South Asian Working Action Group on SARCOpenia (SWAG-SARCO) e A consensus document

The South Asian population is rapidly ageing and sarcopenia is likely to become a huge burden in this region if proper action is not taken in time. Several sarcopenia guidelines are available, from the western world and from East Asia. However, these guidelines are not fully relevant for the South Asian healthcare ecosystem. South Asia is ethnically, culturally, and phenotypically unique. Additionally, the region is seeing an increase in non-communicable lifestyle disease and obesity. Both these conditions can lead to sarcopenia. However, secondary sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are either not dealt with in detail or are missing in other guidelines. Hence, we present a consensus on the screening, diagnosis and management of sarcopenia, which addresses the gaps in the current guidelines. This South Asian consensus gives equal importance to muscle function, muscle strength, and muscle mass; provides cost-effective clinical and easy to implement solutions; highlights secondary sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity; lists commonly used biomarkers; reminds us that osteo-arthro-muscular triad should be seen as a single entity to address sarcopenia; stresses on prevention over treatment; and prioritizes nonpharmacological over pharmacological management. As literature is scarce from this region, the authors call for more South Asian research guided interventions.

Childhood diabetes in India

This review describes the epidemiology of childhood diabetes in India. It focuses on the incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes and its complications and comorbid conditions. The review also covers data related to type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance, and monogenic diabetes from India. A brief discussion regarding unique contributions from India to the world literature is included. The topics discussed include use of camel milk as adjuvant therapy in type 1 diabetes, relevance of the A1/A2 hypothesis, and comprehensive clinico-etiopathological classification of type 1 diabetes.

Radiography in primary care diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common disease, and a variety of plain radiographic changes are frequently encountered in diabetic patients. Primary care physicians should be able to recognize these common x-ray findings so that early treatment may be started, thereby preventing disease progression and decreasing patient morbidity

Sulfonylureas

This review describes the basic and clinical pharmacology of sulfonylureas. It undertakes a balanced assessment of the advantages and limitations of sulfonylureas, and compares the use of various sulfonylureas in different clinical situations. The authors suggest pragmatic guidance to facilitate safe and effective use of this class of drugs, and thus help make maximal use of this economical therapeutic option in resource challenged settings such as developed nations

Screening for diabetes

This article discusses the rationale and method of screening for diabetes in a primary care setting. It describes guidelines laid down by international organizations, while adding pragmatic suggestions based upon reality in South Asian and other developing countries

Diagnosis of diabetes

The diagnosis of diabetes is not as straightforward as it may seem. This brief communication describes how to diagnose [and not to diagnose] diabetes in a simple manner. This information will be of use to general practitioners as well as students of diabetology

Hypoglycaemia in anesthesiology practice: diagnostic, preventive, and management strategies

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the fastest growing non communicable diseases worldwide. Management of diabetic patients during surgical and critically illness is of paramount challenge to anesthesiologist and intensivist. Among its major acute complications, hypoglycemia has been given lesser attention as compared to other major acute complications; diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar non ketotic coma. However, newer studies and literary evidence have established the serious concerns of morbidity and mortality, both long- and short-term, related to hypoglycemia. basis. Invariably, diabetic patients are encountered in our daily routine practice of anesthesia. During fasting status as well as the perioperative period, it is hypoglycemia that is of high concern to anesthesiologist. Management has to be based on clinical, pharmacological, social, and psychological basis, so as to completely prevent the complications arising from an acute episode of hypoglycemia. This review aims to highlight various aspects of hypoglycemia and its management both from endocrine and anesthesia perspective