Fast food consumption has become a defining feature of modern diets. While convenient and satisfying, meals such as burgers, pizzas, fried chicken, and processed sandwiches pose serious risks to heart health even in younger people & children. The association between regular fast food intake and serious diseases like cardiovascular disease, Liver disease, & Cancers is now well-established through multiple clinical studies and epidemiological surveys.

Fast foods are often high in saturated fats and trans fats, both of which adversely affect cholesterol levels. Saturated fats increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, while trans fats not only raise LDL but also lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the ‘good’ cholesterol. This imbalance accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

In addition to unhealthy fats, many fast foods are extremely high in sodium and refined carbohydrates. Excess sodium intake promotes hypertension, a leading contributor to heart disease. Refined carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin resistance, further compounding cardiovascular risk and Metabolic disorders like Diabetes & fatty liver disease.  Frequent consumption of fast food meals, often characterised by oversized portions and high calorie density, also plays a significant role in the rising prevalence of obesity, another major risk factor for heart disease.

It is important to understand that occasional consumption of fast food within an otherwise balanced diet is unlikely to cause harm. However, habitual reliance on fast foods, especially in combination with sedentary lifestyles, amplifies the danger significantly. The engineered appeal of fast food, rich flavours, enhanced textures, and large portions can easily encourage overeating, making moderation challenging for many individuals. In India, due to a high amount of unhealthy carbohydrates & fatty foods, incidents of fatty liver disease increased exponentially, even in school-going children. It affects almost 50% of the population. Now, fatty liver disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly, apart from causing other symptoms

Protecting cardiovascular health requires thoughtful dietary choices. Prioritising fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats over processed and fast foods remains a fundamental strategy. Awareness of the hidden risks associated with frequent fast food consumption empowers individuals to make better decisions for their long-term heart health. Nothing can match a home-cooked healthy food with regular physical activity like 30 minutes of walking in preventing heart & metabolic disease like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease & sleep apnoea in the younger population.

Heart disease often progresses silently over the years. Understanding the powerful role diet plays in its development offers an opportunity for early intervention and prevention.

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In an age ruled by convenience foods and screen-based lifestyles, a silent epidemic is brewing and is often symptomless until it becomes life-threatening. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, called Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are increasingly becoming causes for concern, particularly in the younger population. These conditions are driven predominantly by modern diets rich in processed snacks, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats.

A Crisis Fuelled by Convenience

Today’s dietary patterns are dominated by ultra-processed foods—ready meals, sugary beverages, deep-fried snacks, and energy bars—all disguised as health foods. Coupled with sedentary routines, erratic sleep, and chronic stress, this lifestyle is fuelling liver dysfunction at an alarming rate.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells in people who consume little or no alcohol. If left untreated, it can progress to NASH, characterised by inflammation, liver cell damage, and eventually scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). However, NAFLD is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making routine screening vital for those at risk.

The Young Are Not Immune

Once considered a disease of older adults, NAFLD is now increasingly diagnosed in teenagers, young professionals, and even athletes. The irony lies in the so-called ‘healthy’ snacks: protein bars, flavoured yoghurts and energy drinks, which are often marketed as nutritious, are typically packed with added sugars, trans fats and artificial additives.

Recent data published in news reports like The Hindu, TOI, and more indicate a dramatic rise in liver conditions among people under 30, with lifestyle choices being the chief culprits.

Food Triggers That Sabotage Liver Health

Several daily habits contribute to the growing prevalence of liver diseases.

• Erratic Eating Patterns: Skipping meals and late-night snacking disrupt the body’s natural metabolic rhythm.
• Stress Eating: Turning to high-sugar and high-salt snacks during emotional distress can overload the liver with fats.
• Poor Nutritional Quality: Diets low in fibre and essential micronutrients deprive the liver of the materials it needs for detoxification and repair.
• Caffeine and Sugar Overload: Excessive consumption of energy drinks, coffees, and sugar-loaded snacks, seen especially in students and office workers, burdens the liver’s metabolic capacity.
• Physical Inactivity: Sedentary behaviours, common in remote work and digital lifestyles, contribute to insulin resistance and fat accumulation in the liver.

