Health

Diabetes, if not timely controlled and managed, can severely affect the health of your eyes and brain, said experts on Thursday. A new study published in The Lancet revealed that about 212 million people lived with diabetes in India in 2022 -- the highest in the world. Diabetes is a condition with high blood sugar due to a deficiency in the hormone insulin. Uncontrolled blood sugars in patients with diabetes are known to have a wide range of complications involving multiple organ systems. "Uncontrolled diabetes can have a devastating impact on eye health, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy," Dr. Ikeda Lal, Senior cornea, Cataract and refractory surgery specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Delhi Eye Centre, told IANS. The condition often shows no symptoms in its early ...

If not managed on time, diabetes can prove to be silent killer for many. As World Diabetes Day was observed on November 14, a study found that the Covid-19 pandemic has not only reshaped daily routines but also accelerated trends in diabetes and metabolic health causing alarming changes in disease onset age, weight gain and associated complications such as liver and kidney issues. Dr. Rajiv Kovil`s clinics in Mumbai conducted a comparative analysis of patient profiles pre-pandemic (March 24, 2016 - March 23, 2020) and post-pandemic (March 24, 2020 - March 23, 2024) revealing alarming changes in disease patterns.  Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative, said, “One of the most significant shifts has been in the age of type 2 diabe...

Long-term exposure to air pollution may cause severe harm to the lung health of children and significantly raise the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis, warned experts on Friday, even as Delhi-NCR`s air quality remained severely poor for the third consecutive day. On Friday morning, the National Capital`s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a severe level of 409, while the readings in neighbouring cities in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were also above the 300 mark. To safeguard children, all primary schools in Delhi have been moved online, Chief Minister Atishi announced in a post on X. She said the online classes for primary school children will continue "until further directions". Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution,...

According to the World Health Organization estimates, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Even though diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications, the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades. To bring awareness to this growing global concern, World Diabetes Day is observed around the globe on November 14 every year. Clinical research has shown that a significant number of diabetic patients suffered from sleep disorders. “Sleep apnoea is characterised by frequent episodes of involuntary pause in breathing during sleep. Studies found...

Cannabis consumption can cause damage to our body`s cells and increase the risk of highly cancerous tumours, according to a new study on Thursday. In the study, published in the scientific journal Addiction Biology, cannabis is described as a “genotoxic” substance because it damages a cell`s genetic information. This can lead to DNA mutations, accelerated ageing, and cancer.  Alarmingly, this genotoxicity can be passed on to the next generation via a damaged egg and sperm -- making the risk of cannabis use trans-generational, said the researchers from the University of Western Australia. In the study, the team also linked established knowledge that cannabis use damages cellular energy production by inhibiting mitochondria with recent cancer research showing that mitochondrial dysfunctio...

Not just genes, a new study has found that socio-economic factors such as education, occupation and wealth can also impact the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment or dementia in later life and whether a person is likely to recover.  By estimating the time spent in each cognitive state and the likelihood of transitions to neuro-cognitive disorders such as cognitive impairment and dementia, the researchers from University College London (UCL) were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of how socioeconomic factors impact the progression of a person’s disorder, as well as the duration spent within each cognitive state over time. Lead author Aswathikutty Gireesh from UCL Epidemiology and Health Care said that it is possible that education and intellectually demanding jobs provi...

In a first, a team of scientists has introduced a flagship AI dataset from a study of biomarkers and environmental factors that might influence the development of type 2 diabetes.  Since the study participants include people with no diabetes and others with various stages of the condition, the early findings hint at a tapestry of information distinct from previous research, according to the report published in the journal Nature Metabolism. “We see data supporting heterogeneity among type 2 diabetes patients — that people aren’t all dealing with the same thing. And because we’re getting such large, granular datasets, researchers will be able to explore this deeply,” said Dr Cecilia Lee, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the US. For exampl...

Almost a week after Diwali, Delhi still continues to battle with air pollution because it is still in the ‘very poor’ category as of November 9 with an AQI of 360. Mumbai, on the other hand, is now in the ‘moderate’ range, after recording ‘poor’ just after the festival. While air pollution is known to harm the respiratory report, it does a lot more to the body, and particularly the digestive system, which you may not even be aware of shunning it for a regular bout of stomach issues.  A recent report by IANS highlighted how Delhi doctors had noted there were rising cases of digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD). While Mumbai doctors say there have been cases in the last few years, there is a possibility of them increasing in the future with...

A 56-year-old man who suffered from chronic back pain for over 30 years due to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) has found relief after a successful treatment at a Mumbai hospital. Diagnosed with the condition at the age of 35, the patient experienced severe back pain that he managed with steroids, leading to harmful side effects like weight gain and osteopenia. After years of self-medication and loss of hope, the patient sought medical help. The patient marked an improvement in his condition within just three months, following a long dependency on steroids and painkillers. Dr. Dipti Patel, Consultant Rheumatologist at Wockhardt Hospital, said, “This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the effectiveness of biologic medications in treating Ankylosing Spondylitis. Within just ...

Winter may be approaching, but Mumbai is still waiting to feel its chill. In a city where weather can be unpredictable, the seasonal transition calls for a renewed focus on health and immunity. This time of the year, superfoods become especially valuable, offering a natural support to keep one energised and protected from seasonal ailments. As Mumbai`s weather shifts, building resilience against temperature fluctuations is key. From boosting immunity to maintaining steady energy, superfoods tailored to different age groups and health needs can help manage this shift. During the current season, when it starts to get cooler, some superfoods offer exceptional benefits. Jinal Patel, Dietician, Zynova Shalby Hospital, suggests, "Trying foods like spinach, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples c...