Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras have identified measurable physiological indicators that can help pinpoint students most vulnerable to test anxiety, paving the way for new, targeted interventions that could revolutionise how educational systems approach stress and performance, according to officials. The research has been published in Behavioural Brain Research, an international peer-reviewed journal publishing studies on the neurobiological basis of behaviour and cognitive processes in humans and animals. The study sheds light on how the brain and heart interact differently in students who struggle with anxiety during exams, offering a scientific basis for early identification and personalised coping strategies. Test anxiety affects an estimated 81 per cent of Indian students, according to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT, 2022), often impairing academic performance and long-term mental health. While some students manage to perform under pressure, others fall into avoidance behaviour, unable to cope effectively. According to Venkatesh Balasubramanian, Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras, the research team sought to understand why this happens, focusing on objective, physiological data that moves beyond the self-reported perceptions. "They discovered that when the brain-heart communication network breaks down during stress, certain students are more likely to experience heightened anxiety and avoidance, revealing a clear biological distinction between adaptive and maladaptive test responses," he told PTI. "The study's breakthrough lies in integrating two physiological markers: Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (FAA)¿a brain-based indicator of emotional regulation, and Heart Rate Variability (HRV)¿a measure of the heart's adaptive control. Together, these signals help identify students predisposed to anxiety," he added. Balasubramanian explained that the team found that those with a negative FAA pattern showed significantly weaker heart regulation during stress, meaning that their anxiety predisposition could override the heart's ability to stay balanced in an evaluative setting. "This nuanced understanding transforms how we view academic stress¿not as a purely psychological issue, but as one grounded in measurable physiological interactions," he said. Swathy Parameswaran, research scholar, IIT Madras, informed that these insights open up immense possibilities for practical applications. By training artificial intelligence systems on these psycho-physiological markers, it could soon become possible to develop non-invasive, real-time monitoring tools that alert educators and mental health professionals to students at risk, without waiting for visible signs of distress. "The findings also support the design of personalised stress management and behavioural interventions that could be embedded within school and university wellness programs, offering proactive support rather than reactive treatment," she said. Although preliminary, the study, conducted with 52 participants, marks a critical step toward integrating neuroscience with educational psychology. The team now aims to scale the research by involving larger and more diverse participant groups and exploring additional factors like sleep patterns and activity levels to refine predictive models. Advanced techniques, such as EEG-based connectivity mapping, will also be employed to deepen the understanding of heart-brain dynamics under stress. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
16 November,2025 01:45 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIndia's battle against diabetes is entering a new phase as diagnostic data and clinical experts warn of a marked rise in the disease among younger adults. Once confined to middle age, Type 2 diabetes is now increasingly being detected in people in their twenties and early thirties, a shift doctors describe as both alarming and preventable. Recent Indian studies estimate that approximately 101 million adults in India are living with diabetes, with an additional 136 million exhibiting signs of pre-diabetes. Corresponding with this escalating health challenge, Mahajan Imaging and Labs, one of Delhi NCR's leading integrated diagnostic chains, reports a significant surge in metabolic and glucose screenings among adults under 40 in 2025. Of those tested, nearly 38 per cent of fasting glucose results, 20 per cent of HbA1c readings, and 35 per cent of post-prandial glucose outcomes were abnormal, with a notable proportion of critical cases identified early. The high percentage of abnormal findings among young adults underscores both a growing metabolic risk and the impact of expanded preventive screening. This trend reinforces urgent calls for early intervention and proactive care. According to Padma Bhushan Dr Ambrish Mithal, chair and head - Endocrinology & Diabetes at Max Healthcare and former Honorary President of AIIMS Gorakhpur, said, "India finds itself at a critical juncture in its diabetes response, where the sheer scale of young-adult onset is now meeting the tools to intervene early. It is crucial that everyone, especially those aged 25 and above, undergo at least an annual screening to catch early metabolic changes and act before complications develop. Alongside regular testing, adopting a balanced diet rich in fibre, whole grains, and traditional foods such as millets can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain long-term metabolic health." "For individuals struggling with obesity, lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone, and in select cases, medically supervised weight-management therapies may complement these efforts to reduce diabetes risk. The challenge now is to transition from identifying disease to intercepting it, making metabolic screening, risk profiling, and follow-up a routine part of health checks for young adults, not just middle-aged adults. If this generational shift takes root, the pipeline of complications, organ damage, and lifelong medication dependence can be dramatically altered." Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, founder & chairman, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said, "We are witnessing a clear metabolic shift in India's younger population. People in their twenties and thirties, who appear fit, are showing early signs of insulin resistance. More of them are getting tested early, an encouraging sign that prevention is finally being taken seriously." "Diabetes is not just a blood glucose value; it reflects a broader metabolic imbalance. Left unchecked, it can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, amputations, and fatty liver. Blood glucose, like blood pressure, can serve as an early warning sign. Modern diagnostic tools, including fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, fructosamine, C-peptide, adiponectin, and leptin, as well as MODY genetic tests, autoantibody screening, and continuous glucose monitoring with HbA1c, enable the early detection of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes. Integrating these tests with routine screening enables timely intervention, helping young adults prevent long-term complications." "The real progress in diabetes prevention will come from integrating routine lab diagnostics with emerging molecular tools. Traditional metrics, such as HbA1c or fasting glucose, are essential, but when combined with markers that map inflammation and metabolic stress, we can start identifying risk years before diabetes develops. This convergence of preventive pathology, genomics, and data analytics is transforming how we understand and predict metabolic disease in India's young population," said Dr Shelly Mahajan, lab director & clinical lead, at the lab. Experts say the rise in screening volumes across diagnostic centres aligns with India's growing focus on preventive and genomic testing, both in private healthcare and through national programmes. The government initiative, which integrates community-level screening for diabetes and hypertension, has been expanding across districts to improve early detection and disease tracking. While traditional tests, such as fasting glucose and HbA1c, remain central to diabetes monitoring, experts caution against over-reliance on single markers. The emerging consensus is on a more holistic, data-driven approach that includes body composition tracking, genomic risk mapping, and metabolic profiling, not as a luxury, but as a frontline preventive strategy. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
16 November,2025 01:14 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIGerman researchers have identified a gene that can lead to schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Until now, it was assumed that schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, or depression arise from an interplay of many different factors, including genetic ones. The research, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, identified the GRIN2A gene as a key factor. The study demonstrated that changes in GRIN2A can lead to schizophrenia. "Our current findings indicate that GRIN2A is the first known gene that, on its own, can cause a mental illness. This distinguishes it from the polygenic causes of such disorders that have been assumed to date," said lead author Professor Johannes Lemke, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Leipzig Medical Centre. In the study, the team analysed data from 121 individuals with a genetic alteration in the GRIN2A gene. "We were able to show that certain variants of this gene are associated not only with schizophrenia but also with other mental illnesses,” Lemke said. Notably, with a GRIN2A alteration, these disorders already appear in childhood or adolescence -- in contrast to the more typical manifestation in adulthood, Lemke added. In the study, some affected individuals showed exclusively psychiatric symptoms. GRIN2A alterations are otherwise typically associated with conditions like epilepsy or intellectual disability. The GRIN2A gene plays a central role in regulating the electrical excitability of nerve cells. In the present study, certain variants reduced the activity of the NMDA receptor, a key molecule in brain signaling. In an initial treatment series, patients showed marked improvements in their psychiatric symptoms following therapy with L-serine -- a dietary supplement that activates the NMDA receptor. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, almost one in seven people worldwide was living with a mental illness, with anxiety disorders and depression the most common. Mental disorders typically have complex causes with a major genetic component. The new study may pave the way for early diagnosis and treatment. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 November,2025 05:00 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMental health is increasingly taking centre stage — from boardrooms to classrooms. While conversations around seeking therapy have become far more open, there is still limited discussion about what unfolds during or after the process. Healing does not follow a fixed timeline, and understanding what progress looks like beyond the first few sessions remains an important yet often overlooked part of the journey. Recently, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s daughter, Ira Khan, revealed that she had “graduated” from therapy, prompting a wider debate on whether one can truly reach such a conclusion. As one of the few public figures who openly discuss mental health, her statement has spotlighted the evolving understanding of emotional well-being and recovery. To explore this further, mid-day spoke with Dr Dhara Ghuntla — psychologist and independent practitioner affiliated with Sujay Hospital, Seven Hills Hospital and Criticare Hospital — and Dr Rita Mendonca, Founder and Head Psychologist