​

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication for Type 2 Diabetes. In recent years it has gained attention for its potential benefits beyond diabetes, such as weight-loss and even longevity. Is it safe for those without diabetes to take it on a regular basis? According to Dr Vijay Negalur, HOD – Diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, the answer is not so straightforward.”Even for someone without diabetes, daily use isn’t routinely recommended,” says Dr Negalur. Metformin, when prescribed correctly, is generally safe. However, it is only meant to treat specific medical conditions. “Taking it without a need for it can disrupt normal glucose levels and may not provide meaningful benefits,” he says.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Metformin can have side effects even though it is widely used. This is especially true when taken for a long time without need. Dr Negalur explains that “common side effects” include nausea, loose bowel movements, stomach discomfort and loss of appetite. He warns that the drug can also lead to vitamin deficiency over time. In rare but serious cases complications can escalate. Metformin’s popularity is partly due to claims that it can help with weight loss or slow down ageing. While these claims may have some truth, Dr Negalur urges caution. Story continues below this advertisement. He is quick to point out that the research is still in its early stages. Who should avoid it completely? “People with kidney and liver problems, heavy drinking, or certain heart conditions shouldn’t take it lightly,” Dr Negalur warns. He also adds that “pregnant women and those on multiple medications should avoid self-use.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

 ​

Shoaib Ibrahim shares an update on Dipika Kakar’s health (Photo: Dipika Kakar/Instagram)After a whole week, Shoaib Ibrahim took to his YouTube vlog to share an update on the health of actor and wife Dipika Kakar amid treatment for the ongoing cyst recurrence. “MRI me iss bar phir se chote chote spots nikle hai” (MRI has detected two tiny dots). Dipika was by his side. “But they are very tiny,” he said. Doctors said that it wouldn’t make sense. This will become a regular procedure when we repeat the scan after a few months…we will need to do close scans.” Shoaib continued, “Those were so small that a CT scanner couldn’t even detect them…since MRI was sensitive, they were visible.” Close scans are necessary so that if anything recurs it can be treated easily. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. During the vlog Dipika said: “We need to perform an MRI every single month.” We have been told that it is a much safer scan than other scans. There are no side-effects on the body. I have been preparing myself mentally for it. “Many doctors have recommended it. She has to go to the hospital…it will be a 4-5 hour process. Here’s what doctors told Dipika Kakar. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock). “MRI is a sensitive test and can detect changes which may not be visible on a CT scan. When doctors say that they are too small to act upon, they mean they are not large enough or clear enough to confirm an active disease or to require immediate treatment,” explained Dr Pandrowala. Story continues below this adIn these cases, the expert stressed that size and clarity are important. “Acting on small findings can lead to unnecessary procedures.” Doctors prefer to monitor closely with repeated scans. This allows doctors to track whether the spots change or grow over time, before deciding on the next step. If there is a slight increase, the treatment can be adjusted immediately. This approach allows timely intervention while avoiding overtreatment.”Should patients be worried about these findings?It is natural to feel anxious, but very small findings do not always mean active disease, described Dr Pandrowala. “The focus should remain on regular follow-ups and completing the treatment as prescribed, while maintaining overall strength. Shoaib Ibrahim says wife Dipika Kakar’s latest blood test reports are normal, doctor has asked her to eat fresh food”Starting it even when the disease burden is low can improve control and reduce the chance of progression. It is usually given in cycles and may take a few hours per session in a hospital setting,” said Dr Pandrowala.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

 ​

Spiders are the last creatures we think of when we think about milk. Spiders are notorious for abandoning their newborns shortly after birth. One tiny species has completely rewritten this idea.Most spiders have a simple pattern.They lay eggs, guard the eggs briefly, then move on. This spider doesn’t stop at that. A surprising nurturing spiderInstead leaving her spiderlings to fend on their own, the mother spider produces an nutrient-rich milk-like fluid that she feeds directly to them. For the first few days, this becomes their main source of nutrition.Researchers have found that this fluid contains proteins, fats, and sugars–much like mammalian milk. Spiders (allegedly) keep this animal as a glowing prisoner to draw more prey to their websWhat’s even more unusual is that this care doesn’t end quickly. The spiderlings remain with the mother for at least 38-40 day, returning to her to feed and protect them as they grow. Even after reaching sexual maturity, female offspring can continue to return to the mother for lactation. This extended parental care is rare in spiders. Most species rely more on numbers than nurturing. By focusing her energy on fewer offspring the mother increases the chances of their survival in unpredictable environments. She gives her young a better start, rather than relying on luck. Story continues below this advertisement. This discovery has also changed the way scientists think about “milk”. This fluid is not identical to mammalian “milk”, but it serves the same purpose: direct nourishment of offspring by parents during early development. This spider milk contains fats, sugars, and protein in a concentration four times greater than cow’s.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for more lifestyle news. You can also follow us on Instagram.

