Category health

Dehradun, 7th June, 2025: Fortis Escorts Okhla Road, New Delhihas launched its specialized Aorta Centre & Multi Specialty OPD Centre at Safe Gate Medical Center, Dehradun. This initiative marks a significant milestone in bringing Delhi’s leading super-specialty healthcare expertise closer to the residents of Uttarakhand. This launch was graced by esteemed Guests of Honour from the Government of Uttarakhand – Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Sh. Ganesh Joshi, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Sh. Khajan Das, Hon’ble MLA, Rajpur, Dehradun alongwith Dr Vikram Aggarwal, Facility Director – Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi and Dr Sukhwinder Singh, Director, Safe Gate Hospital alongwith leading clinicians – Dr.Shiv Choudhary, Executive Director – Adult Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) and Director – Aorta Centre, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi, Dr. Archit Pandit, Director – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi and Dr Neeraj Awasthy, Director- Pediatric Cardiology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi who will now offer regular OPD consultations in Dehradun.

Dr. Archit Pandit, Director – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi will do his OPD on first Saturday of every month, Dr Neeraj Awasthy, Director- Pediatric Cardiology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi will do his OPD on second Saturday of every month, Dr. Shiv Choudhary, Executive Director – Adult Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) and Director – Aorta Centre, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi will do his OPD on third Saturday of every month and Dr Huma, Consultant Medical Oncology will do her OPD on fourth Saturday of every month.

With this expansion, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi aims to provide advanced surgical consultation and pre/post-operative care in cardiac and cancer domains without the need for patients to travel far for initial Clinical assessments.

Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals adds, “The good news is, most meningiomas, once completely removed, do not come back. The key is not to delay. If you’re experiencing persistent neurological symptoms, don’t brush them off — get evaluated. At Apex Group of Hospitals , our focus is not just on removing the tumour, but also on preserving function and quality of life. Using cutting-edge tools and surgical precision, we ensure safe outcomes and faster recovery for our patients.With advances in neurosurgery and imaging, most patients recover fully and lead normal lives post-treatment. However, early detection remains the most powerful tool in managing these common yet potentially serious brain tumours.” 

By Dr. Srigopal Mohanty, Senior consultant in Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Center, Cuttack

Tobacco and alcohol are frequently discussed when talk about head and neck cancer.  However, another participant is emerging—quieter, less well-known, but increasingly dangerous: the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV.

HPV has long been connected with cervical cancer in women, but is now recognized as a substantial cause of head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal malignancies that affect the tonsils and back of the throat.  What’s more worrying is that this trend is becoming increasingly prevalent among Indian men.

What is HPV, and how does it affect the head and neck?

HPV is a genus of viruses that spreads via skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.  While many strains are innocuous and resolve themselves normally, some high-risk strains (particularly HPV 16 and 18) might cause aberrant cell alterations.  These alterations can eventually lead to cancer.

HPV infection of the mucosal surfaces of the throat and mouth is common in the head and neck region.  Unlike tobacco-related cancers, which develop after years of exposure, HPV-related cancer can harm people who have never smoked or drunk. Many individuals diagnosed with this type of cancer are otherwise healthy, without tobacco or alcohol intake history. Additionally, tobacco and alcohol consumption is prevalent among Indian men, which interact with existing HPV infection and further increases the head and neck cancer risk.

Why Indian Men Should Pay Attention

The rising prevalence of HPV-related head and neck cancer among Indian men is worrying, especially given the low level of public awareness. Discussions about HPV often focus on women’s health and cervical cancer, but men are also vulnerable—both as carriers and, increasingly, as patients.

Social changes, growing urbanisation, life style alteration including multiple sexual partners and oral sex contribute to increased HPV exposure.  However, the idea that men should be vaccinated against HPV or checked for related concerns remains unprecedented, in India.  This gap in awareness needs to be addressed immediately.

Recognize the symptoms

HPV-related head and neck cancer do not typically present with evident warning signals.  Early signs may be subtle and readily overlooked.  People do not consider seeing a doctor because the damaged areas (such as the base of the tongue or the tonsils) are not apparent during routine self-checks.