The Gut-Liver Axis: A Vital Connection

Emerging studies point to the gut-liver axis—a biological highway linking intestinal health and liver function. A disrupted gut microbiome, often a result of poor dietary choices, can increase gut permeability. This allows toxins and harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream, reaching the liver and triggering inflammation. Supporting gut health through probiotic-rich foods, fermented products, and fibre can mitigate this risk and aid liver recovery.

Five Simple Habits to Protect and Heal Your Liver

1. Prioritise Whole Foods: Embrace a diet rich in colourful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
   
2. Move Your Body: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily—walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga.
   
3. Sleep Smarter: Maintain regular sleep patterns and aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to allow the liver time to regenerate.
   
4. Ditch Packaged Products: Reduce reliance on instant noodles, sugary drinks, frozen snacks, and other highly processed items.
   
5. Routine Health Checks: Those over 30, overweight, or diabetic should consider annual liver function tests to catch early signs of NAFLD or NASH.

The Sugar Culprit: Why Fructose Is Dangerous

Fructose, especially in the form of high-fructose corn syrup found in fizzy drinks and many processed foods, is metabolised primarily by the liver. Unlike glucose, which is processed by various tissues, fructose can overwhelm the liver’s capacity, increasing fat synthesis and storage. Reducing fructose intake is a crucial step in both the prevention and treatment of fatty liver disease.

Liver Health: An Urgent Call to Action

Greater public awareness and education about NAFLD are essential. Nutritional literacy in workplaces, government organisations, and educational institutions must be prioritised, healthy eating promoted, and regular health screenings advocated. People must move towards lifestyle reform, change how they view their relationship with food, in order to keep their liver healthy and make wellness a habit.

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Lung cancer is a formidable adversary, claiming countless lives each year. Enhancing public awareness about this disease is crucial. Awareness of lung cancer is essential for saving lives. By understanding the disease, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection, we can work towards a future where lung cancer is no longer a leading cause of death.

Tobacco smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer in India, contributing to a significant proportion of cases. However, exposure to environmental pollutants, occupational hazards, and genetic factors also play crucial roles in the development of this disease.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Understanding the risk factors associated with lung cancer is vital for promoting prevention and early detection. Major risk factors include:

1. Tobacco Use: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 85% of all cases. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk.
2. Secondhand Smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
3. Environmental and Occupational Exposures: Prolonged exposure to asbestos, radon gas, and other hazardous substances can elevate the risk of lung cancer.
4. Genetic Predisposition: Family history and genetic factors can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to lung cancer.

The Importance of Early Detection and Screening

Early cancer detection and screening play a crucial role in improving lung cancer outcomes. Here are some key points highlighting their significance:

1. Early Detection Saves Lives: Early detection of lung cancer leads to better treatment outcomes and higher survival rates. When lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, before it has spread to other parts of the body, there is a higher chance of successful treatment and potential cure.
2. Screening Programs for High-Risk Individuals: For individuals at high risk of developing lung cancer, such as heavy smokers and those with a family history of the disease, regular screening programs are recommended. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are commonly used for early detection in high-risk populations.
3. Importance of Smoking Cessation: Encouraging smoking cessation is not only a preventive measure but also a way to enable early detection. Former smokers should be aware of their heightened risk for lung cancer and participate in screening programs to detect any potential abnormalities at an early stage.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of early cancer detection through public campaigns can encourage people to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any concerning symptoms or fall into high-risk categories.
5. Recognizing Warning Signs: Educating the public about common lung cancer symptoms, such as persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood, can prompt individuals to seek medical evaluation if they experience these signs.
6. Access to Healthcare: Improving access to healthcare services and diagnostic facilities is crucial for early detection. Efforts should be made to ensure that people, especially those in remote or underserved areas, have access to screening and diagnostic resources.
7. Combining Screening with Preventive Measures: Early detection should be complemented with preventive measures. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tobacco products, and minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants can help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
8. Research and Technological Advancements: Continued research in the field of lung cancer detection and screening is essential to develop better and more accurate screening methods, leading to earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

By addressing these risk factors and emphasizing the importance of early detection, we can improve lung cancer outcomes in India and reduce the burden of this devastating disease. Public awareness, healthcare access, and preventive measures are all critical components in the fight against lung cancer.