 ​

A Quora user asked recently, “What are some of the risks associated with taking high-dose Vitamin D supplements over a long period of time?” It is a valid question, particularly in India, where vitamin deficiency and self-supplementation are common. We spoke with Dr Vyankatesh Shivne, Consultant Endocrinologist and Metabolic Doctor, Department of Endocrinology at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, and Dr Vimal Phuja, Assistant Director, Internal Medicine and Metabolic physician, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, to clear up the confusion. DISCLAIMER : This article was based on public information and/or experts we spoke to. What is a “high dosage” and what is toxic? Vitamin D is often called the Sunshine Vitamin because it is abundant in sunlight. “India, despite being a sunny nation, is a country where most people are either Vitamin D deficient or insufficient,” says Dr Pahuja. “Normally, a Vitamin D level more than 30ng/mL would be considered a sufficient amount, as this level stabilizes the Parathyroid hormone without harming the bones.” He explains that Vitamin D levels above 100-150ng/mL can be harmful to the body. At these levels, more calcium will be excreted into the urine and this can lead to kidney stones. “Vitamin D supplements exceeding 50,000 IU daily for several weeks are toxic,” he says. According to Dr Shivane: “In India, vitamin D deficiencies are widespread, but excessive supplementation is a new concern.” The optimal serum 25(OHD)D range for bone and muscle health is 20-40ng/mL. Testing is recommended before starting supplements. Since vitamin D is fat soluble, toxicity can develop slowly and manifest as nausea, thirst and confusion. It is not always the situation, but some patients continue to take daily supplements instead of weekly. ‘How can someone differentiate between normal dehydration and the excessive thirst associated with diabetes?’How long can one safely take high-dose vitamin D?”One should take Vitamin D supplements only as per their Doctor’s advice. “Do not take these supplements longer than prescribed,” says Dr Pahuja. “One should check and confirm these levels at the earliest. In some cases, concomitant tests of Blood Calcium and Phosphorous are required to detect excess calcium in the blood.”Story continues below this adHow often should vitamin D levels be tested? It is important to confirm these levels as soon as possible. In some cases, concomitant blood tests for calcium and phosphorus are needed to detect excess calcium in the body. The sun should be able to reach the maximum surface area of the body, such as both hands below elbows and both legs below knees. It is advised not to apply sunscreen or lotions on these parts to get maximum benefit of sunlight.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

 ​

Kriti Sanon revealed recently that she had never before in her life gone on a low-calorie diet. Cocktail 2 also stars Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Manndanna, and other celebrities. “Cocktail is the only time I’ve been on a very rigid diet and consistent exercise. It was the first diet I had ever done. She told Sophie Choudry on the Famously Fit with Sophie show that she couldn’t imagine being in Italy with pizza and pasta. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dt Amreen Sheikh is the chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals in Thane. She said that a calorie surplus, where you eat fewer calories than what your body burns, was a key principle for weight loss. When done correctly, it is effective and sustainable. How you create the deficit is important. Extreme restrictions may lead to fatigue, hormonal imbalances and even muscle loss. She said that a well-planned calorie surplus should be moderate, nutritionally suited to the individual’s lifestyle, and tailored to their energy needs, rather than being overly restricting. “People often drastically reduce their calorie intake without considering the nutrient content. It is not a good idea to skip meals, cut out entire food groups, such as carbohydrates, or follow fads. Inconsistency is another common mistake. Being very strict for a brief time and then reverting to old habits can be a common mistake. This can slow down the metabolism and complicate weight management over time. “Hydration, sleep and stress management, which are often overlooked, are important for overall outcomes,” said Sheikh. A calorie-deficient dietary plan may not work for everyone (Photo: Freepik). It means making conscious choices most of the times. In situations where tempting foods are readily available, portion control is crucial. By consuming a small amount of your favourite dish rather than avoiding it entirely, you can prevent feeling deprived. Consistency can be achieved by planning meals, having healthy snacks available, and following a regular schedule. Namita Thapar says she develops a ‘food baby’ on eating toor dal khichdi instead of moong: ‘Pouch under your…’Sustainable weight loss isn’t about restriction; it’s about building a healthy relationship with food, where enjoyment and nutrition go hand in hand.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.