As the condition progresses, symptoms may worsen, persistent sensation that something is lodged in the throat, hoarseness, swelling in the neck, ear pain, unexplained weight loss.  If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is time to contact a doctor.

Diagnoses and Treatments

Early detection is critical to effective treatment.  If symptoms are present, an ENT specialist or oncologist will most likely order a physical examination, imaging, and potentially a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis.

HPV-related cancers are seen to respond better to therapy than those caused by tobacco.  Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these may be used to treat the condition.  In some circumstances, newly targeted treatments or immunotherapy can be considered.  Early detection generally assures favourable outcomes.

Post-treatment care is vital.  Because these malignancies impair key activities, including speech and swallowing, patients may require speech therapy, nutritional counselling, and psychiatric treatment, to improve their quality of life, and their self-esteem.

Prevention begins with awareness.

Although the vaccination is well-known for its ability to prevent cervical cancer, it is also effective in protecting men against HPV-related head and neck cancers.

Encouraging vaccination before exposure, ideally during child hood and adolescence, can dramatically lower the risk of HPV infections and HPV related cancers in adulthood. 

In addition to vaccination, maintaining good oral hygiene, engaging in safe sex, avoiding multiple sexual partners, and avoiding recognized cancer risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol, can help to lower the likelihood of acquiring HPV-related cancer.

Many Indian men, without the usual red flags of tobacco or alcohol use, are being diagnosed with head and neck cancers driven by HPV. This silent, but rising threat demands more than awareness—it calls for proactive action. 

Prevention through HPV vaccination is both safe and effective. It’s time to shed our inhibitions about HPV infection and advocate vaccination for men, boys and girls alike. Now it is time to prevent HPV related cancers before it becomes a threat to us. 

New Delhi, 4^th June 2025 – Marking a transformative milestone in cardiac care, Manipal Hospitals, the largest healthcare network in Eastern India, performed –Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR) on a 72-year-old diabetic and hypertensive patient, Mr. Rabindra Kumar Sarkar. Under the supervision of Dr. Kaushik Mukherjee, Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) and Dr. Shubhabrata Banerjee, Consultant Vascular Surgeon. It was discovered through a CT total aortography that a rare bulge in the major blood vessel (aorta) inside the chest was dangerously close to key arteries that supply blood to the brain and arms, making the condition potentially life-threatening and the treatment highly complex. This bulge, called an aneurysm, was pressing against a nerve that controls the voice box, causing his persistent hoarseness. This unusual condition, known as Ortner’s Syndrome or Cardio-vocal syndrome, only affects 1% to 3% of cases in India making it one of rarest case.

Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR) is a procedure used to treat abnormal bulging of a blood vessel, usually in the aorta. Mr. Sarkar’s case was difficult as the aneurysm was found in a very tricky spot, just after the left subclavian artery (the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the upper limbs (arms), as well as parts of the neck and head) in the descending thoracic aorta, which is a sensitive area, close to major arteries that supply blood to the brain and arms. Despite the high-risk location, the clinicians successfully deployed the stent graft without an open-heart surgery or additional bypass, a testament to the surgical planning and advanced capabilities of the team of clinicians at Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria. The aneurysm was sealed, and critical vessels remained untouched. Most importantly, the patient went through the surgery on 26^th May 2025, and was discharged within 2 days.

Elaborating on this rare case, Dr. Kaushik Mukherjee, Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, stated, “Mr. Sarkar came to us with hoarseness of voice, an unusual symptom for an aortic aneurysm, a rarest of rare cases. In fact, given his age and underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension, he was not a good candidate for open surgical repair of Aneurysm through thoracotomy. That is why we opted for a minimally invasive TEVAR procedure. It was technically demanding due to the aneurysm’s critical location, but we were able to successfully seal it without affecting vital blood flow, all while avoiding the risks of open surgery. His smooth recovery is a testament to the planning of our team. His voice has already started improving, and he is now on the path of healing completely.”

Dr. Shubhabrata Banerjee, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, said, “Cases like this highlight how far vascular care has come in India. What once required complex open-chest surgery can now be managed through a small incision, thanks to advanced endovascular techniques available across Manipal Hospitals. This procedure was not just about treating an aneurysm, it was about safeguarding quality of life with minimal risk and saving his voice box as well. Our combined expertise allowed us to offer a solution that was both safe and effective for a patient who otherwise would have been a poor candidate for traditional surgery.”

