28 October, 2012

what can we expect in future??





Light waves and ultrasound will replace needles in this new glucometer. This glucometer indirectly measures the glucose levels of a patient's arterial blood as opposed to measuring it directly through a blood sample. This apparatus generates a combination of light waves and ultrasound from a probe that is placed under the tongue of person to measure vital signs on the patient. On the tip of the probe there are 2 sets of small light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The first LED emits light in the red spectrum of light and the second set of LEDs emits infrared (IR) light wavelengths. Also at the end of the probe there is an ultrasound transducer/detector used to capture the reflection signature of the sound waves that occur in the saliva medium of the mouth. The emitted red (R) and infrared (IR) lights from the probe bounce from the patients tongue and the reflected light signals are received by a photo detector. The R/IR ratio together with the sound waves is computed to reveal the amount of glucose in the patient’s blood. The amount light absorbed/reflected is different and it varies depending on what it encounters: tongue tissues, saliva, dead skin cells and most importantly by blood (both venous and arterial). The combined ultrasound waves can distinguish the signals that correspond to pulsating arterial blood and allow the photo detector to look at only these variable absorptions of light waveforms. This new generation of glucometer using light and sound replaces needles in diabetic glucose monitoring and will permit a continuous signal feedback to control insulin pumps.
it is still in experimental stage but if this dream comes true so many of our patients will have a better quality of life!!

21 October, 2012

QUACK DOCTORS!!

How did the term ‘Quack’ come into existence?
‘Quack’ is the German word for mercury or quicksilver (quacksalber) The term was applied to Paracelsus, a Swiss physician & alchemist and his followers because of their extensive use of this metal. Originally the word quack was applied to those who poisoned their patients with mercury.

Who is a ‘Quack’?
In modern times, quack refers to, “A person who does not have knowledge of a particular system of medicine but practices in that system and a mere pretender of medical knowledge or skills.”(Supreme Court of India)

Are we all doing enough to curb this deep rooted problem?? There have been raids on clinics and many quacks have been booked... but within a short span of time that quack opens the clinic in the same place and patients still go to him... how does this work?? Are people so dumb...?? or does he heal with magical powers??

here are the articles regarding quacks in Times of India
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/quackery

01 October, 2012

FROZEN SHOULDER ( ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS)


Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder/ Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis, is a disorder in which the shoulder capsule, the connective tissue surrounding the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder, becomes inflamed and stiff, greatly restricting motion and causing chronic pain. Movement of the shoulder gradually reduces and finally end up in severe restriction of movement of shoulder joint. Patient develops a constant pain which is worse at night and in cold weather. The pain is more severe whenever the blood sugars are high. The exact reason for adhesive capsulitis / frozed shoulder is not known. Risk factors involved are

Ø  Diabetes

Ø  Stroke

Ø  Trauma

Ø  Lung disease

Ø  Connective tissue disorders

Ø  Heart disease


The condition very rarely appears in people under 40.

Treatment for this condition includes

ü  Better control of blood sugars

ü  NSAIDS and pain killers

ü  Physiotherapy

ü  Massage

ü  Hydrodilation

ü  Manipulation under anesthesia

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