at My Mind Gains, a government-registered mental health clinic and training hub in Mumbai. They shared insights on what “graduating” from therapy really means and the signs many people tend to overlook in their mental health journey. Is it actually possible to complete therapy? Dr Ghuntla: “Therapy does not follow a linear trajectory with a fixed endpoint. What individuals can ‘complete’ are specific therapeutic goals — such as resolving a distressing event, learning coping mechanisms, or enhancing self-regulation. Psychological growth, however, is ongoing. Many clients return to therapy at different life stages to address emerging needs or developmental challenges.” Dr Mendonca: “Therapy isn’t something you finish; it’s something you outgrow. I often tell my clients about the three D’s of emotional work — Disorder, Dysfunction and Development. Disorder is about managing symptoms like anxiety or depression until life feels liveable again. Dysfunction deals with situational pain — heartbreak, grief, burnout — and rebuilding coping skills. Development is about growth: improving communication, overcoming blocks and reaching your potential. So yes, maybe Ira graduated — not from therapy, but from an old version of herself. Therapy doesn’t end; it evolves.” Why do people take up therapy? Has that changed over time? Dr Ghuntla: “Historically, therapy was primarily sought during periods of acute distress or dysfunction — for anxiety, depression or trauma. In recent years, its scope has expanded to preventive and developmental goals: building emotional intelligence, improving communication, setting boundaries or enhancing self-concept. Therapy has evolved from a crisis-intervention model to a tool for psychological maintenance and personal growth.” Dr Mendonca: “A decade ago, people came to therapy to fix something; today, they come to understand themselves. Therapy has shifted from crisis management to growth — from ‘fix me’ to ‘help me make sense of me.’ It’s now seen as mental fitness. My goal is to help each person become their most authentic self — not the most healed or positive, but the most real.” How long does therapy take? Does it differ from person to person? Dr Ghuntla: “Therapeutic duration varies widely. Short-term models may focus on specific issues across 8–12 sessions, while psychodynamic or trauma-focused therapies can extend over months or years. Factors such as client motivation, symptom chronicity and the complexity of underlying patterns influence the length and depth of the process.” Dr Mendonca: “There’s no fixed timeline for therapy — it ends when your insights start sounding like your own voice. For some, that’s six sessions; for others, six months. Short-term therapies like CBT show results quickly, while deeper identity or trauma work takes longer. Therapy isn’t a sprint; it’s strength training — you stay until you can hold your own weight.” Are more Gen Z individuals opting for therapy now? Dr Ghuntla: “Yes. Gen Z demonstrates higher psychological literacy than previous generations. They approach therapy not merely as a corrective measure but as a pathway to self-understanding, resilience-building and stress management in an uncertain world.” Dr Mendonca: “Gen Z is the most self-aware generation yet — they name their emotions, understand attachment styles and openly say, ‘I need help.’ For them, therapy isn’t about meltdown but maintenance. It’s not ‘I’m broken,’ it's ‘I’m learning emotional fluency.’” What about millennials? Are they seeking therapy more than before? Dr Ghuntla: “Increasingly so. Millennials, now in their 30s and 40s, are seeking therapy to address burnout, relationship strain and unresolved emotional issues from earlier life stages. Many are shifting from a survival mindset to one that prioritises mental health and long-term sustainability.” Dr Mendonca: “Millennials are entering therapy for recovery, not discovery. After years of hustle, they’re confronting the emotional toll — anxiety, loneliness, disconnection. Many start by saying, ‘I don’t know who I am outside of work.’ Therapy helps them slow down, set boundaries and redefine success as peace over productivity.” What are the most common misconceptions about therapy? Dr Ghuntla: “A common misconception is that therapy is only for severe mental illness or that therapists ‘give advice.’ Therapy is actually a structured, evidence-based process aimed at building insight, emotional regulation and adaptive functioning. It empowers clients to develop internal resources rather than depend on external instruction.” Dr Mendonca: “Therapy isn’t just for those struggling — it’s for anyone who wants to grow smarter, softer and stronger. Therapists don’t give advice; they hold up mirrors. Crying isn’t weakness; it’s release. And if therapy didn’t work once, it doesn’t mean it never will — the right fit matters. Therapy isn’t about changing who you are, but remembering who you were before the world told you otherwise.” Has celebrity openness helped increase awareness? Dr Ghuntla: “Absolutely. Public figures discussing their therapeutic journeys helps reduce stigma and promotes help-seeking behaviour. It reframes therapy as an indicator of psychological maturity rather than vulnerability.” Dr Mendonca: “When public figures share their mental health stories, they give language to feelings many people suppress. But awareness must go beyond hashtags — therapy isn’t casual self-care; it’s structured emotional work. Still, voices like Ira Khan and Deepika Padukone’s help normalise conversations about pain. Change begins not with perfection, but with honesty.” What symptoms do people often ignore that indicate they may need therapy? Dr Ghuntla: “Persistent mood disturbances, heightened anxiety, irritability, sleep disruptions, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating or loss of interest in meaningful activities. If these persist or impair functioning, therapy is recommended.” Dr Mendonca: “You’re always tired but never rested. You replay arguments. You feel invisible. You can’t remember the last time you felt joy instead of relief. These aren’t flaws — they’re signals asking to be heard.” Therapy isn’t something that ends — it’s an ongoing conversation with yourself. It may begin in distress, but over time it builds resilience, emotional literacy and a deeper sense of self that extends far beyond the therapy room.