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MUMBAI: USV Pvt Ltd, recently launched Q-rite tablets, containing 200 milligrams (mg) of Quinidine Sulphate for patients with rare irregular heartbeat conditions.  This launch marks the much-needed commercial availability of Quinidine Sulphate tablets in India. This milestone underscores USV’s commitment to advancing quality patient care as a reliable healthcare partner.

India faces one of the highest burdens of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) globally. Approximately 40% of cardiac patients show signs of heart rhythm disorders, with a concerning 22% at increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to arrhythmia. Alarmingly, most of these patients are under the age of 40. Keeping this overlooked demographic in mind, USV took the step to commercially launch Q rite tablets in India, to improve patient outcomes.

Prashant Tewari, Managing Director, USV “We have been empathetic to the needs of patients especially individuals with cardiac conditions, and do not have an option for its management, the launch of Q rite tablets in India underscores our vision of enhancing accessibility. Our commitment to niche medication will offer targeted solutions that significantly improve patient outcomes.”

Elaborating on the importance of the launch, Dr. Aditya Kapoor, President of the Indian Society of Electrocardiology (ISE), and Dr. Ketan Mehta, Honorary General-Secretary (ISE) mentioned in a joint statement that “Quinidine being an old yet versatile multipurpose antiarrhythmic drug, its availability in India shall adequately address the need of a select group of patient population.”

Q rite tablets is currently available at pharmacies in select hospitals and through online pharmaceutical retailer Tata 1mg.

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BENGALURU: Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road successfully treated a 64-year-old male from Madagascar, suffering from Triple Vessel Coronary Artery disease (blockage in three major arteries), an enlarged prostate, and multiple co-morbidities. A multidisciplinary team of Doctors – Dr. Sudarshan G T, Senior Consultant – Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Dr Srinivas Prasad, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology and Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Andrology, Transplant & Robotic Surgery along with a Vascular Surgeon, ENT Specialist, Endocrinologist, Nephrologist and a Pain & Palliative Specialist treated the patient.

Patient Ramesh (name changed), a cancer survivor and a double amputee, faced a dire health crisis a month ago when he complained of chest pain and shortness of breath. An angiogram – a crucial imaging test that reveals the condition of blood vessels, was performed in Madagascar, which revealed reduced blood flow to the heart (Acute Coronary Syndrome) leading to heart attack and reduced blood flow to the rest of the body (Acute Left Ventricular Failure) highlighting an urgent need for a bypass surgery. However, the conventional bypass surgery was not feasible for Ramesh due to the amputation of both his legs, which meant he lacked viable veins for grafting. Additionally, his severe mobility restrictions, relying entirely on an electric wheelchair, further complicated the matter. Faced with these challenges and the lack of advanced medical technology in his country to address such a complex case, Ramesh sought the expertise of doctors at Fortis Bannerghatta Road for advanced treatment and a chance for improved health.

Upon admission at Fortis Bannerghatta, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation revealed multiple co-morbidities including triple vessel coronary artery disease, diabetes, acute kidney failure, and an enlarged prostate. Due to financial constraints, hemodynamic-assisted angioplasty – a minimally invasive procedure to improve blood flow through blocked or narrowed arteries was not a viable option. Consequently, Dr Sudarshan and Dr Srinivas recommended a hybrid surgical approach combining traditional open surgery with minimally invasive techniques. The treatment plan involved a robot-assisted minimally invasive bypass grafting (MIDCAB, or Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery), followed by a Rotablation atherectomy assisted Angioplasty with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Dr Mohan

Keshavamurthy suggested a UroLift procedure to address the enlarged prostate, while diabetes and kidney failure were managed by the respective specialists.

