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About Diabetes: A Scientific Elucidation


It is an interesting observation that during my day to day consultation with my patients I have found every third person to be suffering from Diabetes and almost every alternate patient has got somebody in their family who is suffering from Diabetes. This extremely high prevalence of Diabetes is evident only in our country.
The management of Diabetes is getting eased off over the last few decades due to immense research work which is being done in the discipline of Diabetes throughout the globe. In spite of so much of development, hurdles remain profound in managing Diabetes. These hurdles are ignorance and ill –information regarding Diabetes among citizens and foremost of all are the misconceptions regarding Diabetes.
I can presume that whichever Physician a patient consults, he gets quite a bit of information regarding the management of Diabetes and in most of cases it is quite unlikely that there will be any difference of opinion. The problem remains in the dedication of adequate time to explain each and everything about Diabetes which is hardly given by any physician nowadays. Even I take 45 mins to examine and give adequate consultation to a Diabetic patient. All the physicians want their patients to keep on doing well without any ups and downs. But even then, be due to inadequate sharing of information from the physicians part or due to negative typecasting of the doctor fraternity by the media, it is hard to find a patient to sustain his/her treatment with a single Physician. The trust never develops and that is quite unfortunate. If one does not have adequate confidence in the qualification and credibility of the doctors’ management skills then the overall treatment gets a hard beating.
The motto behind authoring this Diabetes Manual is quite simple. It is to make things very clear and lucid regarding Diabetes. 
The size of the manual is quite large and it is being delivered with basic information regarding Diabetes. The adverse events of Diabetic Medicines have been incorporated and also I have ensured that the Targets in management of Diabetes are also well elucidated which is very important information. Facts and facets regarding Insulin should be very clear. Most of the people are afraid of Insulin. The two most important reasons behind this fear are first of all it is in injectable form and most of us are afraid of injections and secondly, a myth is imbibed among the common people that usage of insulin is a tell-tale sign of end-stage of Diabetes which is actually a big negative idea. Even it took pains to break the ice while initiating insulin to my mother who is a 12-year long diabetic and that now when her blood glucose is under control, she is disbelieving the laboratory reports.
Whatever, I have immense faith in the readers of this article as I hope to incorporate correct information regarding diabetes and break the myths. It is strongly recommended that you should consult your physician and Diabetologist for proper management of Diabetes and in case of any discrepancy of information provided in this composition.

(Source: www.practo.com)

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7 Science-Based Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water

Our bodies consist of around 60% water. So, drinking adequate water is very necessary.

It is commonly recommended to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (the 8×8 rule).

Although there is little science behind this specific rule, staying hydrated is important.

Here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of drinking plenty of water.

1. Water Helps to Maximize Physical Performance

If we do not stay hydrated, physical performance can suffer.

This is particularly important during intense exercise or high heat.

Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body’s water content. However, it is not uncommon for athletes to lose up to 6-10% of their water weight via sweat.

This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, increased fatigue and make exercise feel much more difficult, both physically and mentally.

Optimal hydration has been shown to prevent this from happening, and may even reduce the oxidative stress that occurs during high-intensity exercise. This is not surprising when you consider that muscle is about 80% water.

So, if you exercise intensely and tend to sweat, then staying hydrated can help you perform at your absolute best.

BOTTOM LINE: Losing as little as 2% of your body’s water content can significantly impair physical performance.

2. Hydration Has a Major Effect on Energy Levels and Brain Function

Your brain is strongly influenced by hydration status.

Studies show that even mild dehydration (1-3% of body weight) can impair many aspects of brain function.

In a study of young women, fluid loss of 1.36% after exercise impaired both mood and concentration and increased the frequency of headaches.

Another similar study, this time in young men, showed that fluid loss of 1.59% was detrimental to working memory and increased feelings of anxiety and fatigue.

A 1-3% fluid loss equals about 1.5-4.5 lbs (0.5-2 kg) of body weight loss for a 150 lbs (68 kg) person. This can easily occur through normal daily activities, let alone during exercise or high heat.

Many other studies, ranging from children to the elderly, have shown that mild dehydration can impair mood, memory and brain performance.