The patient, Mr. Rabindra Kumar Sarkar, stated, “Before coming to Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, I had consulted several physicians, including an ENT specialist, but no one could tell me the reason behind the hoarseness of my voice. When I finally came to Manipal Hospitals, I found not just answers, but life-saving care. I was told I had a serious condition near my heart, and at 72, with diabetes and high blood pressure, I knew surgery would be risky. But the doctors here gave me a new lease on life through a procedure that felt nothing short of miraculous. I walked in with doubt and walked out with hope.”

What makes Manipal Hospital different is not just scale, but the ability to respond in real time. Whether it’s a collapse during a stenting procedure or a post-surgical complication, the hospitals are equipped with 500+ critical care beds,75 expert cardiologists, 15 highly skilled cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons (CTVS), and seven advanced Cath Labs across all its units in Kolkata. 24×7 emergency teams, and in-house specialists ensuring no delay in life-saving decisions. Every year it carries out more than 30,000 cardiac procedures and over 3,000 cardiac surgeries.

By-Dr. Pavan Yadav, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology & Lung Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital

Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of death and disease in India, harming nearly every organ of the body. Cigarette and bidi smokers face dramatically higher risks of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung illnesses like COPD. In fact, smoking and second-hand smoke kill about 1.2 million Indians each year. Doctors note that smokers often die 6 to 10 years earlier than non-smokers on average. To put it simply, tobacco is cutting lives short – stealing years of life that could have been spent with family, pursuing dreams, and enjoying retirement.

The cancer burden from tobacco is especially alarming. Over one-quarter (27%) of all cancers in India are caused by tobacco use. Smoking can cause cancers of the lung, throat, mouth, and many other organs. It’s not just cancer: smoking fatally damages the heart and blood vessels, leading to heart attacks. India faces a huge load of heart disease, and smoking is a major culprit behind it. The World Health Organisation calls tobacco a major risk factor for these chronic diseases. The takeaway for your health is clear: there is no safe level of smoking. Each cigarette injures your body, and over time the damage can be irreversible.

Why Vaping Is Not a Safe Alternative

Some people, especially youth, believe that vaping (e-cigarettes) is a “safer” alternative to smoking. This is a dangerous myth. E-cigarette vapor may not have the pungent smell of cigarette smoke, but it contains plenty of harmful substances. Vaping devices produce ultrafine particles that lodge deep in the lungs, toxic chemicals like diacetyl (which is linked to serious lung disease), volatile organic compounds, cancer-causing agents, and even heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead). Most e-cigarettes also contain nicotine, the same highly addictive drug in cigarettes, which can damage adolescent brain development and hook young people into lifelong addiction.

Health authorities in India took note of these risks early. The Government of India banned e-cigarettes in 2019, citing their harm to public health and youth. Unlike some countries where vaping is widespread, India has tried to shield its population from this emerging threat. The message is clear: vaping is not harmless. Whether you smoke tobacco or vape it, you are ingesting chemicals that can scar your lungs, affect your heart, and potentially cause cancer. Don’t let glossy ads or peer pressure convince you otherwise – the safest choice is to avoid all forms of tobacco and nicotine.

Mumbai, 4^th June 2025: Ujaas, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, recently conducted a series of menstrual health awareness programs across Maharashtra, reaching over 900 participants through a range of community-based engagements. The initiative aimed to promote menstrual health education and break the stigma surrounding periods through interactive and inclusive activities.

Between 23rd and 28th May, Ujaas led Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) awareness activities across six districts, such as Nandurbar, Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, and Chandrapur. Each location hosted uniquely engaging events such as rallies, poster-making competitions, storytelling sessions, and quizzes. In Washim and Amravati, women and girls participated in awareness marches through villages, carrying posters and slogans, sharing personal experiences, and fostering community dialogue around menstrual health.

In Chandrapur, adolescent girls took part in innovative learning formats like the Fish Pot Quiz and a group reading of a book authored by Dr. Vaishali Deshmukh. These formats made menstrual health education approachable and engaging.