Explaining the procedure, Dr. Sudarshan G T, Senior Consultant – Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road said, “Given the patient’s complex cardiovascular condition and the high risks associated with traditional open-heart surgery, which requires a large incision in the chest, we opted for a minimally invasive approach called Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB). This innovative treatment included a surgery designed to tackle one or more blocked arteries using tissues through small surgical cuts. It reduces both recovery time and surgical risks. The surgery took approximately 2 hours and once the patient was stabilized, he was scheduled for rotablation assisted angioplasty with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention – a non-surgical procedure to treat the blockages in the artery.”

Dr Srinivas Prasad, Consultant- Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road “We performed Rotablation assisted angioplasty with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on the patient, during which a tiny, diamond-coated tool that rotates at high speed was used to grind away hard, calcium deposits inside arteries. After the calcium deposits are cleared, a catheter with a balloon at the tip is guided to the site of the blockage in the artery, thereby widening the artery and improving blood flow. A drug-releasing stent was then placed in the artery to keep it open after the balloon was removed. This drug is slowly released into the artery wall over time, preventing the regrowth of tissue within the artery. The procedure lasted for around 45 minutes to an hour. Following the procedure, the patient was monitored in the hospital for 3-4 days and then underwent a week of physiotherapy to aid in his recovery. This timely intervention significantly contributed to the patient’s recovery and overall health improvement. In the absence of these surgical interventions, in case the patient suffered another heart attack it would have been difficult for the patient to survive.”

Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Andrology, Transplant & Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru said, “Following the successful cardiac surgery, we proceeded with the UroLift procedure to address the patient’s enlarged prostate also known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). BPH is a common condition that affects over 70% of men in their 60s. Although benign and unrelated to prostate cancer, BPH can significantly impact a man’s quality of life. As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body), potentially leading to permanent bladder damage if left untreated. To address this, we opted for the minimally invasive UroLift technique where 4 small implants were placed to gently lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra preventing blockage. This approach improves urine flow and preserves ejaculatory function without the need for more invasive surgery. Given the complexity of the patient’s medical condition, this technique was particularly well-suited and crucial to his overall recovery and well-being.”

Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru said, “At Fortis Hospitals, our mission is to provide world-class medical care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. We are proud to have offered a comprehensive and innovative approach to Ramesh’s complex health challenges. By leveraging our advanced medical technologies and the expertise of our multidisciplinary team, we were able to deliver a seamless treatment experience. This case exemplifies our commitment to combining cutting-edge techniques with compassionate care to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”

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Malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, continues to be a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate it, malaria persists in certain countries, posing a threat to millions of lives. Understanding the reasons behind its persistence, the measures taken by countries that have successfully eradicated it, the symptoms of the disease, the risk factors, and its relationship with other health issues like COVID-19 are crucial for advancing global health agendas.

Why Malaria Persists

The persistence of malaria in some countries can be attributed to several factors:

Complexity of the Malaria Parasite: The Plasmodium parasite exists in various species and strains, some of which are more resistant to treatment and eradication efforts than others.

Drug Resistance: Over time, the malaria parasite has developed resistance to several antimalarial drugs, diminishing the effectiveness of treatment in certain regions.

Vector Control Challenges: Ensuring effective vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying is difficult in some regions due to limited resources, infrastructure, and climate conditions.

Climate and Environment: Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and rainfall play a significant role in the prevalence of malaria. Climate change can impact the distribution and transmission of the disease, making eradication efforts more challenging.

Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of education, and poor sanitation contribute to the persistence of malaria by hindering effective control and prevention programs.

Political Instability: Political instability, conflicts, and lack of governance can disrupt healthcare systems, hinder prevention efforts, and create favorable conditions for the spread of the disease.

Challenges in Surveillance and Diagnosis: Inadequate surveillance systems and diagnostic capabilities lead to underreporting of malaria cases, allowing the disease to persist and spread unchecked.

Global Health Priorities: Competing health priorities and limited resources may divert attention and funding away from malaria eradication efforts, slowing progress in eliminating the disease.

Addressing these challenges requires sustained commitment, collaboration among stakeholders, research, innovation, and investment in health systems.

