Poor More than 120 mg/dl More than 180 mg/dl
Yogic Treatment for Diabetes:
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Surya Namaskara
Pavanamukta
Asana
Utthan Pada
Asana
Ardha
Matsyendrasana
Bhujanga Asana
Paschimothan
Asana
Salabha
Asana
Matsya
Asana
Bhramari
Nadi shodhan
Kunjal
Kriya
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Above asanas have great effect on the pancreas and other glands, such as
adrenal, thyroid and sex glands. The muscle and organs of abdominal area
are fully activated due to this asana. Because of this activation the
condition and functioning of the pancreas is energized and strengthen.
It increases the blood supply to various parts of body, improving insulin
administration in the body, it also
cures the constipation, and corrects the malfunctioning of stomach.
Above pranayamas found useful in diabetes as Alternate nostril breathing
has calming effect on nervous system, which reduces stress levels, helping
in diabetes treatment.
Beside
the above mentioned asana and pranayama practice of
yoga nidra,
concentration
and
meditation
gives the best result.
Creative visualizing the proper functioning of pancreas and concentration
on pancreas during the meditation practice has shown positive effects on
sugar levels. |
Diet for
Diabetes
:
Low carbohydrate, sugar-free, low
cholesterol
vegetarian diet
To avoid potatoes, rice, sugar and sugar products
Salads of leafy green vegetables and lightly boiled vegetables should
be preferred
Spices, oil and ghee should be consumed in minimum quantity
know more about
Diet.
menu recipes
Prevention of
Diabetes:
As little is known on the
exact mechanism by which type 1 diabetes develops, there are no preventive
measures available for that form of diabetes. Some studies have attributed
a protective effect of breastfeeding on the development of type 1
diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes risk can
be reduced in many cases by making changes in diet and increasing physical
activity. A review article by the American Diabetes Association recommends
maintaining a healthy weight, getting at least 2½ hours of exercise per
week (marathon intensity or duration is not needed; a brisk sustained walk
appears sufficient at present), not over much fat intake, and eating a
good amount of fiber and whole grains. Although they do not recommend
alcohol consumption as a preventative, they note that moderate alcohol
intake (at or below one ounce of alcohol per day depending on body mass)
may reduce the risk. They state that there is not enough consistent
evidence that eating foods of low glycemic index is helpful, but
nutritious, low glycemic-index (low carbohydrate) foods are encouraged.
(It should be noted that many low-GI foods are not recommended, for
various reasons.)
Some studies have shown
delayed progression to diabetes in predisposed patients through the use of
metformin, rosiglitazone, or valsartan. Breastfeeding might also be
correlated with the prevention of type 2 of the disease in mothers.
Facts
about Diabetes:
Diabetes is the seventh leading
cause of death among Americans, and the sixth leading cause of death from
disease. Although it is believed that diabetes is under-reported as a
condition leading to or causing death, each year, 180,000 deaths are
reported as being caused by diabetes or its complications.
Diabetes in cats (feline) and
dogs
(canine):
Diabetes mellitus
strikes 1 in 400 cats and a similar number of dogs, though recent
veterinary studies note that it is becoming more common lately. Symptoms
in dogs and cats are similar to those in humans. Generally, most dogs and
about 5-20% of cats experience type-1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, rather
than the type-2 that's now becoming common in obese humans. The other
80-95% of cats experience type-2 diabetes. The condition is definitely
treatable, and need not shorten the animal's life span or life quality. In
type-2 cats, prompt effective treatment can even lead to diabetic
remission, in which the cat no longer needs injected insulin. Untreated,
the condition leads to blindness in dogs, increasingly weak legs in cats,
and eventually malnutrition, ketoacidosis and/or dehydration, and death.
Diabetes mellitus and
pregnancy
For women with diabetes mellitus, pregnancy can present some
particular challenges for both mother and child (infants
childhood). If the woman who is
pregnant has diabetes or develops diabetes during pregnancy, it can cause
early labor, birth defects, and very large babies.
Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy- Risks for the child:
Miscarriage, growth restriction, growth acceleration, fetal obesity (macrosomia),
polyhydramnios. Birth defects are not currently an identified risk for the
child of women with gestational diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy- Risks for the mother:
Disturbed blood glucose levels. Hypoglycaemia can occur without warning.
Treatment of pregnant women with diabetes:
Blood glucose levels in the pregnant woman should be regulated as strictly
as possible. In diabetes mellitus type 2, oral antidiabetic drugs should
be replaced with insulin.
Diabetes
Research:
The
beneficial effect of yoga in diabetes.
An investigation into
the acute and long-term effects of selected yogic postures on fasting
and postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in healthy young subjects.
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A few
Alternative Therapies |
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List of branches of
alternative and Complementary Medicine |
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Acupuncture
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Auriculotherapy
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Korean hand acupuncture
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Medical acupuncture
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Meridian therapy
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Sonopuncture
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Acupressure
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Alexander Technique
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Osteopathy
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Unani
medicine
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Traditional Chinese medicine
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Affirmations
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Affirmation Visualizations
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Applied kinesiology
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Apitherapy
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Aromatherapy
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Astrology
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Auriculotherapy
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Autogenic Training
Facial diagnosis
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Faith
healing
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Fasting
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Feldenkrais method
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Feng
shui (creating a soothing, tranquil renewing environment)
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Chinese food therapy
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Functional medicine
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Gua
Sha
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Hair
analysis (alternative medicine)
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Hand
analysis
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Hawaiian massage
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Healing touch
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Health
psychology
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Herbal
crystallization analysis
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Herbology
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Herbal
therapy
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Holistic living
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Holistic medicine
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Homeopathy
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Bach
flower remedies
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Flower essence therapy
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Isopathy
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Homeo
wave therapy
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Hypnosis
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Hypnotherapy
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Natural Health
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Natural therapies
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Diet and Food
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Dietary supplements
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Exercise
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Organic Foods
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Home
remedies
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Natural hygiene
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Naturopathic medicine
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Nutrition
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Botanical medicine
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Hydrotherapy
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Minor surgery
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Manipulative therapy
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Pharmacology
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Neuro-Linguistic
Programming
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Nutritional healing
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Nutritional supplements
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Omega-3 fatty acid
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Organic Diet
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Orgonomy
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Orthomolecular medicine
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Pilates
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Plum
blossom (Chinese medicine)
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Polarity Therapy
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Prayer
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Psychosocial interventions
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Psychic surgery
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Bates
Method
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Biologically Based Therapies
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Bates Method
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Chinese food therapy
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Macrobiotic lifestyle
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Orthomolecular medicine
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Body-Based Manipulative Therapies
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Body
work or Massage therapy
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Breathing Techniques
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Integrative medicine
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Iridology
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Journaling
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Light
Therapy
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Magnetic healing
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Medical acupuncture
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Medical intuition
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Medical Qigong
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Meditation
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Sclerology
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Seitai
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Soil
bath therapy (Mrittika snan)
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Somapractic
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Support groups
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Suseunghwagang (meditation breathing)
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T'ai
Chi Ch'uan
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Tantra
massage
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Thalassotherapy
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Therapeutic horseback riding
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Theta
Healing
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Mega-vitamin therapy
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Meridian therapy
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Moxibustion
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Music
therapy
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Five
Elements
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Seven
star
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Trigger point
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