Randomized open-label study comparing the effect of Abelmoschus esculentus water vs placebo in postprandial blood glucose on normal human subjects

Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic disease and if left untreated, it is associated with failure of various organs. The search of safer antidiabetic agents leads to research of traditional medicinal plants.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of Abelmoschus esculentus water on the postprandial blood sugar among healthy normal human subjects.METHOD: Randomized Open-Label Study. Normal healthy volunteers 20-60 years of age were recruited at Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center. After an overnight fast, FBS measurements were recorded. The were then randomized to Okra water and placebo. Both groups were also fed a standard meal in addition to the water of their respective groups. Capillary blood glucose was measured. after 2 hours and 4 hours. The difference in in the blood glucose of both groups was compared.RESULTS: The mean random blood sugar of the subjects after intake of standard meal 2 hour postprandial in okra water group (109.92 ± 9.45 mg/dl) is greater than in the placebo group (108.35 ± 9.93 mg/dl), but not statistically significant (p>0.05). Also, the mean RBS 4 hours postprandial is less in okra water group than in placebo group (95.23 ± 6.99 versus 96.40 ± 9.13 mg/dl) but is also not statistically significant (p>0.05). Overall, the mean blood sugar of the okra water group from baseline to postprandial has no significant difference as compared to placebo.CONCLUSION: Contrary to the previous animal studies, this present study, which used human subjects, showed no significant difference n the postprandial blood sugar level on subjects given with A. esculentus water as compared to placebo.

Managing breast pain in primary care

Benign breast problems, particularly the common one of cyclical pain in young women, can be safely and effectively managed in primary care, can be safely and effectively managed in primary care. This benefits the patient, who is appropriately treated without the anxiety and turnmoil of hospital referral, the GP, who gains job satisfaction, the hospital clinic, which has more time for more needy women, and the NHS, which saves money.

Measuring the primary care performance of the Manila health Cluster: Manila philippines 2010

Background: Efforts to determine and quantify primary care all over the world are increasing as evidence suggests that it contributes to improving health outcomes. Example of such assessments is disability adjusted life expectancy which showed good results among countries with better primary care. In this pilot study, primary care assessment tool- Facility Survey (PCAT FS) prepared by Barbara Starfield, was used to assess these services by the Manila Health Cluster. The Manila Health Cluster, consisting of hospitals, health centers, satellite and lying ins, is the agency responsible for providing the general health services to the whole City of Manila based on programs recommended by the Department of Health. General Objectives: This study was conducted to assess if the principles of primary care are practiced in the Manila Health cluster using the PCAT facility short version questionnaire. Results: A total of 35 out of 52 public health centers were randomly selected in the different primary care facilities run by the Manila Health Cluster. The lead person of the different health care facility responded to the questionnaire. A significant percentage of patients were being seen in their clinic anywhere from 1-10 years time. The practice focus of the facilities is general practice. Majority of the physicians receive their compensation by salary from the local government. The practice focus of all health centers is family practice/general practice. Majority claim that about 20% of the patients seen have long term behavioral problems. Majority also state that the patients stay with them for more than 5 years and they have geographically defined population to serve. Of all the 9 domain, the programs had very good scores in coordination of care, family-centeredness, ongoing care and information system. However, improvement is needed for cultural orientation, services that are available, services being provided, and access. In terms of the overall primary care score for the core indicators, the Manila Health Cluster primary care orientation evaluation did not reach the target mean score of 3.5. When the other domains were added, the overall mean primary care orientation of the Manila Health cluster did not meet the desired level of score targeted to conclude that the facilities are primary care oriented.