Success Stories in Malaria Eradication

Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made, with 44 countries and territories certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). These countries have implemented comprehensive measures including:

Absence of Local Transmission: Demonstrating no indigenous transmission of malaria within their borders for several consecutive years.

Robust Surveillance and Response: Implementing effective surveillance systems to detect potential malaria cases promptly and respond rapidly to prevent re-establishment of transmission.

Sustainable Control Measures: Maintaining vector control programs, access to high-quality diagnostics and treatment, and comprehensive prevention strategies.

Verification and Certification Process: Undergoing rigorous evaluation by an independent expert panel convened by the WHO to determine eligibility for malaria-free certification.

Countries employ a range of strategies including vector control, case management, surveillance and response, preventive chemotherapy, community engagement, and cross-sectoral collaboration to combat malaria and achieve malaria-free status.

Symptoms and Prevention

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, jaundice, seizures, and coma. Preventive measures include using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, taking anti-malarial medications, removing standing water, indoor residual spraying, seeking medical advice promptly, and staying informed about malaria risks.

Risk Factors and Relapse

Behavioral aspects and individual characteristics influence the risk of contracting malaria. Factors such as travel to endemic areas, outdoor activities, failure to use protective measures, immune status, genetic factors, previous exposure, climate change, and drug resistance contribute to malaria risk. After recovery, individuals may experience relapse, especially with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infections. Completing full treatment courses, taking radical cure medications, regular follow-ups, lifestyle modifications, and consulting healthcare providers is essential to prevent relapse.

Malaria and COVID-19

While there is no direct causal relationship between malaria and COVID-19, individuals with compromised immunity may be more susceptible to infections. Co-infection with malaria and COVID-19 could lead to more severe illness and complications. Overlapping symptoms, strain on healthcare systems, public health strategies, research, and surveillance are crucial for addressing the burden of both diseases.

To sum it up, the fight against malaria requires a multi-faceted approach involving political commitment, international collaboration, innovation, and investment in health systems. By addressing the challenges, learning from success stories, understanding symptoms, risk factors, and relationships with other health issues like COVID-19, we can work towards achieving the ultimate goal of malaria eradication globally.

The post Challenges And Progress In Malaria Eradication: A Global Perspective appeared first on NRI News.

Children fall sick regularly. As they grow up, start going to school, and have exposure to other kids and new environments, sickness becomes a regular feature. If the child falls sick, you take them to the doctor, follow the instructions and they get better. Sadly, it is not this simple for autoimmune diseases. Has your child been recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease? Don’t know what to do or not do? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Everyone falls sick. There is nothing new or alarming about that. It is concerning when the condition gets severe or has no cure. And when a child is diagnosed with something serious, the parents’ world comes crashing down. They don’t know what to do, what not to do, how to take care of the child, which doctor to see next and the list is never-ending, just like the disease itself.

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

An autoimmune disease is where the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body instead of protecting it. The immune system mistakes the healthy cells to be infections or foreign invaders and attacks them., So, the immune system keeps fighting the body and destroying the healthy cells, instead of protecting them.

The exact reason or cause for autoimmune diseases is still unknown. A lot of research is going into finding the cause behind the various autoimmune diseases. These diseases can either be genetic or due to environmental exposure. Sometimes, an environmental factor can trigger the underlying autoimmune disease if the child has inherited a defective gene.

As a parent, it is important to remember that autoimmune diseases are not communicable, meaning you cannot get them because someone you stay with or someone in contact with you has a disease.

What happens when a child has an autoimmune disease?

When a child is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, the best possible treatment is started immediately. Autoimmune diseases can cause severe damage to the organs in the body, so treating them or controlling them at the earliest is very important. With proper treatment and constant monitoring, the child can live a regular life with minimal restrictions.

Who is at risk of Autoimmune Disease?

