Intake of sugar-rich or high carbohydrate food like rice is a prohibition for them. However, a special kind of rice with lower levels of carbohydrates is available in the market.
Umesh Nayak, a farmer of the Binjharpur area in Jajpur, is producing -- RNR15048 Sona variety of paddy– which is suitable for consumption by diabetes patients.
In common paddy varieties, carbohydrate content is usually 71 percent while the rice cultivated by Umesh reportedly has 50 percent carbohydrates.
Umesh, after quitting a good job in a company, is now focused on producing this variety of rice in his farmlands. He is planning to increase the production of rice, as it has high demand in the market.
Khitish Biswal, Medical officer of Binjharpur CHC, said that carbohydrate metabolism does not happen properly in diabetic patients. "Low carbohydrate-content rice or food is advisable for them. Such type of rice will be helpful for glycemic control in blood sugar," he added.
Agriculture Officer Gyana Prakash Sahu said, "I have visited the farmland of Umesh. He is producing this variety of rice. We will look for what we can do to encourage production of this variety of rice.”
As per reports, there are 42 million diabetics in India who are still undiagnosed. Eminent Diabetologist, Utkal Keshari Khadenga dwelt on issues related to diabetes. Asked if poor infrastructure or lack of awareness is responsible for many cases going unnoticed, Khadenga said, “These sorts of things underscore the need for collaboration, education, and access to healthcare. Diabetes is a global health concern affecting millions.”
Emphasizing the need for awareness, the diabetologist said, “Awareness is crucial to the prevention and management of diabetes. By working together, we can improve diabetes care and support those living in this condition. Let’s raise our voice and spread awareness for a healthier lifestyle, early detection, and better treatment options.”
Khadenga observed that it is not a lack of healthcare delivery infrastructure, but a lack of awareness, which is more responsible. He stated that the government is doing very well at the ground level by opening up health centres, PHCs, and CHCs, but people do not check if they have diabetes or not. That’s why many diabetes cases go undetected.
As per the ICMR studies, 136 million people in India are in a pre-diabetic state. Asked if the pre-diabetic state can be reversed, Khadenga said that if the blood glucose remains between 100 to 125 in the fasting state, it is called a pre-diabetic stage. If the person knows he has this level of blood glucose, they can become normal with diet control and exercise. This can be prevented, he noted.
He also stated that people with a family history, obesity, smoking, or cardiac diseases, should check their blood glucose and know where they stand.
Khadenga said, “About 90 percent of the diabetics are type-II diabetes while 3 to 3.5 percent are type-I diabetes. Type-II diabetes is hereditary, and can’t be changed.
There are factors responsible for the chances of increasing diabetes such as a change in lifestyle, poor diet habits, sedentary habits, and stressful jobs.
If a person does exercise regularly and avoids unhealthy and junk food, calorie-rich food, and manages stress, he/she can bring diabetes under control. He said that unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, unhealing of wounds, irritability, and fatigue are among the early signs of diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago, US, found that people who ate only during an eight-hour window between noon and 8 p.m. each day actually lost more weight over six months than participants who were instructed to reduce their calorie intake by 25 per cent.
Both groups had similar reductions in long-term blood sugar levels, as measured by a test of haemoglobin A1C, which shows blood sugar levels over the past three months.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, enrolled 75 participants into three groups: those who followed the time-restricted eating rules, those who reduced calories and a control group. Participants' weight, waist circumference, blood sugar levels and other health indicators were measured over the course of six months.
Krista Varady, professor of kinesiology and nutrition at the varsity, said that participants in the time-restricted eating group had an easier time following the regime than those in the calorie-reducing group.
The researchers believe this is partly because patients with diabetes are generally told to cut back on calories by their doctors as a first line of defence, so many of these participants likely had already tried -- and struggled with -- that form of dieting.
And while the participants in the time-restricted eating group were not instructed to reduce their calorie intake, they ended up doing so by eating within a fixed window.
"Our study shows that time-restricted eating might be an effective alternative to traditional dieting for people who can't do the traditional diet or are burned out on it," said Varady. "For many people trying to lose weight, counting time is easier than counting calories."
There were no serious adverse events reported during the six-month study. Occurrences of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) did not differ between the diet groups and control groups.
The study was small and should be followed up by larger ones, said Varady. While it acts as a proof of concept to show that time-restricted eating is safe for those with type 2 diabetes, Varady said people with diabetes should consult their doctors before starting this sort of diet.
The new research, published in the journal Diabetologia, found no statistically significant association between evening physical activity and risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Physical activity is a preventive factor for Type 2 diabetes, but its timing and consistency (in contrast with overall sum of physical activity) has been relatively unexplored.
Researchers from Harvard University in the US analysed the relationship between morning, afternoon, or evening physical activity and consistency (routine) and risk of Type 2 diabetes.
"Our study showed an association with diabetes risk between morning and afternoon versus evening physical activity. The findings also suggest it is helpful to include some higher-intensity activity to help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other cardiovascular disease," said Dr Chirag Patel, Harvard Medical School.
The team included 93,095 participants (mean age 62 years) without a history of Type 2 diabetes who wore a wrist-worn accelerometer for one week. They converted accelerometer information to estimate metabolic equivalent of task (MET) (a common measure of physical activity), adding up MET-hours of total physical activity, including chores, walking, and vigorous activity.
The team observed protective associations of physical activity, with each 1-unit increase in MET being associated with a 10 per cent and 9 per cent reduction in risk of Type 2 diabetes in the morning and afternoon, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant association between evening physical activity and risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The researchers believed that lifestyle factors, such as amount of sleep and dietary intake, would influence the amount of physical activity in the morning, afternoon, and evening undertaken, and therefore the role activity has in diabetes risk.
"The consistency or routine of physical activity was not strongly associated with Type 2 diabetes. In other words, individuals who exercise a smaller amount of time more frequently are at no lesser risk for diabetes than individuals who exercise the same total amount, but with less of a routine," Dr. Patel said.
"Our findings support that total physical activity, but not its consistency over the week, may be an important factor impacting Type 2 diabetes risk. The timing of activity may play a role in the mitigation of diabetes risk," he added.
Dr. Ravi Sankar Erukulapati, Endocrinologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,commented, “India now has over 101 million people living with diabetes – a rise from 77 million in 2019. Diabetes is a chronic lifestyle condition that needs to be managed properly to lessen the risk of other health problems in the future. For working professionals, many of whom are doing desk jobs, this can be challenging. As a result, people living with diabetes are sometimes inconsistent with their lifestyle changes and don’t take their medicines as prescribed. It is critical for people with diabetes to take necessary steps to effectively manage their diabetes and properly follow the treatment schedule for better health outcomes.”
Here are 7 steps on how to manage diabetes effectively at work:
Have a diabetes action plan that suits your worklife: Navigating your diabetes and work journey starts even before you reach the office. Getting good sleep at night matters – as does how you plan for the day. Create a routine so you don’t skip breakfast – which is important to keep sugar highs and lows at bay.
Decide whether you want to have this meal at home or when you get to work but keep it nutritious. Limit empty calories and cut back on salt and saturated fat.
Snack smart: Whether a co-worker is munching on chips or fried foods or candy, or offering everyone mithai with celebratory news, you are always surrounded with unhealthy temptations.Avoiding snacking entirely can be tough, so have them in moderation, and be mindful of what you eat. Keep healthy snacks at hand – fruits, salad, nuts, yogurt – for when cravings hit. Also remember to stay hydrated with water over sugary and caffeinated drinks.
Healthy Lunch Matters: Pack lunch smartly so you can enjoy a healthy, balanced meal and aren’t only dependant on outside food. A diabetes-friendly diet includes leafy greens (like spinach), non-starchy vegetables (like carrots, tomatoes, onions, okra, cauliflower), healthy carbs (like whole grains and brown rice), lean proteins (including eggs, beans, and chicken), and fruits low in carbohydrates (such as oranges). On days with special events, whether a colleague’s birthday or team lunch, watch your calorie intake beforehand.
In addition to following a balanced diet, it is crucial to monitor your glucose levels before and after meals. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices can be helpful in tracking your glucose levels throughout the day, providing real-time data to aid in managing your diabetes.
Stick to your medication routine: To manage your diabetes well, adhering to medication is important, which helps maintain glycemic control. In case you need to take any medication at work, be sure to set reminders – maybe on your phone or with a post-it note on your desk.
Ashwini Pawar, Medical Affairs Director for Abbott in India said, “For people with diabetes, disease management is important for maintaining good health. However, many don’t take their medicines as prescribed. At Abbott, we go beyond treating diseases by helping people build better habits and addressing typical barriers for taking timely medication. Introducing patient-centric innovations such as making tablets with a special coating that make them easier to swallow,can help people overcome difficulties. Through such measures, we hope to help patients effectively manage diabetes so they can lead healthier lives while performing at their best.”
Let your team be in the know: If you feel comfortable, talk to your manager and team about living with diabetes. This may help you request for more flexible adjustments, or even consistency with lunch breaks. You can also discuss critical steps necessary in case of a glucose emergency, so they know how to help you if such situations arise.
Get moving: Many at work have sedentary lifestyles. Physical activity helps people with diabetes manage their condition better. Get active by stretching at your desk, taking short walks around the office, up and down the stairs, or even outside. A recent study found that a post-meal walk also helps lower your blood sugar levels. Further, try fitting exercise into your routine before or after work.
Learn to manage stress: When you are stressed, you may notice your glucose levels changing. Sometimes, you may be overwhelmed at work. Good coping mechanisms help keep your blood sugar levels in check when things get difficult. Try meditating in a quiet corner, find time to unwind (talk to a colleague or take a break), and identify and manage stressors.
Try finding a diabetes-friendly routine that works for you, so you can better manage your diabetes at work!
World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on July 28 to create awareness and the theme this year is 'One life, one liver.'
Studies have shown that chronic Hepatitis virus infection can increase the risk of someone developing diabetes.
This is because the virus impacts the liver, which is involved in storing glucose. If the liver cannot function as it should, it can lead to high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance.