Ujaas also extended its outreach to urban communities by organizing focused awareness sessions at four shelter homes with girls and women in Turbhe, Deonar, and Dongri. Designed for survivors of Human Trafficking, these sessions were led by trained professionals and covered essential topics such as menstrual hygiene, safe product usage, and busting common myths. Around 150 participants received Ujaas green cloth pads, promoting eco-friendly menstrual hygiene practices.

By combining grassroots participation with educational outreach, Ujaas created safe spaces for open conversations about menstruation. Supported by ASHA and Anganwadi workers, SHGs, and community leaders, these efforts reaffirm Ujaas’s commitment to ensuring that every girl and woman can manage her period with dignity, safety, and confidence.

Hyderabad: 03^rd June, 2025: 9M Hospital, the premium wing of Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, proudly announces the launch of its Reconstructive & Cosmetic Gynaecology Department—a pioneering initiative that marks the launch of India’s first intimate wellness and cosmetic gynaecology centre, located within a comprehensive, multi-specialty hospital dedicated for women.

Designed with a vision to redefine how intimate care is delivered, this state-of-the-art department provides non-invasive, painless, and highly effective solutions that are grounded in compassion, safety, and scientific excellence. Built into the trusted ecosystem of 9M hospital by Ankura, this new department ensures that women across all life stages—from adolescence to motherhood and menopause—have access to world-class care in a dignified, confidential, and empowering setting.

This pioneering department is led by Dr. Pratibha Narayan, renowned Senior Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist with passion and expertise in women’s wellness and intimate care. With her compassionate approach and commitment to clinical excellence, Dr. Narayan brings both skill and sensitivity to an area long overlooked in mainstream healthcare.

“Aesthetic treatments in the field of gynaecology have seen remarkable advancements globally over the past decade. It’s time we bring these innovations to our women in a holistic hospital setting —not just for cosmetic enhancement, but for their overall intimate health and well-being. With this department, we strive to bridge the gap between science and self-care for today’s modern woman,” says Dr Pratibha Narayan.

Signature Treatments offered by 9M in Cosmetic Gynaecology Include:

• Vaginal Rejuvenation using radiofrequency, Laser and Jet plasma therapy
• PRP Therapy for sensitivity enhancement and tissue repair
• Non-surgical and modern solutions for Stress Urinary Incontinence
• Perineal Scar & Postpartum Tear Rejuvenation
• Labial and Vulvar Aesthetic Enhancements
• G-spot amplification & O shots
• Liposuction, Lipolysis & Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
• Autologous Fat Transfer & Monsoplasty
• “NewMomMe” program for post-partum makeover for new mothers.

“Women often suffer in silence due to the stigma around intimate health issues. Our goal is to break that silence and provide a safe, respectful, and technologically advanced space where every woman can feel heard, healed, and whole,” said Dr Krishna Prasad Vunnam, Founder and Managing Director of Ankura & 9M Hospitals.

By placing intimate wellness within a tertiary healthcare setup, 9M Hospital ensures the highest standards of clinical expertise ensuring patient privacy, and safety. This approach marks a significant departure from standalone clinics and offers a significant difference and distinct advantage over routine cosmetic clinics.  .

With millions of women across India experiencing discomfort, pain, or emotional stress related to intimate health concerns, this initiative of 9M Hospital addresses an urgent and often neglected aspect of women’s well-being.

By focusing on intimate health—a domain often shrouded in silence—the hospital reaffirms its dedication to comprehensive, inclusive, and empathetic healthcare. Women are encouraged to embrace this opportunity to revitalize, rediscover, and renew themselves, supported by a team that values their dignity and well-being.

Pune, June 3^rd,2025: Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune celebrated Emergency Medicine Day 2025 with a focused and engaging day-long event featuring international speakers, academic discussions, simulation activities and cultural showcases. Organized by the Department of Emergency Medicine, the initiative recognized the critical contributions of emergency care professionals in saving lives under high-pressure conditions.