The autoimmune disease generally runs in families. There are cases where someone with absolutely no family history of the disease can be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Here are some risk factors which can increase the chances of an individual developing an autoimmune disease:

• Genes – Every human receives 2 sets of genes. When one of the parents or their parents has an autoimmune disease, there is a high chance for them to pass down this defective gene. While one might have a defective gene, it is not necessary for one to have the disease. It only increases their risk.
• Weight – Your weight can sometimes play havoc with your system. It can add pressure to your joints, leading to chronic joint pains or arthritis, and can also cause some organs to malfunction.
• Age – Autoimmune diseases are prone to affect younger people more than older people. It can affect children too.
• Race – Certain races and ethnicities are more prone to some autoimmune diseases than others. The reason is not very clear but it is connected to genetics.
• Gender – Many autoimmune diseases affect girls more than boys
• Medicines – Certain medications can trigger the underlying defective gene in the body. As a result, one might develop an autoimmune disease that has otherwise been dormant until the medicine interfered.
• Other Diseases – an existing autoimmune disease increases the risk of developing another related autoimmune disease.

Can Autoimmune Disease Be Prevented?

Sadly, no. An autoimmune disease is one where the cause is unknown. When you are not sure about the cause of a disease or when it can affect the child, you cannot prevent it effectively. It is not advisable to treat something that has not occurred yet.

Even in the case of genetic health issues where the chances of a child contracting an autoimmune disease are high, you cannot prevent it completely. Doctors might prescribe certain medicines or treatments for the mother-to-be, but this can only reduce the chances of the disease passing on to the child.

An autoimmune disease can be very difficult to live with. However, with the right diagnosis and timely treatment, you can work on reducing the impact of the disease and help the child lead a close-to-normal life. The advancement of science and technology has enabled children with autoimmune diseases to enjoy their childhood, without much of a compromise.

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The studies established that digital therapeutics (DTx) intervention, applied through Phable’s proprietary algorithm and smartphone devices, helped chronic disease patients regain control of their health.

Chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension are called lifestyle diseases because their risk factors are linked to one’s way of living. The management of these conditions requires regular self-monitoring and behavior change, which seem like the easiest things to do but are difficult to stick to. Health-related behavior change needs consistency and constant nudging to become an implementable reality.

Technology-driven behavior changes powered by Phable’s algorithm and applied through a smartphone can be the constant companion that chronic disease patients need. Using smartphones, wearables, and monitoring devices, patients can self-monitor their health parameters and report them to the Phable app. Phable’s proprietary algorithm takes in the health signals and suggests suitable actions to help drive behavior change and treatment adherence in patients. Chronic disease patients can take control of their health with Phable, which is supported by the expertise of 17,000 doctors and the experience of helping 4.5 million Indians on their health journey. 

The advantages of adopting smartphone-enabled monitoring of chronic diseases are numerous and varied. Therefore, it needs to be adopted quickly by patients and doctors alike. Phable’s recent studies go on to establish the effectiveness of DTx in chronic disease management.

Type 2 Diabetes

The study on the role of Digital Therapeutics in the management of Type 2 Diabetes was conducted over a period of 12 weeks in Type 2 Diabetes patients. The DTx intervention included a specifically designed interactive and algorithmic management of diet, physical movement, health education, and self-monitoring via the Phable App.

The study found that patients with Type 2 Diabetes benefited significantly from Phable’s proprietary Diabetes Management program, as seen by a reduction of their HbA1c values (an average of blood glucose levels in the past 3 months) at the end of the 12-week period. Particularly, patients with higher severity of Diabetes saw a significantly greater improvement in blood sugar control. It was also found that patients who had been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes within the last 1 year saw much greater benefits from the digital therapeutic intervention.

As per the results, after 12 weeks, patients with HbA1c levels ≥ 8% showed a change in HbA1c of -1.45%. Also, patients with Diabetes of less than 1-year duration showed a change in HbA1c of -1.96%.

These results show that compared to conventional healthcare models, Phable’s DTx-enabled intervention has proved to be more effective in improving blood sugar control through behavior change and self-management of Diabetes in patients.

Hypertension

The study on blood pressure control was conducted over 12 weeks on patients with uncontrolled hypertension (BP ≥140/90 mmHg) under stable treatment. The interventions under DTx included proprietary algorithmic management of hypertension through – dietary modification, stress management, physical activity, patient education, and self-monitoring.