"Hepatitis and diabetes share a complex relationship. Patients with diabetes have high risk of hepatitis B or C and higher risk of worse outcomes of their hepatitis infection," Dr Anshul Agrawal, MD, DM Endocrinology, Vinayak Hospital, Jhansi, told IANS.
A study led by researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) showed that diabetics are prone to develop liver diseases and liver regeneration is impaired in them.
The concomitant existence of diabetes and hepatitis potentially leads to a life-threatening status, increasing mortality by approximately 17 per cent among diabetic patients, revealed the study.
"For those facing both challenges, regular medical check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle modifications are crucial to maintain overall health," said Dr Agrawal.
"Managing both hepatitis and diabetes requires a comprehensive approach. From dietary modifications and blood sugar management to vaccinations and infection control, taking proper care can improve the quality of life for individuals with these conditions," Prof. Dr. Abhijeet Muglikar, a diabetologist, told IANS.
Further, hepatitis is also linked with HIV.
People with diabetes are also at risk for hepatitis B because of frequent percutaneous exposures to blood. Co-infection with both HIV and viral hepatitis might also have detrimental effects on those who are infected.
Liver disease, much of which is related to hepatitis B or C, is a major cause of non-AIDS-related deaths among people with HIV.
"Despite being two different viral illnesses, hepatitis, and HIV have a strong connection because of their mode of transmission. Blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, and the use of contaminated needles or syringes are all ways that these viruses can be spread. Due to these widespread methods of transmission, people with HIV are more likely to get viral hepatitis such hepatitis B and hepatitis C," Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director, Internal Medicine, C.K. Birla Hospital, Delhi, told IANS.
People who have both diseases may proceed more quickly in co-infected people, increasing liver damage and consequences. Liver dysfunction and medication dosage might make treating and managing HIV more difficult. Therefore, routine HIV and hepatitis screening is crucial, especially for people with risk factors for exposure, to reduce the likelihood of co-infection.
In addition, hepatitis B vaccine is advised for HIV-positive people to avoid infection.
For co-infected people to experience optimal health outcomes, early detection and appropriate therapy of both illnesses are essential, the doctor said.
According to Dr Neelam Mohan, Director Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Liver Transplantation, Medanta, Gurugram, to eliminate the global hepatitis epidemic by 2030, it is also vital to focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
This mode of transmission demands urgent attention as it poses significant risks to infants if contracted during pregnancy or childbirth.
"Pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B or C have a high likelihood of passing on the infection to their babies during delivery, potentially leading to lifelong health complications such as liver disease and cancer. The risk of transmission of Hepatitis B from an infected mother to her baby is more than 90 per cent, making awareness and preventive measures crucial," Dr Mohan told IANS.
Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B and C, and if infected, they must seek immediate consultation with a liver specialist. Antiviral therapy can reduce the risk of transmission during the last months of pregnancy. Additionally, administering hepatitis B vaccination and immune globulin to newborns significantly decreases infection risk, the doctor advised.
Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes. Ayurvedic herbs have gained recognition for their potential for blood sugar regulation and can serve as valuable adjuncts to conventional therapies. Here is a list of Ayurvedic herbs for the natural management of diabetes.
Karela, also known as Bitter Melon, has long been used in Ayurveda for its anti-diabetic properties. It contains an insulin-like compound called polypeptide-p, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Bitter melon also aids in improving glucose utilisation and stimulating insulin secretion, making it an excellent choice for diabetes management.
Jamun, also known as Indian blackberry or black plum, has hypoglycemic effects, aiding in lowering blood sugar levels. It contains bioactive compounds like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and polyphenols, which further aid the process. Consumption of jamun or its juice helps regulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Its high dietary fibre content slows down sugar absorption, promoting better glycemic control. Including jamun in a balanced diet can effectively manage diabetes.
Giloy, also known as Tinospora Cordifolia, exhibits hypoglycemic effects by stimulating insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation and enhance insulin sensitivity. Giloy's antioxidant property helps protect pancreatic beta cells and counteract the oxidative stress associated with diabetes. Incorporating Giloy into a comprehensive diabetes management plan may provide additional support for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and promoting overall well-being.
Gudmar, also known as Gymnema Sylvestre, has been recognised for its potential role in managing diabetes naturally. It may help control blood sugar levels by reducing glucose absorption and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Additionally, Gudmar has been associated with managing sugar cravings and supporting pancreatic health.
Indian Gooseberry, or Amla, is a potent Ayurvedic herb that offers numerous health benefits, including blood sugar regulation. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help improve pancreatic function and enhance insulin secretion. Amla also aids in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often associated with diabetes.
While Ayurvedic herbs cannot replace conventional medical treatments for diabetes, they can play a significant role in managing blood sugar regulation and overall diabetes naturally. The herbs mentioned above offer a range of potential benefits, from improving insulin sensitivity to reducing oxidative stress.
In a new nationwide survey, it has been found that 71 per cent of doctors believe that Diabetes Remission (DR) -- bringing blood sugars back into the normal range without the aid of medications -- is possible.
The all-India survey among diabetologists was conducted by the digital healthcare company Practo in April to understand the attitudes of the medical community towards managing India’s rising diabetes burden.
The medicos also said that nearly 40 per cent of their patients were eligible for DR, but barely 52 per cent had access to a dietician, either in-house or externally, or a structured DR programme.
The rest are forced to single-handedly play many roles in a time-constrained environment, the survey found.
The survey revealed several barriers to implementing DR in their patients -- difficulty in adhering to diet and fitness plans by the patient (86 per cent), lack of family support (43 per cent), and lacking resources to closely follow up on the patient’s progress (29 per cent).
Accordingly, a Practo spokesperson said that while the survey highlighted a growing predisposition towards DR among the healthcare professionals, it also brought to the fore a crucial gap in diabetes care delivery -- the need for a structured support system to enable successful delivery of DR plans to the patients.
Those surveyed were of an average age of 44, with an HbA1c level of 8.4, and an average duration of diabetes of over six years.
From this, 88 per cent reduced or stopped medications over the six-month course, on an average the patients experienced a 1.7-point reduction in HcA1c levels (from 8.4 to 6.6) and a weight loss of 7.2 kg in the same period.
Medical Advisor of Practo Transform, Hema Venkataraman, said that diabetes in India is a unique and complex condition posing great challenges in its management.
“With as high as 20 per cent incidence in some cities, there is an urgent need for the rollout of widespread prevention and remission programmes. The survey highlights that the country’s healthcare community recognises the importance of DR and also the unmet need for a support system to help them implement the DR,” Venkarataman said.
Consultant endocrinologist Anusha N.D. said that while diabetes can’t be reversed, it is definitely possible to put it into remission with weight loss, especially since its becoming common these days among youngsters with increased obesity.
“So, if one loses weight by stressing on diet and exercise, remission is possible, but it may not happen to all. However, weight loss definitely comes with a lot of other benefits, like, one can decrease the dose of diabetic and hypertensive medications and the lipid profile will be better,” said Anusha.
The experts said that weight loss will lead to fewer complications, better health, improved lifestyles and significant reduction in cardiovascular risks.
The Practo survey covered medicos in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and other Tier II and III cities.
The State Basic Education Department has directed all the Divisional Education Directors (Basic) and District Basic Education Officers in this regard.
The NCPCR Chairman had appealed to the state government to ensure action for the control of Type-1 diabetes in students aged 0 to 19 years.
Subsequently, the Yogi government issued guidelines for the protection and security of diabetic children.
Acting on the letter of the NCPCR, the Yogi government has instructed the Basic Education Department to ensure appropriate actions.
On behalf of Director General School Education Vijay Kiran Anand, a letter has been sent to Joint Director of Education (Basic) Ganesh Kumar to issue necessary guidelines for this.
As per the guidelines, children with Type-1 diabetes may need to check blood sugar, inject insulin, take a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, or perform diabetes care activities (if prescribed by a doctor), and teachers must allow them to do so in the classroom even during exams.
In addition, the child may participate in sports as per medical advice.
Medical equipment will be permissible to be taken in examination halls, said the government spokesman.
Children suffering from Type-1 diabetes who are appearing in school exams and other competitive exams can be given a few exemptions. These include the permission to carry sugar tablets with them, keeping medicines, fruits, snacks, drinking water, some biscuits, peanuts, dry fruits with the teacher in the examination hall so that they can be given to the children during the examination if required.
The staff should allow children to take their glucometer and glucose test strips to the examination hall, which can be kept with the invigilator or teacher. Additionally, children should be allowed to test blood sugar and consume the above items as needed.
Children using CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring), FGM (Flash Glucose Monitoring) and insulin pumps should be allowed to keep these devices during the exam, as they are attached to the child's body.
If a smartphone is required for their reading, then this smartphone can be given to the teacher or invigilator for monitoring the blood sugar level.
India has the highest number of children suffering from Type-1 diabetes in the world.
People suffering from Type-1 diabetes need to take insulin injection three to five times a day and sugar test three to five times and negligence of any kind in this can be damaging for both physical and mental health of a student.
Children spend one-third of their time in schools, so it is the duty of schools to ensure special care for children suffering from Type-1 diabetes.
According to the study published in The American Journal of Medicine, people know exercise is good for them but they don’t know the best approach.
“We targeted this issue by focusing on a few key parameters: the utility of aerobics versus weightlifting, the time of day that is optimal for exercise, whether to exercise before or after meals and whether we have to lose weight to get benefits or not,” said Steven Malin, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and an author of the study.
For the analysis, researchers sifted through dozens of studies to identify common conclusions.
Some of the key findings include -- physical activity, such as cycling, swimming and walking, that increases the heart rate and the body’s use of oxygen helps manage blood glucose.
Researchers discovered that working muscles with an opposing force such as dumbbells, resistance bands, or a person's own body weight improves insulin sensitivity in those with Type 2 diabetes and that moving throughout the day by breaking up sitting time improves blood glucose control and insulin levels.
Performing exercise later in the day can result in better control of blood sugar levels as well as improve insulin sensitivity, the study showed.
“The combination of aerobic exercise and weightlifting is likely better than either alone. Exercise in the afternoon might work better than exercise in the morning for glucose control, and exercise after a meal may help slightly more than before a meal,” Malin said.
