Health

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...

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD), Type 2 diabetes, or both were predicted to have elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk from eight to 28 years sooner than someone without those conditions, according to a preliminary study on Monday. Scientists from Northwestern University in Chicago conducted a simulation study to estimate the impact of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. They found that people with CKD alone would have high heart risk eight years earlier than those without the disease. Among diabetics, the risk can hit about a decade sooner than those without it. Among people with both diabetes and CKD, women were predicted to reach elevated risk for CVD 26 years earlier and men 28 years earlier than those with ne...

In a recent interview, Arjun Kapoor opened up about his health issues, revealing that he is suffering from an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s disease, which has led to weight concerns for the actor. “I have something called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Your antibodies fight against you. It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes into stress,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. The actor also revealed that the condition runs in his family. What is this autoimmune disorder? How does it affect the body? What are its symptoms? Let’s find out. Hashimoto’s disease and its impact on the body Hashimoto’s disease is a common yet often overlooked condition that can impact a person’s quality of life if left untreated. Explaining the condition, Dr. Sonali Shivaji Ka...

A team of US researchers has developed a new genetic model for breast cancer that could help scientists better understand why and where cancer metastasises.  Professor Eran Andrechek from Michigan State University in the US has been researching the E2F5 gene and its role in the development of breast cancer. Based on findings from Andrechek’s lab, the loss of E2F5 results in altered regulation of Cyclin D1, a protein linked to metastatic breast tumours after long latency. The study, published in the journal Oncogene, also demonstrated that the removal of E2F5 in the mammary gland leads to tumour formation. As scientists better understand how genes impact breast cancer, they could also learn why cancers metastasize and where cancers are likely to spread. According to Andrechek, while a ...