The results showed that the mean blood pressure of the patients reduced by 28/19 mmHg from a baseline reading of 155/100 mmHg to 127/82 mmHg. Amongst the patients, 82.4 % achieved the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended goal of systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg. Also, 67.6% of patients returned to controlled blood pressure levels of <140/90 mmHg and 35.2% achieved the optimum blood pressure reading of <130/80 mmHg. Notably, as the severity of hypertension increased, the benefit in terms of reduction in blood pressure also increased.

These results clearly establish the effectiveness of Phable’s DTx intervention in improving the blood pressure values of patients through behavior modification and self-management of hypertension.

Speaking on the results from the clinical studies, Dr. Suhas Patil, Health Strategy Lead, Phable, stated, “The studies were conducted to irrefutably demonstrate that a smartphone – an everyday device, can help monitor as well as manage chronic diseases, through precision in therapy and personalization of treatment. DTx, which makes use of mobile applications and analytics, can help achieve the remission of chronic diseases. A sustained DTx intervention, over time, will help patients lower their dependency on medicines. These studies bring out the importance and urgency of DTx adoption to lead healthier lives.”

Abstracts of the Research Papers:

Type 2 Diabetes

To evaluate the effectiveness of DTx intervention with respect to the severity and duration of Type 2 Diabetes, a pre-and post-intervention study was conducted over 12 weeks. Type 2 Diabetes patients in the age group of 18-65 years on stable antidiabetic medication and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% were enrolled in the study. DTx intervention was provided by healthcare experts via the Phable App. The mean age of patients was 48 years, with 55% male and 45% female patients.

Result:

The study found that patients with higher severity of Type 2 Diabetes saw a significantly greater improvement in blood sugar control. Also, patients who had been diagnosed with Diabetes in the last year saw a much greater benefit from the intervention.

At the end of the 12-week study, the mean HbA1c change after DTx intervention was -0.84%. As the value of the baseline HbA1c increased, the post-intervention HbA1c changed significantly (from baseline HbA1c ≥ 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10; post-intervention change in mean HbA1c: -0.84, -0.98, -1.45, -2.05, -2.86 respectively). Further, patients with baseline HbA1c ≥ 8% showed a better response (-1.45%, 9.41 vs 7.96) to DTx intervention as compared to those with a baseline HbA1c < 8% (-0.24%, 7.23 vs 6.99). In terms of Diabetes duration, patients with Diabetes < 1 year had a significant HbA1c change (-1.96%, 8.13 vs. 6.18) after the DTx intervention as compared to those with Diabetes ≥ 1 year (-0.73%, 8.34 vs. 7.61).

Hypertension

The study conducted was a pre-and post-intervention, open-label study. Patients in the age group of 30-65 years with uncontrolled hypertension (>140 mmHg systolic or >90 mmHg diastolic blood pressure) were enrolled. Patients consented to participate in a 12-week DTx intervention program by Phable, as a supplement to their regular anti-hypertension treatment. The patients had a mean age of 47 years and a mean BMI of 27.2 kg/m², with 47% male and 53% female patients. 

Result:

The study found that patients with uncontrolled primary hypertension saw a significant decrease in high blood pressure. The decrease was significantly more as the severity of hypertension increased.

After completion of the 12-week intervention program, the mean change in systolic BP was -28 mmHg (155.6 ± 11.3 mmHg vs 127.3 ± 12.5 mmHg) and the mean change in diastolic BP was -19 mmHg (100.7 ± 11.3 mmHg vs 82.1 ± 9.5 mmHg). Patients with stage 1 hypertension (67.6%) achieved a mean systolic BP reduction of 23 ± 5 mmHg while patients with stage 2 (28.4%) and stage 3 (3.9%) hypertension achieved a mean systolic BP reduction of 37 ± 9 mmHg and 61 ± 8 mmHg, respectively. Also, 26.5% of patients with other chronic comorbidities achieved a mean systolic BP reduction of 29 mmHg. A total of 82.4% of patients achieved the ESC/ICMR recommended goal of systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg. Also, 67.6% achieved controlled blood pressure levels of <140/90 mmHg and 35.2% achieved the optimum blood pressure reading of <130/80 mmHg.

