Doctors advise diabetes patients to use a blood glucose meter or glucometer regularly in order to understand what alters blood glucose level, monitor the changes and learn to manage it more effectively.
A glucometer also known as a blood glucose meter is a small electronic device that measures the blood glucose levels. It is useful for all diabetic patients in monitoring and keeping track of their glucose readings. The American Diabetes Association recommends that patients with Type I test…
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Cancer pain can be treated and quality of life in a cancer patient can be enhanced by appropriate medications, emphasise Dr Mary Abraham, Pain & Palliative Care Physician, and Dr Vandana V Prakash, Clinical Psychologist. Despite increased attention to cancer pain, it still continues to be a major issue with cancer patients and survivors. Why is it so? There are many reasons why cancer pain is still a major issue with cancer patients and survivors. Firstly, there is a misconception and fear…
Heart Failure is a commonly seen condition amongst our aging population. In spite of advanced therapeutic science, incidence rates continue to increase. Life expectancy of patients with Heart Failure can be improved with lifestyle changes and compliance with their treatment plan. Mumbai-based cardiologist, Dr Nihar Mehta addresses many common questions regarding Heart Failure. 1. What is Heart Failure (HF)? Is it the same as congestive heart failure? Heart Failure refers to the…
Rheumatologist Dr Pravin Patil sheds light on the complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the damage caused to various organs and joints and what you can do to prevent complications of RA. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has very little identity of its own. Anything with “arthritis” is considered to be linked with old age, even though RA affects people in middle ages typically. Adding the prefix “rheumatoid” frequently adds little additional impact. The average individual has very little knowledge of…
We are often caught unawares by medical emergencies. But it does not need to be so. We can plan and reassess the plan regularly. Here are some guidelines and pointers on what you should consider. It is unnerving when a loved one falls suddenly and seriously ill at home, or there is an accident. The family member may feel disorientation and denial, hoping to just wait out, or may thrash about like a headless chicken trying to arrange for transport to the hospital and unsure what to…
Life is not without its challenges. Sometimes the challenges can be overwhelming and your usual coping mechanisms may not be working too well. Tanuja Babre, a counseling psychologist currently serving as a programme Coordinator of iCALL, TISS explains the role of a counselor/ therapist and how you can decide on the right counsellor and the right form of counselling service. Life events, whether positive or negative, can cause psychological distress. These experiences may…
If you plan to measure your blood pressure at home, you will need to buy a home blood pressure monitor. It is important to be sure that the blood pressure monitor you choose is accurate and the right one for you. Also, you must use the monitor properly. Sometimes a doctor may ask you to monitor your hypertension/blood pressure more frequently. In such cases, it may make sense to buy a BP monitor for home use. Here is some guidance on how to choose a BP monitor and how best to use it. How to…
Can colorectal cancer be prevented? Colorectal cancer starts as adenomatous polyps, which relatively remain asymptomatic for a long time. Colorectal cancer can be prevented by regular screening, which can find pre-cancerous polyps. You can take the following steps to reduce your risk: Start getting screened from age 50 if you do not have any known risk factors for colon cancer Start getting screened as early as possible if you have a personal history of polyps, family history of colorectal…
Psychiatric counselling and therapy for people with bipolar disorder can help reduce severity and number of episodes of depression and mania and improve understanding and coping abilities, says Dr Milan Balakrishnan, psychiatrist at Bombay Hospital. Although medicines are the mainstay of bipolar disorder treatment, counselling and talk therapy also have an important role to play. How can a qualified therapist help someone in the treatment or control of bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder, as we…