According to Malin, exercise can be considered a first-line therapy.
“I'm one of those individuals who subscribe to that notion, and in that way, I think of exercise as a drug,” Malin said.
“Together, this idea of exercise timing and type is important because it helps medical professionals more accurately recommend exercise prescriptions to combat high blood glucose,” he added.
According to an alarming new study led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and published in the journal 'The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology', Infia is home to a whopping 315 million people with hypertension, and 101 million with diabetes.
The study also showed that 136 million Indians are pre-diabetic, 213 million people live with high cholesterol, 185 million suffer from high LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol, while 254 million live with generalised obesity and 351 million have abdominal obesity.
These non-communicable diseases were also behind 65 per cent of deaths in India, and 40 per cent hospitalisation, a study by Apollo Hospitals had revealed in April.
Speaking to IANS, Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, said the increasing prevalence can be attributed to several factors.
"Rapid urbanisation and the adoption of a more westernised lifestyle have led to a decline in physical activity levels. Sedentary behaviours such as prolonged sitting and reduced exercise contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of hypertension and high cholesterol. Additionally, increased stress levels and lack of proper sleep can also impact blood pressure and cholesterol levels negatively," Gupta said.
He also blamed significant changes in dietary habits -- from traditional Indian diets, consisting typically of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, to more processed and high-calorie foods.
"The consumption of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and excessive salt has increased, leading to weight gain, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels," the expert noted.
There is also a genetic predisposition among Indians, particularly those of South Asian descent, to develop hypertension and dyslipidemia. Evidence also indicates that Indians are more susceptible to insulin resistance.
Certain gene variants when combined with unhealthy lifestyle factors increase the risk further, the doctor explained.
Increased consumption of sugar, found in many ultra processed foods, has been linked to overweight and obesity, which affects nearly 40 per cent of the global population, including millions of children.
"It is imperative to recognise the intricate relationship between sugar consumption and the development of diabetes. Sugar, once regarded as a simple pleasure, can disrupt the delicate balance of our body's glucose regulation, predisposing individuals to this chronic condition," Manoj Vithlani, Senior Consultant physician and diabetologist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, told IANS.
A commonly used low or no-calorie alternative to sugar, known as non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), is also harmful to health in the long run, the expert said.
NSS are generally marketed as aiding weight loss or maintenance of healthy weight, and are frequently recommended as a means of controlling blood glucose in individuals with diabetes.
"Higher intake of NSS is associated with increased risk of Type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and related mortality, and all-cause mortality," said Anurag Aggarwal, Consultant-Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.
It is also associated with higher body mass index and increased risk of incident obesity; and the risk of bladder cancer.
The health experts stressed the need to educate people to make informed choices, embrace a balanced approach to nutrition and adopt healthier alternatives. This includes engaging in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, or cycling and reducing sedentary time.
A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should be followed, while limiting the intake of processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, and sugary beverages.
The doctors also recommended weight and stress management as well as regular health check-ups to keep a check on blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes.
But, when it comes to diabetic patients’ health, experts believe that sprinting should be avoided.
It is because blood sugar levels keep on fluctuating every day in the body of a diabetic patient. And it can ultimately lead to a number of health issues.
That is why sprinting activity should be conducted with great caution by diabetics. Patients who are on medication and have been recommended lifestyle changes should avoid sprinting or high-intensity exercises and instead opt for normal exercises like brisk walking or yoga.
According to Subhendu Mohanty, an Interventional Cardiologist from Sharda Hospital, Noida, heavy-duty exercises by diabetics who are not used to such types of physical activities earlier can increase the risk of heart attacks.
Low blood sugar is the biggest danger diabetic patients face. The sugar levels in the blood can hit the bottom any time of the day depending upon the surrounding atmosphere, changes in climatic conditions, diet, and stress level, he said.
Sprinting needs a lot of energy and this energy is provided through the supply of glucose through blood. If the blood fails to provide an adequate amount of energy to the person, then he can face several symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, headache, weakness, disorientation, and in some cases lead to unconsciousness which further can lead to death in a few patients.
When a person is sprinting or doing high-level activity he requires a regular supply of energy in huge amounts.
That is why health experts believe that patients with diabetes should not opt for such exercises that can put pressure on their hearts.
Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.
However, as you age calcium in your body starts depleting, aches and pains become a normal thing and your metabolism slows down due to which you start gaining weight and are more vulnerable to attracting lifestyle diseases like thyroid, hypertension, and diabetes.
If you keep a keen watch on your health and keep on doing necessary tests during your 30s, 40s, and 50s, you can keep such health issues in check.
Every woman from 30 onwards should do a Pap smear test once every three years. Along with it doing an HPV test is highly recommended. Human papillomaviruses or HPV have been known to cause different types of cervical and related cancers. Both men and women should screen for prediabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes once they cross 30 years of age. People who are obese or overweight must do these tests once every six months.
Those who are overweight or obese should immediately consult a dietician, check their Body Mass Index, and try to lose weight.
According to The American Cancer Society, a woman should compulsorily do mammograms for breast cancer once every two years after she reaches the age of 40 years. After she reaches the age of 45, a woman must do a mammogram every year until she reaches the age of 54. Both men and women must screen for colorectal cancer once they have crossed the age of 45 years.
In the case you do not check your eyes regularly after 40 you must start doing annual checkups from an ophthalmologist to avoid probable eye diseases. It is more important if you suffer from diabetes, hypertension, or even have a family history of eye health issues. Early screenings can detect cataracts and glaucoma.
Women who are in their postmenopausal phase must get screened for osteoporosis. Both men and women who are in the age group of 5o and 80 years should do lung cancer screenings. It is highly recommended for those who have a habit of smoking or used to smoke previously during the last 15 years.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer should undergo screening for the same after reaching 50.
Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.
Sometimes a small portion of basmati rice is also considered good for consumption. While Basmati cannot be eaten daily, many people simply do not like the taste of brown or black rice.
For those who are looking for an alternative to white rice that is tasty and also helps to lose weight and regulate blood sugar levels, parboiled rice is the answer. Parboiled rice has more benefits as compared to white rice which is highly processed and hence increases the glycaemic index by 23%.
Moreover, parboiled rice is tastier than black rice so you can make delicious dishes without worrying about the spike in blood sugar.
It has comparatively low carbohydrates, lesser calories, and more amount of niacin, thiamine, and proteins. That is why it is a better choice as compared to white rice. As the name indicates this type of rice is partially boiled before the removal of the husk from raw rice grains.
The unhusked version is first soaked in warm water and steamed so that the maximum starch content is converted into a gel and dried afterwards.
This entire process gives the parboiled rice a light yellow colour. Due to the difference in its processing parboiled rice is much more nutritious and has a better texture than white rice.
It is extremely good for gut health as its starch content work as a prebiotic and increases the good bacteria volume in the gut. Thus, it reduces the issues like bloating and acidity.
For diabetics, parboiled rice is a better option as it improves the body’s sensitivity towards insulin. Being low in glycaemic index it also helps proper regulation of blood sugar levels. Parboiled rice is good for bone, and hair health and aids in weight loss as it boosts metabolism.
Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.
Most of their life is spent from bed to chair, chair to car, car to the desk, and back to the bed or couch. A few steps in between are all that usually people walk daily. That is the reason why lifestyle diseases are on the rise.
However, you can avoid, delay, and even reverse lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid simply by walking more steps daily.
You do not need to do something extra, enroll in a gym, or buy equipment to start this exercise. Just think of it and do it, it’s that easy. However, the wonderful thing about walking is that it helps you lose weight without causing any injury to your joints, muscles, or knees.
It improves blood pressure regulation and blood sugar levels, eases depression, lowers bad cholesterol, and reduces overall fat content in the body.
General studies show that walking 10,000 steps helps improve cardiovascular health and also reduces the risk of cancer and dementia. Nowadays, most of the fitness enthusiasts try to achieve this target and many even plan to reach a target of 12,000 to 15,000 steps every day.
But, if you are a beginner, then walking 3,800 steps daily is enough to lower the risk of cognitive decline by around 25%. If you are obese or overweight, you must start with less number of steps or else it may affect your muscles and joints.
Another study says that those who walk at least 7,000 steps each day have a lower risk of early death. The important thing is to start walking daily starting from 2000 steps and slowly increasing your steps to 10,000.
Importantly, if you do other exercises like heavy workouts, jogging, or aerobic exercises then the benefits are already covered and you may not need to count your steps.
Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.
A few studies have claimed that cumin seeds regulate fasting blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Cumin contains certain compounds like cumin aldehyde that have anti-diabetic effects. Cumin also has an active chemical component called thymoquinone. It gives B-cells in the pancreas protection from oxidative stress thereby stimulating insulin production. This ultimately helps to lower the blood sugar levels.
You can consume the cumin seeds in powdered, roasted form, or as whole seeds to manage blood sugar levels. Apart from regulating blood sugar levels, cumin seeds also help in weight loss and lower LDL cholesterols and triglycerides.
Its anti-inflammatory properties also help in reducing the risks associated with diabetes such as kidney, liver, and cardiovascular disease. The antioxidants present in cumin protect the body against cell damage.
One of the studies has found that black cumin seeds that are popularly called Kalonji in India have anti-diabetic properties and hence are extremely beneficial for diabetic patients who are suffering from glucose intolerance that can affect the absorption of glucose in the intestine and also reduce appetite.
Apart from including these seeds in different forms in dishes, health experts recommend that diabetic patients should consume them after every meal with lukewarm water to ensure better regulation of blood sugar levels. From sprinkling roasted cumin powder on salad and dressings to adding them to your herbal teas, there are multiple ways in which you can add this powerful seed to your diet and keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.
Managing blood sugar levels is the key to living a healthy life and for that, you can try this special Karela and Jamun homemade juice.
Even health experts recommend diabetics that they must include jamun and karela in their diet to regulate blood sugar levels.
This homemade juice manages insulin levels and also with its healing properties helps to eliminate certain digestive issues, boosts immunity, cleanses toxins, treats skin issues, and also contributes towards the overall improvement of metabolic health.