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PUNE: Syngenta – a leading science-based global agtech company – today announced the introduction of the Crop Doctor feature in its Cropwise Grower App, an AI-powered tool offering swift, simple and effective solutions for farmers to identify pest or disease attacks and get an instant remedy. Syngenta also completed the Drone Yatra in 13 states completing a milestone of 17,000 Km to create awareness of drone spraying among farmers.

Announcing Crop Doctor Susheel Kumar, MD, and Country Head, Syngenta India Pvt Ltd said that globally farmers are facing challenges including climate change, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss, as well as having to manage to change consumer expectations. “We work on supporting farmers by further improving the way crops are grown and protected, and work with partners to find solutions that address environmental, societal, and economic challenges. The newly added Crop Doctor feature in the Cropwise Grower App will be very helpful for the farmers,” he added.

The Cropwise Grower App, with this unique feature, assumes critical significance in view of the growing need to check crop losses as the world is going to have projected two billion more people to feed by 2050, while India will have 1.66 billion people to feed said Susheel Kumar, Managing Director, and Country Head Syngenta India Pvt Ltd.

“Using the Crop Doctor feature, all a farmer needs to do is click a photo from the Cropwise Grower app; Crop Doctor will help identify pests or diseases, and details of which Syngenta products are to be used. The App is available in 10 major languages including Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Odia, Tamil, Kannada, and English and promises to add tremendous value to farmers”, Sachin Kamra, Head, Farmer Centric Ecosystem, Syngenta India Pvt Ltd.

Adoption of productivity-boosting technologies, innovations, and enabling interventions will not only transform agriculture in a sustainable manner but will also empower farmers by helping and guiding them on how to irrigate, fertilize and apply crop protection products to their crops. “The App features 10 major crops Paddy, Tomato, Corn, Watermelon, Cotton, Soybean, Hot pepper, Sugarcane, Potato, and Sweet Corn with more crops to be added soon,” added Kamra.

Cropwise Grower App, which was launched in August this year, has received a tremendous response from farmers across the country. “Our app has been installed by more than three lakh farmers in just 75 days,” informed Kamra.

The use of the latest technology to make agriculture profitable for farmers has been Syngenta’s priority. Syngenta has extensively worked with various state governments on the demonstration of the use of drones in agriculture, especially for spraying which can help farmers save time and money. Syngenta has already received Drone-use label claims for some of the products, while other products are in the pipeline. Drone services are being expanded across India in a DAAS (Drone as a Service) model. “Currently, our commercial spray operations are live in five states – Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana,” said Kamra.

A unique Drone Yatra, which was flagged off from Syngenta India headquarters on July 15 this year, traveled to 13 Indian States, making over 15,000 farmers aware of best practices in spraying agrochemicals with the use of drones, which will save their time and cost – thus increasing income in the long run. Shri Kamal Patel, Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister, Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture joined the Drone Yatra in their respective states.

“During Syngenta Drone Yatra, over 130 demonstrations were made to farmers, with the focus on highlighting the value of drone spraying in agriculture. The Drone Yatra covered over 17,000 km across India, passing through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka and has returned to Pune today to complete the journey,” said Dr. KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India Pvt Ltd. As many as 10 mega events were conducted during the Yatra with excellent support from the state governments and local administrations.

“The Drone Yatra is a part of our efforts to make farming profitable and sustainable so that farmers are motivated to pursue agriculture as it is not only becoming more complex but also the return on investment is not attractive,” added Kumar.

“Our service charges are in line with what farmers invest in spraying through other mediums, but with many additional benefits like water saving of up to 90 percent as compared to manual sprays, uniform coverage and reach for the entire field crops, better residual control and reduction in the human exposure, assuring farmer and operator safety”, informed Kumar.

The post Syngenta Introduces ‘Crop Doctor’ Feature In Its Cropwise Grower App For Instant Solution For Pest And Disease Attack appeared first on NRI News.