BOTTOM LINE: Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1-3%) can impair energy levels and mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance.

3. Drinking-Water May Help to Prevent and Treat Headaches

Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals.

Several studies have shown that water can relieve headaches in those who are dehydrated.

However, this appears to depend on the type of headache.

One study of 18 people found that water had no effect on the frequency of headaches, but did reduce the intensity and duration somewhat.

BOTTOM LINE: Drinking water can sometimes help relieve headache symptoms, especially in people who are dehydrated.

4. Drinking More Water May Help Relieve Constipation

Constipation is a common problem, characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool.

Increasing fluid intake is often recommended as a part of the treatment protocol, and there is some evidence to back this up.

Low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both young and elderly individuals.

Carbonated water shows particularly promising results for constipation relief, although the reason is not entirely understood.

BOTTOM LINE: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent and relieve constipation, especially in people who generally do not drink enough water.

5. Drinking-Water May Help Treat Kidney Stones

Urinary stones are painful clumps of mineral crystal that form in the urinary system.

The most common form is kidney stones, which form in the kidneys.

There is limited evidence that water intake can help prevent recurrence in people who have previously gotten kidney stones.

Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys, which dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they are less likely to crystallize and form clumps.

Water may also help prevent the initial formation of stones, but studies are required to confirm this.

BOTTOM LINE: Increased water intake appears to decrease the risk of kidney stone formation. More research is needed in this area.

6. Water Helps Prevent Hangovers

A hangover refers to the unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol.

Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in. This can lead to dehydration.

Although dehydration is not the main cause of hangovers, it can cause symptoms like thirst, fatigue, headache, and dry mouth.

A good way to reduce hangovers is to drink a glass of water between drinks and to have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.

BOTTOM LINE: Hangovers are partly caused by dehydration, and drinking water can help reduce some of the main symptoms of hangovers.

7. Drinking More Water Can Help With Weight Loss

Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight.

This is due to the fact that water can increase satiety and boost your metabolic rate.

In two studies, drinking half a liter (17 ounces) of water was shown to increase metabolism by 24-30% for up to 1.5 hours.

This means that drinking 2 liters of water every day can increase your total energy expenditure by up to 96 calories per day.

The timing is important too and drinking water half an hour before meals are the most effective. It can make you feel more full so that you eat fewer calories.

In one study, dieters who drank half a liter of water before meals lost 44% more weight, over a period of 12 weeks.

It is actually best to drink water cold because then the body will use additional energy (calories) to heat the water to body temperature. (Source: www.healthline.com)

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Documents required for Medical Visa to India

  • Passport, in original, with a minimum validity of six months as on the date of submission of application for a visa. The passport should have at least two blank pages. Copy of the passport (first four pages and endorsement of extension of validity if any) should be attached. All old passports must be submitted with the application form.
  • One recent (not less than 3 months old) passport-size color photograph depicting full face;
  • Proof of Residence: A copy of National ID Card and Utility Bill such as electricity, telephone, gas or water bill (not less than 6-month-old)
  • Proof of Profession: Certificate from the employer. In the case of students, a copy of Identity cards from the educational institution is to be attached.
  • Proof of Financial soundness: Endorsement of foreign currency equivalent to US$150/- per applicant and/or copy of international credit card and/or updated bank statement, as the case may be, showing sufficient balance to finance travel.”
  • Online Visa Application form which has both BGD Registration No. and date of appointment with time
    • Applicants would be required to scan and upload their photographs in the designated space provided in the online application form.
    • Applicants must make sure that their date of birth & place of birth in the current passport matches with the one in the old passport, NID card and / or birth certificate.
    • All old passport must be submitted on the date of appointment, without all old passport application will be treat as incomplete.
    • Bangladeshi passport holder all categories of Indian visas, except Tourist (T) visas, are accepted on a walk-in basis without an online appointment date / E-token.

Medical Visa specific requirements

Remarks: Persons visiting India to get medical treatment.