Both Jamun and Karela are rich in essential nutrients as well as plant compounds and hence can help in reducing high blood sugar levels in the body.
Karela contains a special component called polypeptide-p that fixes insulin imbalance and controls high blood sugar. It also reduces body inflammation.
Jamun is enriched with multiple nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Zinc, and Biotin which in combination with Karela can do wonders in regulating blood sugar levels.
The presence of fibers and other nutrients in combination boosts overall immunity and metabolism. This juice is very good for treating hair problems and also as a detox drink.
To prepare this drink slice half the bitter gourd finely and put it in a blender.
Add 5 to 6 deseeded jamuns and blend.
You can add a little bit of water to ensure that both Karela and jamuns blend softly.
To make it healthier and tastier add rock salt and a few drops of lemon juice (as per preference), a few leaves of fresh coriander or mint, and half a tsp of grated fresh ginger.
Strain the juice using a strainer. Drink immediately
More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 90 per cent of them have Type 2 diabetes, according to a study to be presented at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2023 in the US.
Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over 45 years of age, but more and more children, teens and young adults are also developing it. Also, glucose-lowering medication can be expensive, and the insulin injection has several side-effects, including the risk of low blood sugar and weight gain.
"The potential for controlling diabetes with a single endoscopic treatment is spectacular," said Celine Busch, the study's lead researcher and PhD candidate at Amsterdam University Medical Center.
"One of the biggest advantages of this treatment is that a single outpatient endoscopic procedure provides glycemic control, a potential improvement over drug treatment, which depends on patients taking their medication day in, day out," she added.
In the study, 14 patients underwent an endoscopic procedure in which alternating electrical pulses were delivered to the duodenum, a portion of the lining of the small intestine just below the stomach.
The patients were discharged the same day after the hour-long procedure and placed on a calorie-controlled liquid diet for two weeks. They were then put on semaglutide, a diabetes medication, titrating up to 1 mg per week.
According to Busch, Semaglutide on its own sometimes allows patients with Type 2 diabetes to quit taking insulin, but only in about 20 per cent of cases.
In the study, 12 out of the 14 patients, or 86 per cent, maintained good glycemic control without insulin for a year.
"While drug therapy is 'disease-controlling', it only reduces high blood sugar as long as the patient continues taking the medication," said Jacques Bergman, principal investigator of the study, who is a professor at Amsterdam University Medical Center.
"This one procedure is 'disease-modifying' in that it reverses the body's resistance to its own insulin, the root cause of Type-2 diabetes," he added.
So, what to do? Though for any such health issues, one must consult a doctor, here we have listed a few things that one should follow in life as a precaution:
Pilates, swimming, walking, jogging, or aerobics are good to stay in shape. Not only diabetics but every person should exercise daily to keep their overall health in top condition. However, if you have diabetes then it is a must that you do aerobic exercises for at least 30 minutes every 5 days a week to safeguard your heart from any complications.
You must check your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels regularly to have a good understanding of your health status. Maintaining blood sugar levels in the normal range reduces the chances of heart issues to a large extent. Checking the blood sugar and blood pressure levels daily can be a good habit.
As a rule, everyone must keep the intake of junk and fried foods to a minimum. For diabetes, it is necessary also to cut down on sugar consumption. Avoiding such tempting foods can be difficult at first but they can easily replace such food items with other delicious dishes. Diabetics who love to eat sweets can replace refined sugar with dates, fruits, or raisins but in small proportions.
Stress puts a lot of pressure on the working of the heart. Both blood sugar levels and blood pressure skyrocket if you have stress and it ultimately leads to pressure on the heart. That is why just as it is important to keep your body fit, it is equally important to keep your mind stable and happy. You can try meditation, pranayama, and mind-calming therapies to ensure that you enjoy good mental health.
The entire body function goes on smoothly if you get a sound sleep of 6 to 8 hours. The body feels stressed and tired if you do not get good sleep and it automatically elevates your blood sugar levels and puts pressure on the working of the heart.
Nowadays, health experts also take into consideration the Food Satiety Index (FSI) of a particular food to chalk out a healthy diet plan for their patients.
FSI indicates the level of satisfaction or satiation a particular food offers after you eat it. This helps people choose the right type of food according to their health condition and in the required proportion making it easier for you to manage your weight and control blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
For fixing the FSI, the satiety scale is used as a tool that measures the satisfaction and fullness that a person feels after eating a certain type of meal or food. Based on their satiety experienced individuals rate the food numerically on a scale of 0 to 100. Foods with higher FSI offer more fullness and satisfaction for a longer period.
Several factors like the type and amount of fibre, carbohydrates, and proteins are taken into account while finally determining FSI. Other factors such as water and fat content in that food are also taken into consideration.
Foods rich in fiber and protein and low in refined carbohydrates and fat have been found to have higher satiety value. Some such foods include eggs, fish, lean meats, legumes, whole grains, and potatoes.
Foods with low satiety value include candy, processed snacks, and sugary drinks.
It offers you the right knowledge about whether a food is good for eating at lunch or dinner. Based on FSI you can balance the proportion of protein and fiber-rich foods along with sugary and refined carbohydrate items.
When you choose foods that are more satisfying based on FSI your chances of getting chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity reduce greatly.
Most of the time, when someone gets a cut, scrape, burn or other wounds, the body takes care of itself and heals on its own.
But diabetes can interfere with the healing process and create wounds that will not go away and that could become infected and fester.
The smart bandage developed by researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) may make treatment of these wounds easier, more effective and less expensive.
"There are many different types of chronic wounds, especially in diabetic ulcers and burns that last a long time and cause huge issues for the patient," Wei Gao, Assistant Professor of medical engineering, at Caltech said.
"There is a demand for technology that can facilitate recovery," Gao said.
Unlike a typical bandage, which might only consist of layers of absorbent material, the smart bandages are made from a flexible and stretchy polymer containing embedded electronics and medication.
The electronics allow the sensor to monitor for molecules like uric acid or lactate and conditions like pH level or temperature in the wound that may be indicative of inflammation or bacterial infection.
The bandage can transmit the gathered data from the wound wirelessly to a nearby computer, tablet, or smartphone for review by the patient or a medical professional.
It can deliver an antibiotic or other medication stored within the bandage directly to the wound site to treat the inflammation and infection.
It can also apply a low-level electrical field to the wound to stimulate tissue growth resulting in faster healing, the researchers said, in the paper described in the journal Science Advances.
The team tested the bandage in animal models under laboratory conditions. The smart bandages showed the ability to provide real-time updates about wound conditions and the animals' metabolic states to researchers, as well as offer speed healing of chronic infected wounds similar to those found in humans
Gao said the results are promising, adding that future research will focus on improving the bandage technology and testing it on human patients.
However, in the initial stages, diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes can be controlled and treated effectively with the help of diet and some super fruits.
Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants which is great for building overall immunity. Importantly, it has a very low GI score between 48 to 52 which makes it an ideal fruit for diabetes management. One serving of this fruit offers only 8 to 9 grams of sugar. It is a nutrient-dense and low-calorie fruit which makes it an important part of all ideal low-calorie, low-sugar diet plans.
Papaya has a medium GI and hence can be safely eaten by diabetics. It is high in fiber and hence also can help lower blood sugar levels. Some reports have also suggested that this tropical fruit can cause a hypoglycemic effect which ultimately helps keep sugar levels in check. Natural antioxidants and flavonoids in papaya also contribute to regulating blood sugar levels.
This fruit is quite popular as a diabetic-friendly option. Be it its leaves, seeds, or the flesh of the fruit, each and every part of this fruit and tree is beneficial for treating diabetes. Powdered seeds of Jamun are recommended in Ayurveda for treating diabetes. It converts carbohydrates into energy thereby regulating blood sugar levels. Jamun fruit has low GI and helps control diabetes symptoms like frequent urination.
It is a low-sugar fruit with a moderate GI and hence can be included in the diet of a diabetic patient. It is a low-calorie, nutritious fruit that does not cause a spike in blood sugar. Since it is rich in fibre, Kiwi keeps your stomach full for a long time.
It is rich in fibre and contains fructose which is much better than glucose and hence does not cause a spike in blood sugar. People with diabetes can safely include a moderate amount of apples in their daily diet without worrying about increasing their sugar levels.
Just as it is important to eat veggies and proteins for nutrition and muscle development, the inclusion of carbohydrates is equally important to get the required amount of energy in calories.
But carbohydrates have also been known to spike sugar levels in a person. While for diabetic patients cutting down on carbs is very important to maintain their blood sugar levels, even healthy people should monitor their carbohydrate levels and their impact on the body as a sudden spike in sugar levels can cause other issues like gastric problems and inflammation.
It does not necessarily mean that you should eliminate carbohydrates completely from your diet. No, rather you can use them smartly and by eating them in the right way can easily avoid the spike in blood sugar levels.
According to leading health expert, Pooja Makhija, eating the foods in the right order can make a big difference to the functioning of your hormones, aging, and weight.
The theory put forth by Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City says that if a person eats vegetables and proteins before carbohydrates, it automatically reduces insulin by 30 to 40 % and thus controls glucose spikes.
Makhija in her Instagram video clip has said that it is a way of putting some clothes on the carbohydrates so that the insulin and glucose curve is flattened using the fiber in proteins and vegetables. That is why the blood sugar levels do not get much affected despite eating carbohydrates in this way.
According to Makhija, eating in this way leads to better hormonal balance, better skin, slower aging, fewer cravings, improved fertility, reduced inflammation, and less chances of getting other diseases.
Hanish Gupta, Consultant Physician and Cardiologist, Life Aid Hospital, Delhi said, "Almost three-fourths of India's diabetes population have uncontrolled blood glucose levels, and half of them show poor blood pressure control. Further, at least one-third of them have increased cholesterol and lipids. Common reasons for these metabolic abnormalities include non-adherence to treatment, infrequent doctor visits and lack of awareness of long-term consequences of poorly managed diabetes."
Fact: Diabetes is a complex condition related to several factors. These include being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having an unhealthy diet, and more. It can also be related to genetic factors, such as a family history of having diabetes. While people with diabetes are often advised to control their sugar intake, eating too much sugar alone does not cause diabetes.
