Diabetes

Rima Rao, Registered Dietitian explains the basic tenets of a wholesome diet to manage diabetes, using the Diabetes Plate Method. She also addresses the topic of when and how much fruit a person with diabetes can consume.  "What should I eat?" is a typical question that people with diabetes ask. There is, however, no such thing as a “Diabetes Diet.” Some things that you can do include changing how you cook, how much you eat, when you eat it and what you cook with. When it comes to…

People with diabetes can travel safely and comfortably. They just need to follow a few travel guidelines. These tips have been curated based on inputs from experiences of frequent travelers with diabetes and vetted by Dr. Shital Patel. To begin with, it is important to note that diabetes related supplies are allowed on the plane.  Carry medications in hand luggage and in original packaging.  Insulin & insulin pens, alcohol swabs and unlimited numbers of unused syringes  …

Rekha Khanduri, 73 from Mumbai has diabetes for a while and lost her eyesight due to diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes related complication. She talks about how she has since learnt to live with such an irreparable loss. Please tell us a bit about your condition : I have Blood Pressure as well as diabetes. In fact, I lost my left eye due to diabetes. When were you diagnosed with diabetes? About 35 years back. Diabetes runs in the family as both my grandfathers had it. My paternal grandfather had…

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. It affects persons with any kind of diabetes - Type 1, Type 2 and gestational. Dr. Raja Narayanan, Principal Investigator IHOPE and Consultant Opthalmologist, Vitreo Retinal Diseases answers questions on the risk factors, treatment and prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy. The video below covers the following topics:  - What is Diabetic Retinopathy  - Symptoms of Diabetic…

A panel discussion with Dr Rajan Ravichandran and Dr Arun Gupta highlighted the need for better product labeling and regulatory changes around advertising and marketing of processed foods. For parents to be aware of the link of salt, sugar and ultra processed foods with diabetes, hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease in children. (Video below) Participants: Dr Rajan Ravichandran – Senior Nephrologist (RR) Dr Arun Gupta – Pediatrician (AG) Aparna Mittal, Founder , PatientsEngage (AM)  …

Dr. R.Asha Rajini, 66 from Chennai loves running marathons. A hamstring injury upset her rhythm and affected her physical and mental health, especially  diabetic control. She talks about the challenges of dealing with this setback and the lessons she learnt in the process of recovery  I was doing very well in my running training, almost every Sunday I was running about 21 to 25kms as I was getting ready to run a 50km Ultra in November 21. On August 13th I went to the gym to strengthen…

Heart failure can be avoided by working on lifestyle changes and decreasing your risk factors if any: Regular exercise is a must. 5 days or 150 hours of cardiovascular exercises per week is the recommended goal to stay physically active. Maintain optimal body weight. If you are overweight or obese, lose the excess pounds. Eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish etc. Avoid processed, packaged and preserved foods. Stop smoking and use of other tobacco products to reduce…

Lifestyle modifications – It plays very important role in managing heart failure. Heart failure patients should reduce their salt intake and fluid intake. Quitting smoking and tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise is necessary under guidance of health care provider. Monitoring fluid intake: Patients may need to track their fluid intake and restrict it if necessary to prevent fluid overload. Cardiac rehabilitation – It combines exercise training, education and support to…

What is the treatment of heart failure Various medications are utilized to manage symptoms, improve heart function, and slow disease progression. Medications to regulate water loss - diuretics reduce the congestion and relieve the symptoms of breathlessness. They play a crucial role in managing fluid retention in heart failure. Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are commonly prescribed. Oxygen therapy or use of ventilation therapy (non-invasive ventilation or invasive ventilator support based…

How is Heart Failure diagnosed? Heart failure is diagnosed based upon medical history, a physical examination, and a series of tests. The doctor will take into account the symptoms and risk factors and correlate those with clinical examination findings of heart rate, blood pressure, pressure wave forms of the venous pulse (JVP), chest and cardiac examination and examination of your abdomen and limbs These tests can determine how well your heart is working and cause of heart failure:…