The event brought together an esteemed panel of global experts in emergency medicine who shared their diverse experiences and perspectives. Among them was Prof. Judith E. Tintinalli (USA), Professor and Chair Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Editor-in-Chief of Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, the most widely used reference in the field. She was joined by Prof. Kumar Alagappan (USA), Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, known for his leadership in academic emergency care. Representing India, Dr. Prasad Rajhans, Chief Intensivist at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune,  contributed his vast experience in critical care and emergency medicine system development.

Also featured were Dr. Meghana Ghanawat (Australia), Founder of Bharat Aeromedical Retrieval Services and a Retrieval Specialist in Australia, who highlighted the importance of aeromedical transport in emergency care, and Dr. Anukiran Ravichandran (UK), a Higher Specialist Trainee in Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine with Health Education England – North West, who brought insights into the UK’s integrated training pathways. Together, these thought leaders offered valuable input on simulation-based training, global best practices, and the evolving scope of emergency medical services.

The inauguration was led by Dr. N. J. Pawar, Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Pimpri, Pune; Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune; and Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune.

The theme for this year, “Proud to Provide Your Emergency Care,” reflects the courage, speed, and teamwork that define emergency medicine.

Over the past two decades, the specialty has gained significant traction in India. From being a largely unrecognized domain, emergency medicine has now emerged as a structured and essential field supported by postgraduate education, dedicated departments, and growing public awareness. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this transformation, with emergency units across India becoming the backbone of the national healthcare response.

However, systemic challenges remain. Many emergency departments continue to face issues such as limited staffing, resource shortages and infrastructural gaps. Despite these obstacles, professionals across the country continue to innovate, adapt and push forward developing trauma systems, training paramedics and creating efficient emergency care pathways.

“Emergency medicine is where skill meets heart,” said Hon’ble Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. “In moments of crisis, it’s compassion, care and sympathy that truly make the difference. We are proud to shape professionals who lead with both courage and kindness.”

Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasurer of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune.  said, “Emergency medicine is not just a specialty, it is a pillar of modern healthcare delivery. As an institution, we are deeply committed to investing in the people, technology, and training that empower emergency care teams to respond swiftly, save lives, and lead with excellence.”

Dr. Rekha Arcot Dean of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said “Emergency medicine is a tough, often thankless job that demands sharp thinking and selfless service. These professionals are the first line of defence in any crisis. At Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, we take pride in training them to lead with competence and compassion”

Dr. Tamorish Kole, Director – Emergency Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, added, “This day reminds us of the critical role emergency care teams play in safeguarding lives. Through global knowledge exchange, simulation-based training, and a systems-driven approach, we aim to raise the standards of emergency medicine in India.”

Dr. Sarbari Swaika, Professor & Head, Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said,” Emergency medicine is about being prepared for the unexpected and responding with clinical precision and compassion. At DPU, we are dedicated to shaping healthcare professionals who not only respond quickly but also lead with empathy in high-pressure situations.”

As the world observes Emergency Medicine Day 2025, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening emergency care delivery and developing future-ready healthcare professionals who are proud to serve when it matters most.

Vijayawada, 2 June 2025 — Marking “World No Tobacco Day”, HCG Curie City Cancer Centre, Vijayawada, in association with Government Dental Doctors and students, organized a unique public awareness campaign titled, “Zombie Walk: Tobacco turns You into the Walking Dead”, in the vicinity of the Government Dental College. 

Participants dressed up as decaying “zombies”, to symbolize the slow, destructive effects of tobacco on the human body. The dramatization carried an effective message: that tobacco doesn’t kill instantly — it causes the body to decay from within, over time. Some participants bore painted messages across their attire and props, echoing lines, including “I died young. Thanks, tobacco,” and “Smoking didn’t kill me fast — it made me rot slowly.” Others embodied phrases such as “The real horror? Tobacco addiction” and “This is what 15 cigarettes a day looks like”; sending strong visual cues, that caught the attention of onlookers and passersby, making them stop in their tracks, to pause and imbibe the gravity of the messages. 

 Mr Yuva Kishore Terli, Chief Operating Officer, HCG Curie City Cancer Centre, Vijayawada, added: “This initiative reflects HCG’s continued focus on cancer prevention through public engagement. Using creative manifestations, such as the Zombie Walk, we’re able to connect with the community at a deeper level and enforce the imperative that quitting tobacco is not just necessary, but urgent. We at HCG remain committed to supporting people at every step of their tobacco-free journey.”