However, still be mindful of your sugar consumption -- moderation is key. An overall diet high in sugar can mean higher calories, which can contribute to weight gain and consequently increase your risk of having diabetes. On the whole, try to opt for low glycemic index options and foods high in fibre as well, to achieve the right balance.
Fact: While in rare cases diabetes is reversible, in most cases, diabetes once developed, is a lifelong condition. But living with diabetes doesn't have to be scary. There are various ways to effectively manage the condition. With proper adherence to prescribed medication and dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as monitoring of one's glucose levels, people with diabetes can live a full life. By discussing with a doctor what diabetes management approach works best in individual cases, people can achieve their target glucose range and achieve optimal health.
Fact: Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses blood sugar. However, diabetes can affect more than just glucose levels. Research suggests that the condition -- especially when uncontrolled -- can cause other related complications, such as increasing the risk of problems relating to the heart, eye, kidney, nerves, or feet. This makes managing diabetes in a timely manner even more important. It is also advisable for people with diabetes to get regular health check-ups and keep an eye on their broader health, to identify and address any problems promptly.
Fact: While diabetes has different categories, like type-1 and type-2 and gestational (while pregnant), these cannot be defined as mild or severe. Across all types of diabetes, uncontrolled cases can lead to serious, long-lasting complications. Despite this, people with diabetes can lead healthy, better lives with proper diabetes management, regardless of the type.
Fact: While lowering the intake of certain foods that raise your blood glucose and adopting a healthy fitness routine are key steps to manage diabetes, this does not mean that only these steps will be adequate for all people with diabetes to fully manage their condition.
Abhijit Pednekar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India, commented, "Diabetes management is an ongoing process, which must be holistic and personalised. This involves adhering to dietary and lifestyle changes, prescribed medication, and regular glucose monitoring, which can collectively help individuals manage diabetes. By achieving better control over one's glucose levels, people can live healthier, fuller lives."
By understanding facts about the condition, it can make the care journey less complicated. Following medical guidance and working with doctors to understand what works best for individual situations is important, and it can empower people to better manage their diabetes.
Also, medical treatment for diabetes seems out of reach. So, here are the early signs of diabetes and ayurvedic tips to prevent it without any side effects.
Early signs of diabetes include frequent urination, terrible thirst, extreme hunger despite eating, losing weight even after eating more, severe tiredness, unclear vision, slow-healing cuts and bruises, a dry mouth, itchy skin, or hands or feet tingling, hurting, or numbness.
As part of your dincharya (daily routine), incorporate ritucharya (a seasonal regimen). Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, as they help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Embrace Nidana Parivarjana, which refers to avoiding "too much" sweet fruit like mango, banana, grapes, fried foods, and dairy products.
Indulge in diabetic-friendly foods such as kiwi, jamun, strawberry, peaches, apples, pomegranate, drumsticks, garlic, and green vegetables, which have lower sugar levels as compared to other fruits. Sour fruits like amla and lemon and bitter vegetables like karela must be consumed often.
If you crave some snacks, munch on Chana (Bengal gram), as it keeps sugar under control. Increase your consumption of mudga (green grain), wheat, and barley for lunch and dinner with a variety of healthy variations.
To burn calories, engage in daily exercise routines, carve yourself some me-time, and go swimming or brisk walking. Regular practice of yoga asanas such as Tdasana, Katichakrasana, Gomukhasana, Shalabhasana, Vakrasana, Kunjala, Bhramari, and Surya Bhedana pranayama is required.
Diabetes difficulties are less likely to develop with early diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice.
According to a 2014 study from Cambridge University, beetroots' low carbohydrate content may help lower blood sugar levels. Rich in important vitamins, minerals, fibre, and phytonutrients, beetroot can aid in the control of diabetes. Beetroots are high in lipoic acid, a type of antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by ageing.
In diabetes meal planning, these non-starchy vegetables are high in potassium, vitamin C, and lycopene. They are low in sugar and have a low glycemic index, which has a significant impact on blood sugar levels. Tomatoes are high in potassium, and lycopene can help lower blood sugar.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics should include dried beans or low-sodium canned beans in their meals at least once a week. Kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and black beans are examples of beans that are beneficial to diabetic patients.
Walnuts have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the prevention and management of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. The single-seeded, round stone fruits, also known as 'akhrot,' are high in healthy fats, fibre, and protein.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are high in fibre, vitamin C, folate, and potassium and can be included in a healthy diabetic diet, according to the American Diabetes Association. Oranges have a glycemic index (GI) of 40-43, while carbs with a GI of 55 or less are slowly digested, absorbed, and metabolised. Citrus fruits with low GI and carbohydrates are appropriate for diabetics.
Fenugreek seeds can help diabetics lower their blood glucose levels. Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of soluble fibre, which slows digestion and carbohydrate absorption, resulting in low blood sugar levels.
Diabetes should be managed well if not it can increase your risk of several serious diseases. However, including healthy food in your diet can significantly reduce your risk of complications. Remember, if you have any complications always consult a doctor.
"All fruits contain natural sugars, mostly fructose, which has a low glycaemic index," says Rujuta in her audiobook on Audible. Bursting this common myth among people, she says,"Banana is even approved by the American Diabetes Association but shunned by doctors and dietitians in the country of its origin. Banana is not just safe but recommended for people with diabetes as it is mineral-rich and helps prevent high BP too."
"That teaspoon or even two of sugar in your chai is much better than the low-grade sugar, trans-fat, and emulsifier-rich biscuit/cracker," says Rujuta. Instead, she suggests, "If you must beat diabetes, then you must see that the real risk comes from the unregulated intake of food and misinformation about what is good or bad for you. So have the chai with sugar but limit it to a max of two to three cups a day, and don't touch biscuits and the likes."
Nothing could be further away from the truth. "Ghee and coconut both have the essential fatty acids that further support insulin, protect the heart, and help maintain the intestinal mucosa. So if you are diabetic, the one thing that you can't afford to miss out on is fat, and more specifically, ghee. Eat loads of it!" says Rujuta in her audiobook on Audible.
While most of us believe walking daily is enough, Rujuta recommends "Lift weights and join a gym. Train your big muscles and develop strength in them, as loss of strength from the body is directly linked to insulin resistance and the incidence of diabetes. If you are diabetic, gymming is the best exercise for you."
"Not true! It's easy to regulate blood sugars and support insulin function through the right approach to diet, exercise, and lifestyle" says Rujuta Diwekar in her audiobook on Audible. Forever an advocate for local and traditional food, she adds,"Eating traditional, local and seasonal is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to stay healthy. We have been systematically taken away from our native eating habits and introduced to new ones to live healthier lives. But in the bargain, we have gotten fatter, sicker, and diabetic."
PS: It's never too late to change though. Start small, start with the basics: work out, eat the way your grandmom taught you to and regulate your bedtime. Your stress and sugar both will climb down and your confidence will climb up.
Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas fails to produce the necessary hormones, known as insulin. In this condition, the body is unable to use sugar, which accumulates in the bloodstream. This type of diabetes can occur at any age, but the risk is greatest between the ages of 5 and 13 years.
Diabetes and high blood sugar levels are likely to be mentioned together. When carbohydrates are broken down by your digestive system into a type of sugar known as glucose. Your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that transports glucose from your blood into your cells and is used as fuel. The cells in your child's body do not respond to insulin in type 2 diabetes, and glucose accumulates in their bloodstream. This is known as insulin resistance. Eventually, their body's sugar levels become too high for it to handle.
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but Type 2 diabetes can be avoided through lifestyle changes.
Maintain a Healthy Weight- Excess weight is the single most common cause of type 2 diabetes in children. Diabetes is twice as likely in children who are overweight.
Encourage your child to be physically active because it helps reduce insulin resistance and manage blood pressure.
Reduce Sugary Foods and Beverages- Sugary foods and beverages should be avoided by children as they can lead to weight gain. Encourage them to eat a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
If a child suddenly becomes thirsty, tired, or urinates more than usual, their parents should opt for a test.
It is critical to be aware of diabetes signs and symptoms in children. Diabetes has a much better outcome if detected early. They should take a test if a child has a:
Both types of diabetes can be managed with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and medications. Proper management aids in the control of conditions, allowing children to live healthy lives.
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make insulin.
World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin in 1922.
Healthcare professionals shared their views with IANS on this "silent killer" and how understanding can be enhanced to protect more potential victims.
Commenting on the problem, Dr. Deepak Ragoori, Senior Consultant - Urologist and Facility Director, Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology (AINU) said that India and the world have witnessed a steady increase in the number of diabetes cases over the last three decades.
"The biggest problem in India is that more than 50 per cent of the population suffering from diabetes in our country are neither aware of the problem nor are diagnosed. Diabetes is also the leading cause of kidney disease, and nearly 50-60 per cent of end-stage kidney disease is due to this problem," he said.
According to him, individuals with kidney complications and diabetes need regular monitoring to their kidney health, and constant medical advice from doctors.
"World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the ailment as a major public health issue, which needs to be addressed both individually and collectively by the society. Diabetes is well known for a systemic impact on a wide range of related complications, including macrovascular and microvascular health issues, which could even result in death. And the only way to tackle this problem is to create more awareness on the ailment, and educate them on the means to control it," added Dr. Padmanabha Varma, Consultant, Endocrinologist, SLG Hospitals.
Highlighting the reasons for high prevalence of diabetes among Indians, Dr. Rahul Patibandla, Consultant, Nephrologist, Amor Hospital, said: "According to some global studies, three-quarters of the world's 300 million adults with diabetes will be in developing countries, and almost a third in India and China alone, by the year 2025. The prevalence of diabetes in India is showing a sharp upswing as is evident from the trends from different parts of the subcontinent. Among the popular reasons for escalation of diabetes case in India are, increased insulin resistance, stronger genetic factors, and environmental factors due to rapid urbanisation."
According to Dr. Varun Mamidi, Consultant Nephrologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology, to prevent the effect of diabetes on the kidneys, one needs to keep his/her blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels under check.