15 November,2025 03:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Kaveri AminA study by the Indian Council of Medical Research seeking to explain how a pregnancy is initiated has led to the discovery of a "genetic switch" that allows an embryo to implant itself on the wall of the womb, leading to conception. For a pregnancy to begin, the embryo must first attach and embed itself in the wall of the mother's womb. But how this happens has remained a mystery. The findings, published in the international journal Cell Death Discovery, revealed a fundamental biological switch that controls embryo implantation. The study was a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH), Mumbai; Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and brought together experts in molecular biology, genomics and mathematical modelling. It showed that two genes -- HOXA10 and TWIST2 -- work to open or close a small "gate" on the wall of the womb at the right time, said Dr Deepak Modi, ICMR-NIRRCH scientist and corresponding author of the study. The inner lining of the uterus is like the wall of a fort -- strong, protective, and normally closed to prevent anything from entering. For the implantation to succeed, this wall must briefly open a small gate at the exact spot where the embryo arrives, explained Nancy Ashary, the lead author of the study. The study discovered that the gene HOXA10 keeps the wall closed and guarded. "But when an embryo comes in contact with the lining, HOXA10 temporarily switches off at that location. This short 'switch-off' allows another gene, TWIST2, to act. The activation of TWIST2 opens the gate by making the uterine cells soft and flexible, allowing them to move slightly and let the embryo in," said Dr Mohit Jolly of IISc, Bengaluru. This process was studied in mice, hamsters, monkeys and human cells, and found that this HOXA10-?TWIST2 switch occurs across species. This suggests that it is an ancient and essential biological mechanism that nature has conserved during evolution and is essential for reproduction in mammals, Dr Shruti Hansda of BHU underlined. "Understanding this biological switch will explain why some women face repeated implantation failures or very early pregnancy loss, even with healthy embryos," said Dr Geetanjali Sachdeva, Director of ICMR-NIRRCH. If the uterine wall opens too little, the embryo cannot implant; if it opens too much, the pregnancy cannot be sustained. Controlling the balance between HOXA10 and TWIST2 could guide new strategies to improve IVF (in vitro fertilisation) success rates in future, Dr Sachdeva said This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 November,2025 03:14 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIExercise appears to spark a whole-body anti-ageing cascade, and scientists have now mapped out how it happens--and how a simple oral compound can mimic it. By following volunteers through rest, intense workouts, and endurance training, researchers found that the kidneys act as the hidden command center, flooding the body with a metabolite called betaine that restores balance, rejuvenates immune cells, and cools inflammation. Even more striking, giving betaine on its own reproduced many benefits of long-term training, from sharper cognition to calmer inflammation. A new study in the journal Cell from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University explains how exercise helps the body stay youthful. The researchers also highlight betaine -- a metabolite produced in the kidney -- as an oral compound that can imitate many of the rejuvenating effects normally linked to physical activity. Betaine is a small molecule found in foods like beets and spinach, but the body also makes it on its own. In this study, it emerged as an important signal that helps coordinate the anti-aging benefits of long-term exercise. How the Body Responds to Exercise The research team followed 13 healthy men over six years to observe how the body reacts to both short-term and long-term exercise. Using multiomics tools that track genes, proteins, metabolites, and gut bacteria, the scientists compared the body at rest, after a single 5 km run, and after a 25-day running program. Their results showed that the kidney plays a central role in managing the body's response to exercise. During sustained training, the kidney produced large increases in betaine, which helped send protective, anti-aging signals throughout the body. Solving the Exercise Paradox The study also helps explain the "exercise paradox," where a single intense workout causes stress but long-term training improves overall health. A short run triggered temporary inflammation and "metabolic chaos," while regular training restored balance and strengthened the immune system. Consistent exercise improved gut bacteria, boosted antioxidant defences, and reversed age-related changes in T cells by stabilising DNA and adjusting epigenetic marks, such as reducing ETS1 expression. The kidney also increased its production of betaine through the activity of the enzyme CHDH. Remarkably, giving betaine alone created many of the same benefits as training, including better metabolism, improved cognitive function, reduced depressive-like behaviour in older mice, and lower inflammation across the body. How Betaine Reduces Inflammation The researchers found that betaine binds to and blocks TBK1, a kinase that drives inflammation. By suppressing TBK1 and its downstream IRF3/NF-kB pathways, betaine helps silence chronic inflammation, also known as "inflammaging." This mechanism ties together the exercise paradox: short-term activity triggers survival pathways (IL-6/corticosterone), while long-term training activates the kidney-betaine-TBK1 system that promotes youthfulness. Because betaine is considered safe and effective, it may be useful for people who cannot exercise regularly. "This redefines 'exercise as medicine," says co-corresponding author Dr. Liu Guang-Hui. "This study gives us a fresh way to turn how our body works into something we can target with chemicals. It opens the door to geroprotective treatments that can tweak how multiple organs work together," added Dr Liu. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 November,2025 10:40 AM IST | Washington DC | ANIWorld Health Organization statistics reveal that an estimated 422 million people have diabetes globally, with the majority living in low-and middle-income countries. With India designated as the world's “diabetes capital”, the nation is confronting a massive public health crisis. However, among the biggest challenges is not just the sheer number of cases, but a core cultural issue: the stubborn myth of the 'healthy' festive sweet that undermines effective dietary control. This World Diabetes Day, nutrition experts debunk myths and actively challenge the widely held perception of popular traditional delicacies. Crucially, they also share practical strategies to navigate portion control, helping you ensure that indulgence remains manageable rather than harmful. Debunking the ‘healthy’ myth The glycaemic factorBhakti Samant, chief dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, highlights the primary nutritional risk: the glycaemic factor, "Indian sweets like jalebi and rasgulla are very high in simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, which are often paired with fats from ghee or oil. Jalebi is deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup; hence, it has a double glycaemic effect, absorbing glucose from the syrup and refined flour (maida) very quickly. Rasgulla, though not fried, still has a noticeable glycaemic spike because it is still saturated with sugar syrup. The simple sugar content, not the fat, is the main cause of a sudden spike in blood sugar. The glucose in the syrup is essentially 'pre-digested sugar,' and it enters the bloodstream quickly," she explains. Perceived lightness of treats Comparing popular choices, Samant debunks the idea that some are truly ‘lighter’, saying, "Rasgulla's lack of frying makes it appear 'lighter.' Both sweets, nutritionally, are high in sugar syrup. Rasgulla's glycaemic load is high because of its sugar concentration, even though frying adds calories and some trans fats. So, the 'lighter' tag is misleading - you’re essentially consuming sugar water with a bit of protein from chhena." Jaggery versus refined sugarShe tackles the common belief that traditional sweeteners are safer, by further explaining, "Jaggery is better than refined sugar is one of the greatest myths. In terms of calories, both are nearly the same—approximately 4 kcal per gram. Jaggery and honey can have small amounts of trace minerals or antioxidants, yet their glycaemic index (GI) remains elevated (jaggery 84, sugar 68). For someone with diabetes, the pancreas is unable to distinguish between them. Thus, substituting sugar with jaggery or honey doesn’t render a dessert 'safe' option." The dry fruit deceptionEven seemingly healthy options come with a caution. Kaju katli, or dry fruit laddoos, are frequently promoted as 'healthy treats,' but the truth varies based on their binding ingredients. “Numerous commercial varieties utilise glucose syrup, condensed milk, or extra sugar. When mixed with extra sugar and ghee, these treats can rapidly exceed the calorie and carbohydrate thresholds for those with diabetes. Patients need to examine labels or preparation methods - if sugar or syrup is listed among the first ingredients, it’s not a 'diabetic-friendly' sweet," Samant warns. Dairy does not mean healthy“The dairy content in sweet dishes such as sandesh, and mishti doi, adds fat and protein, which may somewhat impede the absorption of glucose. However, the overall glycaemic effect remains high when large amounts of sugar are added, and soaked in sugar syrup. The enormous sugar load overshadows the ‘buffering effect’ of fat and protein,” Samant shares. A smaller, less sugary homemade substitute would be a better choice. Coconut-infused treats“Coconut offers natural fats and a bit of fibre, which can delay sugar absorption. However, classic coconut barfi or laddoo is typically prepared with sugar syrup or condensed milk, combining both sugars and saturated fats. For those with diabetes, a small serving of 2 to 3 bites (approximately 20 to 25 grams) is a reasonable maximum,” she explains. When prepared with desiccated coconut and a little sweetener, it can serve as an infrequent indulgence rather than a staple in the diet. Ultimately, Samant warns, "Many so-called healthy sweets are simply less unhealthy. Whether it’s baked, made with jaggery, or studded with nuts, the sugar concentration ultimately determines the glycaemic impact. Moderation, portion control, and awareness of hidden sugars are key—not just swapping ingredients." The fibre and pairing solutionEshanka Wahi, a culinary nutritionist, holistic wellness coach and founder of Eat Clean with Eshanka, focuses on using fibre to mitigate the glycaemic impact. Wahi believes in the power of adding fibre and volume to meals to slow down glucose absorption. She explains, "Using whole grains (broken wheat, oats), besan, or millets (ragi, jowar, bajra) provides volume and slows down the absorption of glucose. For instance, compared to a typical wheat flour laddoo, almonds flour laddoo, and a tiny bit of jaggery may have a lower glycaemic load. Similar to this, the increased fibre and protein content of ragi halwa or besan barfi can provide a more consistent energy release. A moong dal halwa cooked with split yellow lentils