The walk concluded with a community interaction, where doctors urged the public to prioritize preventive care and voluntarily decline the first cigarette, or packet of chewing tobacco, altogether. With efforts like these, HCG Cancer Hospital continues to lead from the front in spreading awareness, offering early diagnosis, and empowering individuals to fight tobacco-related diseases with appropriate and effective, support and medical intervention.

The start of a new school year is both exciting and challenging, especially for parents of children with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, requiring regular blood sugar checks. With the right care and tools, your child can lead a normal, healthy life. To ensure their safety and health at school, it’s crucial to prepare, communicate with school staff, and have the necessary supplies ready.

Dr. Anjana Hulse

Dr. Anjana Hulse, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Hulse Clinic, Bangalore, said, “Incorporating a regular routine and physical activity into the daily routine of a child with Type 1 diabetes is important for their health and well-being. For parents, integrating structured measures such as diet, exercise and continuous monitoring can positively impact their child’s blood sugar control. It  also enhances their insulin sensitivity and support a healthier lifestyle. Helping a child navigate their diabetes journey can be made hassle-free by embracing advancements that help simplify diabetes management. For instance, parents can utilize continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, measuring glucose levels all day and night. These offer real-time data on how blood sugar levels respond to factors like meals, physical activity, and insulin doses.”

One of the most significant advantages of CGM technology is the stress relief it offers parents. With real-time hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alerts sent directly to their phones, parents no longer have to constantly worry about their child’s glucose levels while they are at school. The connected care aspect of CGM devices allows healthcare providers and caregivers to access shared data, ensuring a collaborative approach to diabetes management. This not only enhances safety but also provides reassurance that any potential issues can be addressed immediately, giving parents peace of mind.

Dr. Kenneth Lee, Director, Medical Affairs, Diabetes Division, Abbott, said, “It is difficult to manage diabetes, especially for a child. In cases like these, parents play a crucial role in caring for them. For the ease of managing diabetes and enabling families to cope, technology-driven progress such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can provide immense benefits. Unlike older CGM blinded technologies, which only provided retrospective data, advanced CGMs offer real-time, actionable insights that allow parents and children to respond to fluctuations immediately. With seamless smartphone integration, parents can remotely track their child’s glucose trends and receive alerts about unexpected highs or lows, helping them make timely adjustments. This level of data-driven feedback ensures better glucose management and a smoother school experience.”

Here are five must-know tips to help ease your concerns and support your child’s diabetes management.

1. Check blood sugar regularly: Parents should check the glucose levels of their kids before they go to school. Monitoring helps in determining the next dosage of insulin to be taken. You can do this easily with continuous glucose monitoring devices. With its connected care capabilities, parents can remotely monitor readings via a smartphone app, ensuring their child stays within the target range (70–180 mg/dL). The data insights also help recognize patterns influenced by stress, diet, or exercise, enabling better decision-making.
2. Finding enjoyable activities to exercise: The easiest way to keep children active is to find exercises they enjoy. Joining a team activity is a good idea. Activities like bike riding, dancing, playing cricket, or games like kho kho or kabaddi with family and friends are also great. To avoid isolation, involve the whole family. It’s a fun way to spend time together and stay fit. Make sure they get enough sleep too, as rest is important for children with Type 1 diabetes.
3. Teach Stress Management and Self-Care: School life comes with academic and social pressures, which can impact blood glucose levels. Encourage your child to recognize signs of stress, and take breaks when needed. Whether it’s reading, journaling, or socializing with friends, self-care plays a crucial role in overall diabetes management.
4. Keep a diabetes journal: It is important to understand how your child’s sugar levels react to different foods and activities. Document their blood glucose levels, the food they eat, and the exercises they engage in, with time stamps. This way, you’ll be able to adapt the plans based on what’s working and what’s not, whether that means switching up snack time or rescheduling a morning jog or an evening walk. Always consult a doctor before making changes to your child’s regimen or in case you have questions.
5. Encourage Smart Meal Planning: School lunches and unpredictable schedules can make meal management tricky. Help your child learn to identify balanced meals and understand how different foods impact their glucose.