"Monitor blood cholesterol levels, smokers must quit smoking tobacco, meat lovers must avoid consumption of processed meat, stop consuming refined carbohydrates, and never drink sweetened beverages. Even consumption of salt and proteins must be under check. Additionally, daily physical exercises are mandatory to ensure diabetes does not impact kidneys or other vital organs of a human body."
There are some interesting observations like increased insulin resistance could be the result of phenotype of Indian or subcontinent population, which consists of higher central obesity, along with increased visceral fat.
Many studies have been done and sufficient evidence is now available to highlight the fact that many of the environmental factors adversely related to glucose intolerance are modifiable through lifestyle changes. Hence, education and awareness coupled with lifestyle changes will help control spread of diabetes through the population.
Nutritionists and diabetics are constantly on the lookout for foods that can be enjoyed as a special treat while not negatively impacting diabetes. According to a 2022 South Korean study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry dark chocolate could be one of those treats. Here's how dark chocolate can help diabetics.
1. The most common cause of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. It happens when our bodies stop responding to the insulin we produce. This results in significantly elevated levels of glucose and sugar in the blood. According to research, eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day can help reduce blood sugar levels and the insulin resistance that causes it.
2. Dark chocolate contains magnesium, zinc, iron and potassium as well. Magnesium improves blood sugar control by increasing insulin secretion and improving liver function. Zinc promotes insulin sensitivity, while iron promotes glucose tolerance and prevents anaemia.
3. Dark chocolate contains potassium which is required for normal nerve function, muscle strength, and blood pressure levels.
4. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, particularly flavanols and nutrients, which can help you control your blood sugar levels by preventing oxidative stress. The most important benefit in the current context is that it combats free radicals.
5. If you are trying to lose weight, dark chocolate may be beneficial. One of the primary reasons for failure to lose weight is the inability to maintain a constant calorie deficit. We've all been guilty of eating more than we need. A tiny bite of dark chocolate after a meal can help you control your appetite and unhealthy cravings.
When you have a sweet craving, remember one cube and not the whole bar is sufficient for the day. If you have diabetes, you should avoid eating too much of anything.
The research indicates that participation in a regular workout regime improves blood glucose control, preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes, and boosts your body's sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance.
Also, regular physical activity positively affects blood pressure, and cardiovascular health, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthens muscles and bones, reduces anxiety, and improves your general well-being.
Early in the exercise, the glycogen stores are utilized as fuel. Further when the glycogen stores are depleted, the muscles increase the uptake of blood glucose along with the free fatty acids released from the adipose tissues.
Muscles can utilize your blood glucose without insulin intervention when you're doing physical activity.
All forms of exercise such as aerobic, resistance, or doing both in a structured workout regime has shown to lower HbA1c values in people with diabetes.
Resistance training and aerobic exercise both help to lower insulin resistance, however, combining the two types of exercise proved more beneficial than doing either one alone. In a recent meta-analysis, aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise training were found to be associated with HbA1c reductions of 0.67 per cent following 12 or more weeks of training.
70-80 per cent of the glucose in your body after a meal goes into the muscles. Maintaining a good muscle mass is essential for better glucose uptake. Hence adding resistance training to the workout regime becomes highly important.
Emerging research suggests that resistance training has the power to combat metabolic dysfunction in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and seems to be an effective measure to improve lower metabolic risk factors in diabetes individuals and improve overall metabolic health. A meta-analysis of 10 included supervised resistance exercise studies, RT reduced HbA1c by 0.48 per cent.
Resistance exercise further increases excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). EPOC after exercise is related to the utilization of fat as fuel which is beneficial for weight loss.
Resistance training appears to be a useful strategy to enhance overall metabolic health and lower metabolic risk factors in diabetic patients since it appears to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, moderate to high levels of aerobic activity are significantly linked to decrease cardiovascular and total mortality risks.
In type 2 diabetes, therapies using aerobic exercise have dominated the research about the impact of exercise on glycemic indices. Large muscular groups are moved continuously and rhythmically during aerobic activity, which includes activities like cycling, jogging, and walking. According to the most recent ADA recommendations, individual aerobic activity sessions should preferably last at least 30 minutes each day and be carried out 3 to 7 days a week.
Moderate to vigorous (65 per cent-90 per cent of maximum heart rate) aerobic exercise training improves VO2max cardiac output, which is associated with substantially reduced cardiovascular and overall mortality risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.
In individuals with type 2 diabetes, regular training reduces hbA1c and insulin resistance Alternatively, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) promotes insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Aerobic exercise boosts the number of mitochondria, insulin sensitivity, oxidative enzymes, blood vessel compliance and responsiveness, immune system activity, lung function, and cardiac output.
While aerobic exercises are good on their account, it is important to make sure there is a combined activity of both aerobic and resistance training for better benefits.
Checking your blood sugars before your workouts can help you understand your body better and start taking necessary precautions.
When your blood sugars are lower than 100 mg/dL, it may be too low to exercise safely. Eat a small snack containing 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, such as a fruit (banana or apple- they digest quickly and give you better energy) before you begin your workout.
When your blood sugars are 100 to 250 mg/dL You're good to go. This is a safe blood sugar range before exercise for the majority of people. If you feel like you need extra energy, you can still eat fruit before working out.
When your blood sugars are 250 mg/dL or higher, then it's not safe to exercise as the blood sugars are too high. Consult with your physician for controlling the blood sugars and then follow their instructions before doing any activity because exercise can sometimes raise blood sugar even higher.
Exercise plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance, prediabetes, GDM, type 2 diabetes, and diabetes-related health issues. Hence, it's ideal to follow a regular workout regime to maintain healthy blood glucose levels and thereby manage diabetes.
Led by Sudhir Chandra Sarangi, Additional Professor, Department of Pharmacology AIIMS, the team reached this conclusion following a study spanning three years.
Comprising a range of ingredients from medicinal plants, this drug has been developed after an intensive research by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is being marketed by the AIMIL Pharmaceuticals.
The study was aimed to investigate whether BGR-34 was effective on its own or along with other allopathy drugs and if yes then at what level.
The results were encouraging. It found that the herbal drug was enough not only in reduction of fasting blood sugar through modulation of hormonal profile along with a significant body weight reduction but there were other benefits also.
The drug also modulates hormonal profile, lipid profile and triglyceride level while bringing down leptin mark which is effective in controlling fat.
Triglyceride in excess quantity is harmful for the health as it is a bad cholesterol.
Similarly, controlled lipid profile keeps heart diseases at bay while disturbance in hormonal profile can result in poor sleep, noted the authors about the research based on various health parameters.
In contrast, modulation of hormonal profile was found to be significant, resulting in increased insulin level.
The study initiated in March 2019 will soon be published in a research journal.
Sanchit Sharma, Executive Director of AIMIL Pharmaceutical, said that herbal-based ayurveda medicines are finding huge acceptance among people who are more keen into taking preventive health measures in the backdrop of rising non communicable diseases due to lifestyle changes among others.
"To cater to this increasing demand, the government too has taken various measures to boost the availability of these products based on time-tested medicinal plants as immunity boosters," he added.
In fact, yet another study published in the latest edition of Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research on Sciendo scientific platform has found that BGR-34 can help lower sugar level within three months and also exert a powerful antioxidant action to prevent complications of the diabetes which is on the increase in the country.
The team from Lata Medical Research Foundation in Nagpur included clinical data from 1,262 individuals. A standard 12-lead ECG heart trace lasting 10 seconds was done for each of the participants. And 100 unique structural and functional features for each lead were combined for each of the 10,461 single heartbeats recorded to generate a predictive algorithm named DiaBeats.
Based on the shape and size of individual heartbeats, the DiaBeats algorithm quickly detected diabetes and prediabetes with an overall accuracy of 97 per cent and a precision of 97 per cent, irrespective of influential factors, such as age, gender, and co-existing metabolic disorders.
Important ECG features consistently matched the known biological triggers underpinning cardiac changes that are typical of diabetes and pre-diabetes.
If validated in larger studies, the approach could be used to screen for the disease in low resource settings, the team said.
"In theory, our study provides a relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, and accurate alternative (to current diagnostic methods) which can be used as a gatekeeper to effectively detect diabetes and pre-diabetes early in its course."
"Nevertheless, adoption of this algorithm into routine practice will need robust validation on external, independent datasets," they cautioned.
An estimated 463 million adults around the world had diabetes in 2019. Detecting the disease in its early stages is key to preventing subsequent serious health problems, but diagnosis relies heavily on the measurement of blood glucose.
This is not only invasive but also challenging to roll out as a mass screening test in low resource settings, pointed out the researchers in the paper published in the online journal BMJ Innovations.
Structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system occur early on even before indicative blood glucose changes, and these show up on an ECG heart trace.
The researchers also acknowledged that the study participants were all at high risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders, so unlikely to represent the general population. And DiaBeats was slightly less accurate in those taking prescription meds for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
Nor were data available for those who became pre-diabetic or diabetic, making it impossible to determine the impact of early screening.
Andrey Morgun and Natalia Shulzhenko of Oregon State University and Giorgio Trinchieri of the National Cancer Institute developed a novel analytical technique, multi-organ network analysis, to explore the mechanisms behind early-stage systemic insulin resistance.
The findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, showed that a particular type of gut microbe leads to white adipose tissue containing macrophage cells, large cells that are part of the immune system, associated with insulin resistance.
In the human body, white adipose tissue is the main type of fat.
"Our experiments and analysis predict that a high-fat/high-sugar diet primarily acts in white adipose tissue by driving microbiota-related damage to the energy synthesis process, leading to systemic insulin resistance," said Morgun, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the OSU College of Pharmacy.
"Treatments that modify a patient's microbiota in ways that target insulin resistance in adipose tissue macrophage cells could be a new therapeutic strategy for Type 2 diabetes," he added.
The human gut microbiome features more than 10 trillion microbial cells from about 1,000 different bacterial species.
"The so-called 'western diet', high in saturated fats and refined sugars, is one of the primary factors. But gut bacteria have an important role to play in mediating the effects of diet," Shulzhenko said.