Documents required : General documents and (i) Medical certificate, in original, from recognized hospitals/ doctors indicating in detail the medical condition of the patient; (ii) Recommendation from the attending doctor for availing treatment abroad in case of first visit; (iii) recommendation from the attending doctor in India in case of continued treatment in India; (iv) In case of hospitalization or long term treatment, proof of financial resources, as indicated below, may be sought: (a) Bank statements for last 6 months. (b) Solvency certificate from Bank.

APPLICATION FORM

Please click on the link http://indianvisa-bangladesh.nic.in/visa/ to fill up the visa application form.

1. Digital photograph and one colored photograph (both photos should be the same and less than three months old) should be pasted (Not pinned or stapled) at the top right corner of the visa application.

2. Please fill in all mandatory columns carefully. Incorrect information shall lead to outright rejection of visa application.

3. Kindly note the web file number for future references.

4. Please sign at the box on the top right corner of the visa application as well as on the last page of the visa application.

5. YOUR IP ADDRESS WILL BE LOGGED. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE FICTITIOUS ENTRIES.

Special Attention:

(a) Column marked * is mandatory.

(b) Column-A-Personal Particulars: Name, Surname and other details should be the same as mentioned in the Passport.

(c) Column-B:-Passport Details: Passport No., Place of Issue, Date of Issue and Date of Expiry should be the same as mentioned in your existing valid passport.

(d) Column-C-Applicant’s Contact Details: The present address should be the same as mentioned in your utility bills and also provide a correct email address and mobile numbers.

(e) Column-D-Family Details: Should not be left blank. Filling in the column on the previous nationality is mandatory.

(f) Column-E-Details of Visa Sought: Mandatory.

(g) Column-F-Previous Visit: Should not be left blank (details of previous visa number and date of issue should be mentioned).

(h) Column-I-Details of Two Reference: Please provide genuine contact details.

Notes

With effect from 1 February 2017, the scheme for walk-in Tourist visas for Bangladesh travelers with confirmed journey tickets (air/bus/rail) to India is being extended to the remaining 8 Indian Visa Application Centers (IVACs) in Bangladesh. All Bangladesh travelers who have confirmed journey tickets can avail of this facility of walk-in Tourist visa without appointment dates at IVACs in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet, Chittagong, Khulna, Jessore, Mymensingh, and Barisal. Applicants in Dhaka with confirmed journey tickets may continue to submit their Tourist visa applications on a walk-in basis at IVAC Mirpur.

2. Bangladesh travelers wishing to avail of a walk-in Tourist visa should have a confirmed air, train or bus ticket (issued by authorized operators) to India. The date of the journey should be within one month of the date of submission of the visa application at IVAC. Further details are available at http://www.ivacbd.com/important_notices.php

3. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to streamline, liberalize and ease the process of securing Indian visas. The walk-in Tourist visa scheme was launched first in October 2016 for women travelers and their family members and thereafter extended to all Bangladesh travelers from 1 January 2017. The scheme has eased access to Indian visas for Bangladesh nationals. No Bangladesh national with a confirmed ticket to India (by air, bus or train) requires an e-token/online appointment date to apply for a Tourist visa. This measure is aimed at strengthening people-to-people contacts between India and Bangladesh.

Security Notice for Applicants visiting All Indian Visa Application Centers

As per the security requirement, the following items will not be permitted or stored inside the Visa Application Centers.

  • All battery-operated or electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3’s, floppies, laptops, or portable music players.
  • All bags such as travel bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, leather/jute/ cloth bags, and zip folders. Only a plastic bag containing your application related papers would be permitted.
  • Sealed envelopes or packages.
  • Any inflammable item such as matchboxes/ lighters/ fuel etc.
  • Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail filers.
  • Weapon or weapon-like objects or explosive material of any kind.

The list provided above is not finite. Other items may be prohibited based on the security staff’s discretion. The security staff is authorized to check the applicant’s bags at any time during the visa application process.

Due to security concerns, we do not permit interested parties such as friends, relatives or business contacts to accompany visa applicants. However, interpreters are allowed to accompany hearing-impaired applicants at the Visa Application Centre. Physically challenged applicants will be accompanied by our staff.

Please Note: There is no facility to store the above-prohibited items at the Visa Application Centre. Applicants are requested to make alternate arrangements to keep the same before entry into the center.