is another excellent example. It offers a combination of fibre, protein, and slow-digesting carbohydrates when made with little ghee and natural sweeteners." How to pair sweets to stabilise blood sugarFor patients who choose to indulge, Wahi provides crucial advice on protein and fat pairing to blunt the blood sugar response, "By slowing down digestion and glucose absorption, combining foods high in protein and healthy fats with high-carbohydrate sweets will help reduce blood sugar increases,” says Wahi. She shares some effective pairings:1. Eating a boiled egg or a handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios) before consuming sweets.2. Eating paneer cubes or a small cup of Greek yoghurt either before or after the dessert.3. Eating foods high in fibre, such as methi (fenugreek) sprouts or vegetable salads, at the same meal can help lessen the absorption of glucose.4. Sweets should never be consumed on an empty stomach. Instead of eating them as a stand-alone snack, always eat them after a well-balanced meal, when blood sugar levels are steadier. The role of sweeteners Diabetic-friendly sweets are increasingly using artificial and non-nutritive sweeteners, such as erythritol, sucralose, stevia, and monk fruit extract. Wahi weighs in on the modern alternatives, noting their limitations, "These sweeteners have limitations even though they don't instantly elevate blood sugar. When used in moderation, stevia and monk fruit are regarded as safe and natural alternatives. Most people can tolerate erythritol, a sugar alcohol that gives recipes body without adding a lot of calories. However, overuse of artificial sweeteners may change taste perception and impact gut microbiota, eventually making people seek more sweetness." Practical tips for portion control during social gatheringsPortion management becomes the most difficult task during festive events or family get-togethers. Wahi lists three helpful strategies to help you navigate portion control during social gatherings:1. The sweet should not be larger than your palm. This is known as the palm-size rule.2. The quarter plate rule states that if you're at a festive meal, make sure your plate consists of half veggies, one quarter protein, and only one quarter carbohydrates and dessert.3. Have one sweet on each occasion. Rather than trying every variation on the table, pick one that you genuinely adore.
14 November,2025 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalAn analysis of how the human skin responds to images, sounds, and touch has suggested that the nervous system may respond most strongly to haptic (touch-related) sensations. However, the study's participants perceived the responses of the nervous system to be the strongest for sounds and music -- this indicates that how the brain perceives stimulation or arousal and how the body involuntarily responds to a stimulus may not always align perfectly, researchers said. In essence, the study bridges a subtle gap between physiology and perception, the team led by researchers at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering said. By grounding emotion in the body's own electrical rhythms, the study invites a more continuous, data-driven view of how humans experience the world, they added. Findings published in the journal PLOS Mental Health may eventually inform both mental health care and the design of emotionally intelligent technologies, the team said. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the body's involuntary response to external stimuli -- such as a quickening of the heart rate or sweating of palms -- and is known to result in subtle electrical signals in the skin. The researchers explored how the physiological signals from the nervous system can help reveal cognitive arousal -- levels of mental alertness and emotional activation -- without requiring one to report these changes. The study looked at skin conductance, considered an indicator of activity of the autonomic nervous system. When sweat glands are stimulated, even minutely, the skin's ability to conduct electricity changes, the researchers explained. They analysed a previously published dataset containing values of skin conductance continuously recorded as participants were exposed to images, sounds and touch stimuli. The participants also provided a self-assessment of arousal. Using models, the researchers separated slow and fast components of the skin's electrical response and inferred when the autonomic nervous system was most active. Algorithms and mathematical tools were then used to estimate how cognitive arousal changed with time. The analysis revealed that the nervous system responded most strongly within two seconds of a new stimulus, with haptic (touch-related) sensations triggering the largest immediate activations. However, when the researchers compared the physiological signals to the participants' self-assessments, audio -- particularly sounds and music -- were most often linked to high arousal states. "These insights on cognitive arousal increase our understanding of psychophysiology and may help diagnose, track, and treat symptoms of mental health disorders in the future by providing clinicians with a framework to estimate and modulate arousal levels in an interactive sensory stimulation environment," the authors wrote. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 November,2025 06:47 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIWhile most Indians are busy celebrating Children’s Day today, it's important to also focus on the health of every child, which can worsen during cold weather, apart from other times of the year. Dr Cyres K. Mehta, surgical chief at Dr Cyres K. Mehta’s International Eye Centre, explains, “Children’s eyes are more sensitive to environmental changes. During the winter, humidity drops and cold winds cause dryness and irritation. Indoor heating and air pollution further reduce moisture in the air, leading to dry eyes, redness, and itching. Additionally, children tend to rub their eyes more frequently, which can introduce bacteria or viruses, increasing infection risk.” mid-day spoke to Dr Mehta and Dr Nitin Kolte, medical director and chief surgical ophthalmologist at Poona Eye Care, to understand more about how winter affects a child’s eyes. They not only bust common myths but also highlight how parents can deal with it. How do environmental factors like smoke, smog, and dust specifically affect children’s eyes?Dr Kolte: Environmental factors like smoke, smog, and dust can have a stronger and more harmful impact on children’s eyes than on adults’ because kids’ eyes and immune defenses are still developing. Exposure to these can lead to symptoms like redness, itchiness, tearing, burning/gritty sensation. Sometimes the dust particles can cause physical damage to the surface of cornea leading to abrasions and infections. Any symptoms parents should watch out for such as redness, watering, itching, or blurred vision?Dr Kolte: Most common symptoms to watch out for include redness, increased tearing, irritation, eye rubbing, visual discomfort, blurring of vision, discharge or crusting on lid margins, sensitivity to light. What are some of the most common eye irritations or infections seen in children during winter?Dr Mehta: Here are some to look to look for:1. Allergic conjunctivitis: Triggered by dust, smog, and indoor allergens.2. Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye): Highly contagious and often spreads in schools.3. Dry-eye irritation: Due to low humidity and indoor heating.4. Blepharitis: Inflammation along the eyelid margin from poor eyelid hygiene or bacterial buildup.5. Stye or chalazion: Small bumps caused by blocked oil glands. How can parents differentiate between mild irritation and signs of a serious condition that needs medical attention?Dr Mehta: Mild irritation usually presents as slight redness, itching, or watering that improves within 24–48 hours. Serious symptoms include:1. Persistent redness or swelling beyond two days.2. Pus-like discharge or sticky eyelids.3. Severe pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.4. Sudden eyelid swelling or fever. If any of these appear, parents should consult an ophthalmologist immediately. When should parents consult an eye specialist during the winter season?Dr Kolte: While routine eye checkup in kids is a must, but winter brings special challenges for children’s eyes due to cold air, increased exposure to smoke, dust, and screens. As stated above any symptoms like redness, pain, watering, crusting/discharge, gritty feeling calls for an eye examination. What are the long-term risks if recurring irritations from pollution are ignored?Dr Kolte: Chronic exposure with recurrent irritation and without proper care can lead to long-lasting problems especially in children, whose eyes are still developing. These can lead to conditions like chronic dry eye syndrome, Repeated Conjunctival Inflammation, corneal surface damage, visual problems etc. Chronic ocular discomfort can also affect concentration, reading, and screen tolerance affecting the child's academic performance. Does diet or hydration play a role in maintaining eye health during winter?Dr Kolte: Yes, diet and hydration play an important role in maintaining healthy eyes, especially for children. During winters, cold air, indoor heating, and dry winds all reduce moisture in the air, which can make eyes dry, irritated, and more sensitive. Nutrition and hydration help strengthen the eye’s natural defenses and hence makes the ocular surface less compromised to environmental irritants. What simple preventive steps can parents take to protect their child’s eyes from pollution and smog?Dr Mehta: Here are some steps to protect the eyes:1. Encourage eye-washing with clean water after outdoor play.2. Keep windows closed during peak pollution hours (early morning and evening).3. Use indoor air purifiers or houseplants to improve air quality.4. Ensure proper hydration, as dehydration worsens dryness.5. Discourage eye rubbing, which can spread infection. With increased air pollution levels, should children limit outdoor playtime?Dr Mehta: Yes, during high AQI days (above 200) or visible smog, outdoor activity should be limited, especially for younger children. However, moderate play in cleaner air hours (late morning or early afternoon) is still beneficial. Always balance eye and respiratory health with the need for sunlight and exercise. Are protective glasses or eyewear recommended for children in high-smog environments?Dr Mehta: Absolutely. Wraparound glasses or sunglasses can act as physical barriers against dust, smoke, and pollutants. For children who wear prescription glasses, anti-reflective lenses with UV and dust protection coatings are useful. Artificial tears can also help if dryness persists. Are there any common myths about children’s eye care in winter that you would like to dispel?Dr Mehta: Here are some of the myths: Myth: Cold weather can’t harm eyesTruth: Cold air and low humidity can significantly worsen dryness and irritation. Myth: Eye drops are only for adultsTruth: Preservative-free lubricating drops are safe for children when recommended by a doctor. Myth: Staying indoors always protects the eyesTruth: Indoor heating, screens, and dust can irritate eyes too—balanced ventilation is key.
