The effect of traditional home remedies on glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)

Traditional home remedy consumption is a typical ancient practice in India. These traditional home remedies are found to have beneficial effects on many chronic conditions. This study was designed to explore the effect of traditional home remedies on glycemic control in people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). In this study, 148 type-2 DM patients aged between 35 and 70 of both genders, participated. Among 148 type-2 DM patients, 102 T2DM patients use traditional home remedies along with oral anti-diabetic drugs, while the remaining 46 are non-users. The details of age, duration of type-2 DM, glycated Hb (HbA1c) values, and use of traditional home remedies were obtained from a cross-sectional survey. The HbA1c value of 7-8% was considered an optimal target glycemic control, and ≤ 7% was considered poor control. A mean and SD were used to represent descriptive statistics. An independent sample test was used to compare the mean HBA1c between the fenugreek users and non-users by considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. The majority of type-2 DM in our study group used Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) (76.47%). A small proportion of our study group is using Azadirachta indica (Indian lilac or neem) (7.84%), Momordica charantia (bitter guard) (3.93%), and Aegle marmelos L. (Bengal quince or bael) (2.94%). The HbA1c levels in the majority of the traditional home remedy users were within the recommended target levels. The mean HbA1c levels of fenugreek non-users were significantly higher (p<0.001) than fenugreek users. In conclusion, our study shows that type-2 DM traditional home remedy users have better glycemic control than non-users. Home remedies are potent natural food sources that can be used with anti-diabetic drugs. However, such a use should be done with the knowledge of treating doctors, which may help to achieve better glycemic control and prevent type-2 DM-related complications

The experiences of the landslide survivors from Kodagu District, India: need for community-engaged village/ward level micro disaster management planning

Introduction: Kodagu district in India had catastrophic landslides in 2018, the rarest occurrence known to people until 2018. It has become an annual affair radiated to other districts of the Western Ghats range. Aim: To explore landslide survivors' experiences, conventional knowledge, and responses during the emergency relief response. Methods: In the emergency relief response phase, a qualitative study was conducted using the purposive sampling technique of landslide survivors in the Kodagu District. Ninety-nine participants were interviewed in 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results: In this study, 35 males and 64 females participated. All have endured horrifying experiences, and fear of life and social triggers have played an essential role in self-evacuation. The effective group work among the survivors was perceptible. The issues include improper communication of situational information, disruption of road and cellular connectivity, physical and mental health problems, direct and indirect losses, and other cross-cutting themes. Themes have been recognised as Experiencing the Darkness in Life; Disputed Communication; community-managed Immediate Disaster Response; Health Concerns of the Landslide Survivors; and Cross-Cutting Themes. Conclusion: The study concludes that community-driven community-managed evacuation minimised the causalities. The response from the government in the immediate disaster response phase was satisfactory; fear of life and social trigger played a vital role in the self-evacuation, subsequently reducing the casualties. With community participation, disaster planning at the village/ward level would be the way forward for the well-coordinated emergency relief response.</p

Association of glycaemic control with demographics, diabetes management information and body fat composition in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): a need for multi-disciplinary management

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that can cause complications due to poor glycaemic control. The demographic characteristics, information related to DM and management, anthropometric variables, and the body fat composition of T2DM individuals are important factors influencing glycaemic control. This study was conducted to explore the association between glycaemic control and selected demographic characteristics, information on T2DM management, and body fat composition in T2DM patients. This cross-sectional survey amongst people with T2DM was conducted in the Udupi district of South India. A number of 467 participants were selected for the study using a simple random sampling technique. The survey included three parts: a questionnaire, an anthropometric and body fat composition measurement, and a biochemical assessment. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that not consulting the dietician (OR=6.074); the presence of complications (OR=2.955); visceral fat ≥10 (OR=2.037); non-compliance to exercise (OR=2.007); availing treatment from the private sector (OR=1.85); and non-consumption of traditional remedies (OR=1.651) were the associated factors to poor glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Not consulting dieticians, complications, non-compliance to exercise, not consuming traditional remedies, visceral fat ≥10 and availing treatment at private setup were the significant associated factors for the poor glycemic control. </p