Experiments in mice, looking at the intestine, liver, muscle and white adipose tissue, the team found "adipose tissue has a predominant role in systemic insulin resistance".
Further they "discovered that the Oscillibacter microbe, enriched by a western diet, causes an increase of the insulin-resistant adipose tissue macrophage".
The researchers add, however, that Oscillibacter is likely not the only microbial regulator for expression of the key gene they identified, Mmp12, and that the Mmp12 pathway, while clearly instrumental, is probably not the only important pathway, depending on which gut microbes are present.
Previously studies have shown that another microbial species "Romboutsia ilealis worsens glucose tolerance by inhibiting insulin levels, which may be relevant to more advanced stages of Type 2 diabetes", Shulzhenko said.
The study indicated that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol (no more than 14 grams per day for women and 28 grams per day for men), especially wine, with meals was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
"The effects of alcohol consumption on health have been described as a double-edged sword because of its apparent abilities to cut deeply in either direction -- harmful or helpful, depending on how it is consumed," said study author Hao Ma from the Tulane University.
Alcohol consumption is linked to short- and long-term health risks, including motor vehicle crashes, violence, sexual risk behaviours, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, breast cancer, liver disease, depression, suicide, accidents, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism.
These health risks increase as the amount of alcohol an individual drinks increases. For some cancers and other health conditions, the risk increases even at very low levels of alcohol consumption -- less than one drink daily.
For the study, the researchers involved 312,400 and examined the effect moderate drinking may have related to new-onset type 2 diabetes among all study participants over about 11 years (between 2006 and 2010).
The analysis, presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2022, found that during an average of nearly 11 years of follow-up, about 8,600 of the adults in the study developed type 2 diabetes.
Consuming alcohol with meals was associated with a 14 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to consuming alcohol without eating food.
The minister, also a renowned Diabetologist, called for a mandatory diabetes test in all maternity hospitals and for every pregnant women, adding that more than 70 per cent of India's population is below 40 years of age.
Calling for an integrated and holistic approach to fight Diabetes, Singh said: Covid has prompted us to discover new norms in adversity and underlined the importance of combining traditional Indian management modalities with the Allopathic System."
"Diabetes is a growing epidemic globally and more so in India. A total of 88 million adult populations in India has diabetes in 2019 as per the latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates and this is projected to rise by almost 74 per cent to 153 million by 2045, giving India the dubious distinction of becoming the diabetes capital of the world," Singh said.
Sharing the concerns about of Diabetes that is making fast inroads in rural India with huge economic bearing on poor families, Singh said that there is a need to popularise Telemedicine to provide easy and affordable access to the ailing population.
Talking about the National Digital Health Mission, Singh said it can revolutionise healthcare in India as citizens will be issued a health card that will have all their medical information.
He said, the details of medical tests, illnesses, doctors' prescriptions and medical reports will be on a single identity card and will be the first of its kind in the world.
The Union Minister was speaking at a webinar on diabetes on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, jointly organized by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samasthana, S-VYASA, Bengaluru and Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, CCRYN, New Delhi.
World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 to raise awareness on the high blood sugar condition and related consequences.
India, known as the diabetes capital of the world, is home to one in six diabetics in the world. The country has also suffered significantly from Covid-19.
While on an average, diabetes reduces life expectancy by 4-10 years increasing the risk of death due to other comorbidities, which include heart attacks, kidney failures and infections, Covid infection fast forwarded that among people with diabetes.
Diabetes increased inflammatory response among Covid patients, spiking their blood sugar levels. It then complicated the course of Covid, resulting in excess morbidity and mortality, as well as posing severe challenges in the recovery of patients.
"During Covid patients were succumbing to it, not because of the original disease, but because despite all other efforts their glucose levels remained high. Thus recognising glucose as a vital sign very similar to blood pressure and pulse rate, respiratory rate, became more necessary during the pandemic," Jothydev Kesavadev from Jothydev's Diabetes Research Centres, Kerala, told IANS.
"Studies from all over the world show that the majority of the deaths from Covid were linked to high glucose values, and this includes both patients with no diabetes and with the new onset of high glucose," he added.
Further, the use of steroids, to control the serious manifestations of Covid-19, worsened the glucose levels in the patients.
High blood sugar levels, coupled with increased use of steroids, also led to other complications such as an unprecedented surge in cases of mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus. It is a fungal infection, which occurs by inhalation of spores and can disseminate to various organs rapidly.
According to a recent study, published in Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews, more than 86 per cent of mucormycosis or black fungus cases related to Covid in India, had uncontrolled glucose values.
"While the Covid cases are closely related to diabetes, mucormycosis is also very closely related to diabetes in Covid. Whenever the glucose is high, there is a deranged immune mechanism and in the presence of an infection it is persuaded rapidly," Kesavadev said.
Another study, published in the same journal showed that people with Type-2 diabetes who also suffered Covid-19 were more likely to experience severe fatigue than those who did not have the infectious disease, emerging as a major roadblock in the recovery of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Moreover, among diabetes patients, those with increased fatigue level post Covid-19 also had increased postprandial blood glucose levels.
Covid also contributed to new onset of diabetes in many people, particularly the young. On one hand, Covid-induced lockdowns increased diabetes cases as people spent more time indoors, while eating more and exercising less.
On the other hand, Covid also contributed to nearly 25 per cent rise in diabetic patients in the country, according to an analysis of OPD data from a private hospital in Delhi.
Doctors found that among patients with confirmed Covid-19 infections, there was nearly 25 per cent of new onset of diabetic patients. Stress induced hyperglycemia -- high blood sugar -- was seen in 10 per cent of patients who had Covid-19 infection.
"The younger population is increasingly affected. We have seen that happening during Covid-19 epidemic. Increasing number of young people with more severe diabetes are now being seen," Dr Anoop Misra, Fortis-C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, New Delhi, told IANS.
As per a recent study, among the younger generation in India, below the age of 30 years, there is a rapid increase in the occurrence of diabetes over the last 10 years.
"For these, diabetes as a disease will result in complications after 10 to 15 years. Imagine a situation where more and more people are developing diabetes at the age of 25 years or 30 years, which means even during the productive age group, by the time they are 35 years or 40 years, they will start developing complications. if the disease is not treated properly," Kesavadev said.
"There is an urgent need to decrease the screening age of diabetes to 25 years, from the current 30 years, in India," Dr Misra said, adding that "there is increasing urgency to ensure that young people follow correct lifestyle practices including more exercise, correct food choices, and maintenance of weight to normal, or even leaner category".
While diabetes cannot be treated it can be controlled and reversed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, diet and having proper sleep, as well as exercising for at least half an hour every day, suggested the experts
Researchers from the Boston Children's Hospital assessed the health of 551 people admitted to the hospital for Covid-19 in Italy from March through May 2020.
About half of the patients (46 per cent), with no history of diabetes, were found to have new hyperglycemia. A follow-up showed that while most cases were resolved, about 35 per cent of the newly hyperglycemic patients remained so at least six months after the infection, said lead author of the study, Paolo Fiorina, from the Division of Nephrology at the hospital.
Compared to patients with no signs of glucose abnormalities, the hyperglycemic patients also had worse clinical concerns: longer hospitalisation, worse clinical symptoms, a higher need of oxygen, a higher need of ventilation, and increased need of intensive care treatment.
The study was published in the journal Nature Metabolism. The team also found that hyperglycemic patients had abnormal hormonal levels.
"We discovered they were severely hyperinsulinemic; they produced too much insulin," Fiorina said.
They also had abnormal levels of pro-insulin, a precursor of insulin, and markers of impaired islet beta cell function. Islet beta cells make and secrete insulin.
"Basically, the hormonal profile suggests that the endocrine pancreatic function is abnormal in those patients with Covid-19 and it persists long after recovery," Fiorina added.
Hyperglycemic patients also had severe abnormalities in the amount of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and others.
While glucometabolic abnormalities declined over time in some patients -- particularly after Covid-19 infection -- other issues like higher post-prandial (after eating) glucose levels and abnormal pancreatic hormones remained in the post-Covid period.
"This study is one of the first to show that Covid-19 has a direct effect on the pancreas," Fiorina said, adding, "It indicates that the pancreas is another target of the virus affecting not only the acute phase during hospitalisation but potentially also the long-term health of these patients."
The study pointed to the importance of evaluating pancreatic function in patients hospitalised for Covid-19 -- while in the hospital and over the long term.
“The latest numbers show that CKD is likely to increase to 17 per cent of the world population by end of the decade. It is now recognized by the WHO and other organizations as a global public health issue,” they said while addressing a gathering organized to mark the World Kidney Day.
The program--- this year’s theme being ‘Kidney Disease and Children- act early to prevent it’---was organized by the Nephrology department of the Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital, the faculty of medical sciences of the SOA University.
“Children are found to be born with kidney disease while others develop it when still very young. The symptoms of kidney disease in children are often nonspecific, which means that there is a risk that kidney problems may be missed in children,” Dr RN Sahoo, Head of the department of Nephrology at Sum Hospital, said.
He said the leading cause of kidney failure in childhood were hereditary conditions, often lacking obvious indicators like RBC in urine, high blood pressure or swelling.
Pointing out that kidney is a vital organ which filters around 200 litres of body liquid every day, Sahoo said there is a need for systematic screening of all persons having diabetes or hypertension.
“People suffering from kidney failure had two options—either to go for periodic dialysis which was a costly affair or go for one-time kidney transplantation which was a much better option”, he said, adding nine out of ten persons suffering from CKD had high blood pressure.
The observance of World Kidney Day aimed to raise awareness of the importance of the kidneys to the overall health of a person and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide, he pointed out.
Dr Maguni Behera, Associate Professor in the department, said that the Sum Hospital conducted dialysis on around 1000 persons suffering from kidney failure every month, but the alarming fact was that 5 to 6 per cent of the patients were children and young adults in the age group of five to twenty years.
“Though it is a non-communicable disease, the kidney failure appears to be taking an epidemic form. The number of dialysis conducted in our department can easily touch 1500 very soon,” he said.