14 November,2025 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoMore than 77 million Indians above the age of 18 are currently living with type 2 diabetes, while another 25 million are prediabetic, according to the World Health Organization. Alarmingly, nearly half of all diabetics in India are unaware of their condition—making diabetes one of the country’s most pervasive yet underdiagnosed health threats. On World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, mid-day spoke to Dr Pranav Ghody, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, and Dr Vijay Negalur, HoD – Diabetology at KIMS Hospitals, Thane. They explain why diabetes is known as a “silent killer” and what India must do to prevent and manage it more effectively. What is the difference between Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes? Dr Ghody:“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys insulin-producing cells. It usually starts young, but adults can develop it too. Type 2 diabetes is mostly lifestyle-driven — the body makes insulin but doesn’t use it effectively. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery, but it significantly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later for both mother and child.” Dr Negalur:“Think of it this way: Type 1: the body stops making insulin, mostly in childhood. Type 2: the body resists insulin — the most common form today. Gestational: develops due to hormonal shifts in pregnancy and needs careful monitoring because of future risks.” Why is India called the ‘diabetes capital of the world’? Dr Ghody:“India earns that title because over 100 million people live with diabetes. Genetics, urban diets, chronic stress, lack of exercise, and poor sleep are major contributors. We need widespread awareness, early screening, and timely intervention.” Dr Negalur:“It’s a perfect storm — genetic susceptibility, rapid urbanisation, dietary changes, and low physical activity. Indians develop diabetes at younger ages and even at lower body weight. We must move from reactive care to preventive care.” How do urban vs rural lifestyles affect diabetes risk? Dr Ghody:“Sedentary work, processed food, and constant stress put urban populations at higher risk. But diabetes is no longer an ‘urban’ disease — rural India is catching up as traditional diets and physical activity decline.” Dr Negalur:“Urban life means long work hours, processed meals, and minimal movement. With mechanisation and packaged foods entering villages, rural India is now facing the same risks.” Are younger Indians increasingly being diagnosed with diabetes? Dr Ghody:“Yes — Type 2 diabetes is now showing up in people in their early 20s. Sedentary habits, junk food, screen addiction, and disrupted sleep are the main triggers.” Dr Negalur:“Absolutely. Obesity, poor diets, and lack of activity mean children and young adults are developing diabetes a decade earlier than before.” How effective are alternative or herbal remedies promoted online? Dr Ghody:“Most lack solid scientific evidence. Natural foods can support health, but replacing prescribed medicines with unverified remedies can be dangerous. Always consult a qualified specialist.” Dr Negalur:“Some herbs may help, but none replace evidence-based medical care. The real danger is when people stop their prescribed treatment. Integrative care — diet, exercise, and medication together — works best.” Has the nature of diabetes changed over time? Dr Ghody:“Yes. We’re seeing earlier onset, more obesity-linked cases, and faster progression to complications. Diabetes today behaves more aggressively than it did two decades ago.” Dr Negalur:“We’re seeing more cases of ‘double diabetes’ — where Type 2 patients develop autoimmune tendencies. Heart, kidney, and nerve complications are also appearing much earlier.” What improvements are needed in India’s healthcare system to tackle diabetes? Dr Ghody:“We need robust screening programs at the primary care level, stronger patient education, and better access to diabetes care beyond metros. Prevention must be part of national health campaigns.” Dr Negalur:“Organised diabetes education at the community level, screening at schools and workplaces, and access to affordable insulin and diagnostics are critical. Diabetes needs to be treated as a national priority.”
14 November,2025 01:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Kaveri AminExtensive dumping of poor‑quality PVC resin with high levels of carcinogen compounds by China poses a significant public‑health risk in India, and timely enforcement of the proposed Quality Control Order (QCO) is necessary, a report said on Thursday, November 13. The report by Centre for Domestic Economy Policy Research (C-DEP.in) launched here said that PVC currently contributes to nearly 30 per cent of use cases in India’s economy, with widespread use across water, sanitation, irrigation, healthcare, construction, and infrastructure. PVCs from China contain Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer, a Category 1A carcinogen, at concentrations up to five times higher than globally accepted safety limits, the report noted. The United States, the European Union, and Thailand regulate Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer (RVCM) levels in PVC resin within a stringent range of 0.5 ppm to 3 ppm, ensuring safety in water and food-contact applications. India, however, does not yet have a binding national limit on RVCM, which has allowed imports of PVC resin from China with concentrations reported between 5 ppm and 10 ppm. This difference in quality benchmarking should be removed by the timely implementation of the PVC QCO to ensure Indian standards are at par with global safety benchmarks, the report argued. The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals had notified a Quality Control Order (QCO) on PVC resin in August 2024, but deferred enforcement three times, with enforcement now scheduled for December 2025. “The government has been championing the Zero Defect, Zero Effect by adopting the Quality Control Order (QCO). Such a policy step by the government is strengthening consumer safety and industrial standards while promoting exports from India that are dependable and of high quality,” said Dr Jaijit Bhattacharya, President of C-DEP.in. At the launch event, Anil Sharma from the Swadeshi Jagran Manch said that QCOs must encompass the entire value chain, ensuring quality and accountability at every stage of production. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 November,2025 10:08 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
