Type 2 diabetes express highway, where is the 'U' turn?

The 'U' turn in Type 2 Diabetes Express Highway probably lies in lifestyle modifications--going back to traditional lifestyle with use of modern technology to achieve happiness. There is a difference between technology for comfort and technology for happiness.

An ergonomic study of chronic musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: Schoolchildren developing chronic musculoskeletal pain from carrying heavy backpacks (hereafter referred to as "pain") is a worldwide issue. The present study of two cohorts, consisting of 248 Indian and 103 American schoolchildren aged 9.0 to 20.6 years, using a semi-objective pain criteria, sought to answer the questions: Can pain be correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI), Weight Carried, Strength, Mood or Body Fat? What are the similarities and differences between the Indian and American schoolchildren in the above context? METHODS: After obtaining parental consent, the schoolchildren completed a questionnaire. Then, they were weighed with and without carry-on items and their height as recorded. Isometric arm and shoulder strengths were measured using the Jackson Strength Tester. Using a Skinfold Caliper, skinfold thicknesses at the right triceps and calf was measured. Using the Borg Pain Scale the students assessed the pain experienced from their own backpacks, rated the acute pain experienced while carrying a standard 10 kg. or 7 kg. backpack. RESULT: Half the schoolchildren reported pain located primarily in the shoulders and back (where most students carry their backpacks). Pain did not correlate with study variables (p > 0.05), and the student moods were mostly happy or neutral. Americans are five times as stressed or sad than the Indians, and the average weight carried decreased as the grade increased. The mean of the age, height, arm and shoulder strengths, and BMI for the 5th to 8th grade schoolchildren (younger groups) and the 9th to 12th grade schoolchildren (older groups), in India, was lower than their American counterparts (p < 0.05). In contrast, the weight carried to school by the Indian children was higher (p < 0.05). The mean pain level perceived by both the younger and older groups in both countries, was not statistically different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren due to carrying heavy backpacks is a significant problem. There are some similarities, but a number of differences between the Indian and American schoolchildren. Implementing the Pain Prevention Screening is expected to minimize pain, if not lead to a pain-free child.

Diabetes mellitus in Dombivli--an urban population study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken with the following aims and objectives. a) To determine the prevalence of diabetes. b) To compare the prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetic subjects, diagnosed by the ADA and WHO criteria. c) To determine to what extent prevalence rates are affected by gender, age and body mass index. METHODS: The study population consisted of 520 subjects aged 20 years and above selected by random sampling. Blood glucose both fasting and post glucose (75 gms) two hours sample were analyzed. Baseline clinical data like height, weight and blood pressure were recorded. Known cases of diabetes were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes (fasting blood glucose) as per WHO criteria was 4.61% while it was 7.5% as per ADA criteria. The prevalence according to the two hour glucose reading was 6.15%. The mean glucose level increase with age. With increasing BMI the percentage of diabetic subjects also increases. The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was 8.6% in subjects below 50 years and 13.4% in subjects older than 50 years. IGT values also increase with increasing age and BMI. 1.3% of subjects had normal fasting glucose level (< 126 mgm%) but high post glucose levels (> 200 mgm%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of diabetes and IGT is higher as compared to earlier studies. The mean blood glucose and IGT increase with increasing age and BMI. Several subjects had normal fasting blood glucose but increased two hour blood glucose level indicating that fasting glucose alone should not be used to diagnose DM. Urbanization and life style of residents of Dombivli contribute to the high prevalence.

Sickle cell syndromes in and around Bardoli.

The study comprised of 2 groups. In group I sickling test was done in students studying in a school which mainly caters to the educational needs of the backward community. Out of 130 students examined 24 were found to be sicklers. The distribution of this cases among various castes/tribes were as follows--Choudharys (Cd)-13, Gamits (Gt)-4, Dhodhia Patels (DP)-4, Koknis (K)-2 and Koli Patel (KP)-1. In group II, patients admitted in the hospital between Jan '81 to June '82 were studied. The prevalence of sickle cell syndrome was 1.74%. The most common mode of presentation were limb pains and weakness. Hemoglobin values ranged from 3.0 gram% to 12 gms%. 35 cases of HbSS, 149 cases of HbAS and 1 case of Sickle Beta thalassemia were seen. The distribution of the cases amongst the various tribes and castes were as follows-Cd-93, Gt-56, DP-23, KP-7, K-4 and Rathods (R)-2. No cases were found in Anavil Brahmins or Patidar Patels. Clinical and pathological observations included palpable splenomegaly in 54 cases, splenic abscess in 1 case, isothenuria in large number of patients, microscopic hematuria in 6 cases and frank hematuria in 1 case. Osteomyelitis and cholecystitis were seen in one case each.