Prof Gangadhar Sahu, Dean of IMS and Sum Hospital, who attended as chief guest, struck a positive note saying that advances in medical science had been trying to battle the plethora of ailments confronting mankind. “Now it is possible to even treat the foetal kidneys before the birth of the baby,” he said.
Prof PK Mohanty, Consultant- Hospital Services and Dr Pushparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent, also spoke.
The study examined whether personality traits, including optimism, negativity, and hostility, were associated with the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes in postmenopausal women.
Depression and cynicism were found to be associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
In addition, high levels of hostility were associated with high fasting glucose levels, insulin resistance, and prevalent diabetes.
For the study, published in the journal Menopause, researchers followed 139,924 postmenopausal women amongst which 19,240 cases of Type-2 diabetes were identified.
Compared with women who were least optimistic, women who were the most optimistic had a 12 per cent lower risk of incident diabetes, results showed.
In addition, the association of hostility with the risk of diabetes was stronger in women who were not obese compared with women who were.
Hence, low optimism, high negativity and hostility were associated with increased risk of incident diabetes in postmenopausal women, independent of major health behaviours and depressive symptoms, the study concluded.
"In addition to using personality traits to help us identify women at higher risk for developing diabetes, more individualised education and treatment strategies should also be used," said Joann Pinkerton, executive director at The North American Menopause Society.
The prevalence of diabetes increases with age, with a 25.2 per cent prevalence in those aged 65 years or older.
The study showed that individuals who were in the recommended, ideal ranges for at least four of Life's Simple seven health factors had a 70 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes over the next 10 years.
The Life's Simple seven health factors include maintaining healthy blood pressure, glucose levels and cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, exercising at least 150 minutes per week, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, said the paper published in the journal Diabetologia.
"This research adds to our collective understanding about how physicians can help their patients prevent a number of serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer and now diabetes," said K. Craig Kent, at The Ohio State University College in the US.
In addition, those in normal blood glucose levels who attained four or more guideline factors had an 80 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes, whereas those who were already diabetic or prediabetic and met four of the factors had no change in lowering their risk for diabetes, said Joshua J. Joseph, Assistant Professor at the varsity.
For the study, the researchers included 7,758 participants and used the American Heart Association's Life's Simple seven as a guide for measuring heart health among the group.
"Healthy people need to work to stay healthy. Follow the guidelines. Don't proceed to high blood sugar and then worry about stopping diabetes. By that point, people need high-intensity interventions that focus on physical activity and diet to promote weight loss and, possibly, medications to lower the risk of diabetes," said Joseph.
Community outreach is essential to educating people about prevention and helping them start healthy habits.
Furthermore, getting help to quit smoking or finding physical activities and healthy foods can be key to maintaining them long-term and preventing future health problems, the study noted.
An Ipsos report 'Food Habits of Indians: Ipsos Study' observed that Indians are making informed choices, experimenting and moving away from norms.
"We know that Indians love their food and would drool for specialties like tandoori chicken, mutton and fish and their various non-vegetarian avatars. But 63 per cent of Indians polled say that are willing to eat a plant-based substitute for meat," the report said on Monday.
As per the report, 57 per cent of the people surveyed consume organic foods.
"57 per cent Indians claim to be consuming organic food. In sharp contrast, the developed world is least likely to eat organic food -- only 12 per cent of Brits and 13 per cent of Japanese, for instance," it said.
Ipsos, an independent market research company, carried out the survey between August 24-September 7, 2018 in 29 countries. The sample size for the survey in India was 1,000, it said.
Continuous monitoring is a way to safely and reliably lower blood glucose - giving the user a full picture of their glucose levels throughout the day and helping them avoid severe hypoglycemia.
But the currently used continuous glucose monitoring systems (known as CGMS) are uncomfortable since they require a minimum 7mm needle inserted into the skin. Owing to their size, they take measurements in the fat tissue - not the most ideal location.
However, the new device, developed by researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, is 50 times smaller.
When applied to a human participant's forearm, the combination of the patch and an extremely miniaturized three-electrode enzymatic sensor was found capable of correctly and dynamically tracking blood glucose levels over time, with a delay of about 10 minutes.
"Our solution is painless to the user. We measure directly in the skin, and there are no nerve receptors that detect pain - just a fine mesh of very tiny blood vessels," Federico Ribe, a doctoral student at the institute, said.
Unlike commercially available CGMS which measure the subcutaneous fat tissue, the new device measures within the skin less than 1mm deep, Ribet said.
This would offer an alternative to pricking one's fingers several times a day to take a blood test and the frequency of finger prick tests could be reduced with a glucose monitoring system, he noted.
The team has successfully tested the prototype of a microneedle patch on a human participant and the completion of a system for clinical tests is now underway.
The findings showed that the blood samples of men who ate more eggs included certain lipid molecules that positively correlated with the blood profile of men who remained free of Type-2 diabetes.
"The study explored potential compounds that could explain this association using non-targeted metabolomics, a technique that enables a broad profiling of chemicals in a sample," said lead author Stefania Noerman from the University of Eastern Finland.
Eggs remain one of the most controversial food items. High intake of eggs has traditionally been discouraged, mainly due to their high cholesterol content.
However, eggs are also a rich source of many bioactive compounds that can have beneficial effects on health. This means that the health effects of consuming eggs are difficult to determine based solely on their cholesterol content, the researchers said.
For the study, published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 239 serum samples were analysed in four groups: men with higher (mean intake one egg per day) or lower (mean intake two eggs per week) egg intake who developed Type-2 diabetes (cases) or remained healthy (controls) during the mean follow-up of nearly 20 years.
The study suggested some plausible mechanisms which could at least partly explain the inverse association between egg intake and the previously observed lower risk of developing Type-2 diabetes.
In addition, the researchers identified several biochemical compounds in blood that predicted a higher risk of developing Type-2 diabetes, including the amino acid tyrosine.
"Although it is too early to draw any causal conclusions, we now have some hints about certain egg-related compounds that may have a role in Type-2 diabetes development.
"Further detailed investigations with both cell models and intervention studies in humans that use modern techniques, such as metabolomics, are needed to understand the mechanisms behind physiological effects of egg intake," Noerman noted.
A diet high in saturated fat results in chronic low-grade inflammation in the body that in turn leads to the development of metabolic syndrome -- a serious condition associated with cognitive dysfunction and dementia as well as being a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease and Type-2 diabetes.
For such patients, a higher intake of vitamin C is crucial to halt a potentially deadly cycle of antioxidant disruptions, the researchers said.
"What these findings are really saying to people as we move out of the rich-food holiday season and into January is eat your fruits and vegetables," said Maret Traber, Professor at the Oregon State University in the US.
"Eat five to 10 servings a day and then you'll get the fibre, you'll get the vitamin C, and you'll really protect your gut with all of those good things," she added.
The findings, published in the journal Redox Biology, suggest that metabolic syndrome can prompt imbalances in the gut microbiome, with impaired gut function contributing to toxins in the bloodstream, resulting in vitamin C depletion, which subsequently impairs the trafficking of vitamin E.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E offer defence against the oxidative stress brought on by inflammation and the associated free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage the body's cells.
"If there's too much fat in the diet, it causes injury to the gut," Traber said.
"Bacterial cell walls can then leak from the gut and slip into circulation in the body, and they're chased down by neutrophils (most abundant type of white blood cells)."
"The body is destroying its own protection because it got tricked by the gut dysbiosis into thinking there was a bacterial invasion," Traber said.
The two drugs -- sulfonylureas and basal insulin -- are the second-line medication after metformin, a widely accepted initial Type-2 diabetes treatment.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, showed that patients who take one of these two drugs are 36 per cent more likely and twice as likely to experience cardiovascular harm.
"People should know if the medications they are taking to treat their diabetes could lead to serious cardiovascular harm. This calls for a paradigm shift in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes," said lead author Matthew O'Brien, Assistant Professor from the Northwestern University in the US.
Physicians should consider prescribing newer classes of antidiabetic medications, such as GLP-1 agonists (liraglutide), SGLT-2 inhibitors (empagliflozin)or DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin), more routinely after metformin, rather than sulfonylureas or basal insulin, suggest the researchers.
These drugs, however, are more expensive than the sulfonylureas, which is the main reason they are not as commonly prescribed.
The study should force medical providers to think about cardiovascular effects of these drugs early in the course of diabetes treatment, and shift prescribing patterns to newer drugs that have more favourable cardiovascular profiles,the team noted.
This was an observational study using data from 132,737 patients with Type-2 diabetes who were starting second-line treatment.
In a mice study, published in the journal of General Physiology, researchers showed that metformin relaxes a key heart muscle protein called titin, allowing the heart to properly fill with blood before pumping it around the body. This improves the animals' capacity for exercise.
"We therefore conclude that metformin is a potential therapy for patients with HFpEF," said Henk Granzier, Professor at the University of Arizona in the US.
"Because the drug is already approved and well tolerated in humans, using it to target titin stiffness presents a unique opportunity for immediate translation to the clinic," said Granzier.
HFpEF is more common in women and other risk factors include hypertension, old age, and obesity.
Unlike other forms of heart failure, however, there are currently no drugs available to treat HFpEF, according to the researchers.
The study, from researchers in the Lund University in Sweden, showed that the risk of heart attack was 37 per cent high around 10 p.m. on Christmas eve.
The risk was greatest in people above 75, and those with existing diabetes and heart disease.
This highlighted the need for the society to raise awareness of this vulnerable group over the Christmas period, the researchers suggested, in the paper published in the journal The BMJ.
The team investigated whether time factors, such as national holidays, major sport events, hour of the day or day of the week could trigger a heart attack.
The two weeks before and after a holiday -- and the same period the year before and after a sport event -- were set as control periods.
In addition, the risk was also higher during New Years', midsummer holidays, early mornings (8 a.m.) and Monday mornings, but not during Easter holiday.
Other short term events linked to emotional stress, such as major sports events, hurricanes and stock market crashes, have also been associated with a higher risk of heart attack.
Importantly, Christmas and Midsummer holidays were associated with 15 per cent and 12 per cent of higher risk of heart attack respectively, compared with the control period.
The researchers, however noted it is an observational study, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about the cause and effect.