Fortifying Micronutrient Supplementation in India: Indian Expert consensus.

Micronutrients play a key role in human health, being involved in energy metabolism, immunity, cellular functioning, growth, and development. Deficiencies in micronutrients occur in individuals of all ages due to several factors, including inadequate diets, disease states, and overweight/obesity. Guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Expert Group on Nutrient Requirements for Indians (2023) have specified the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for macronutrients and micronutrients. In addition, a healthy diet is crucial for overall health and should be the first step toward addressing micronutrient deficiencies. When diet is inadequate, micronutrient supplements can be provided to compensate. An expert panel of Indian doctors was convened to develop a pathway toward micronutrient supplementation among the Indian population. This Consensus Statement recognizes that different populations have varying needs for specific micronutrients, and ensuring adequate intake of such micronutrients can improve health outcomes. The panel provided recommendations for dietary practices and micronutrient supplementation when diet is inadequate. Addressing micronutrient deficiencies at the primary care level can prevent chronic deficiencies and their consequences. This Consensus Statement can serve as a primer for physicians to monitor and address deficiencies and thus help individuals maintain their health.

Impact of glycemic control over cardiac autonomic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is one of the most common and serious complications associated with diabetes and is defined as the impairment of the autonomic control of the cardiovascular system, whose prevalence in Indian population has been reported to be > 50%. The risk factors associated with CAN include hyperglycemia, duration of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. This study was conducted to examine the association of CAN with its determinants among diabetics. METHODS: Socio-demographic characteristics were noted alongwith performance of biochemical analyses of blood samples according to standard hospital pathology laboratory protocols. Clinical assessment of CAN comprised a of 5 indexes, including 3 heart rate variability parameters (resting tachycardia, Qtc interval > 440 msec, exercise intolerance) and 2 blood pressure parameters (orthostatic hypotension, abnormal hand gripping test). RESULTS: The odds of CAN increased with poor glycemic control (FBS ≥ 126 mg/dL (OR = 1.17 (1.02-10.68); 2 hr PPBS ≥ 200 mg/dL (OR 1.63 (1.26-8.82) and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (OR = 10.68 (1.54-208.02). Significant difference was also found in relation to duration of diabetes, weight and body mass index of the participants with various grades of CAN. CONCLUSIONS: CAN is associated strongly with poor glycemic control. Obesity seems to be involved in the impairments of the cardiac autonomic function and this factor must therefore be taken into account in future studies when interpreting the results. Body mass control and glycemic control could provide an important approach to reducing CAN.

Consensus on Initiation and Intensification of Premix Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes Management.

INTRODUCTION: Premix insulin is the most commonly used insulin preparation in India. The first Indian premix guidelines were developed in 2009 and thereafter were updated in 2013. There is a need to revisit the Indian premix insulin guidelines, in view of emerging evidence and introduction of newer co-formulations. OBJECTIVE: The present consensus has been developed to evaluate available premix formulations, examine existing evidence related to premix formulations, and evolve consensus statement of recommendations on the topic. METHODS: A meeting of experts from across India was conducted at Chennai in July 2016. The expert committee evaluated each premix insulin regimen with reference to 1) Current recommendations by various guidelines, 2) Approved pack inserts and 3) Published scientific literature. The information was debated and discussed within the expert group committee, to arrive at seven consensus-based recommendations for initiation and intensification with premix insulin. RESULTS: Recommendations based on consensus on initiation and intensification of premix insulin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management were developed for the following situations. 1) Initiation of premix insulin co-formulation at diagnosis, 2) Initiation of once daily (OD) premix insulin/co-formulation, 3) Initiation of twice daily (BID) premix insulin/co-formulation 4) Intensification with BID and thrice daily (TID) premix insulin/co-formulation. Three recommendations pertained to the use of premix insulin in other forms of diabetes, or in specific situations: 5) Use of premix insulin in gestational diabetes mellitus 6) Use of premix insulin in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) 7) Premix insulin use during Ramadan. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of high carbohydrate consumption in India, or in patients with predominant post prandial hyperglycemia, premix insulin/co-formulation can offer effective and convenient glycemic control. This paper will help healthcare practitioners initiate and intensify premix insulin effectively.