Star Health
Achieving remission in type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes remission refers to a state where blood sugar levels return to normal or prediabetic levels without the need for diabetes medications, especially insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. It is important to note that remission does not mean a cure; rather, it indicates effective management of the condition to the point where glucose levels remain in a healthy range for an extended period.
Global trends in cardiovascular disease: rising burden in transitioning regions
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading global cause of death and disability, with ischemic heart disease and stroke accounting for 16% and 11% of total deaths in 2019, respectively. While global incidence rates for these conditions have generally declined over the past three decades, certain regions are experiencing increases, according to a study in PLOS Global Public Health led by Wanghong Xu of Fudan University.
What you should know about uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus, common in women and individuals assigned female at birth. By age 50, up to 80% will develop fibroids, though many may not notice symptoms.
World AMR Awareness Week / Educate. Advocate. Act now
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective, and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
Sudden cardiac arrest: The hidden threat to healthy young lives
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart abruptly stops functioning, leading to haemodynamic collapse and sudden death. It can manifest within an hour of symptom onset in witnessed cases or within 24 hours in unwitnessed cases. In autopsy findings, it is described as a natural, unexpected death due to cardiac or unknown causes.
A global push for cervical cancer elimination
As the world unites for the “Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination,” efforts are in full swing to spotlight the importance of prevention and treatment.
Boosting self-esteem: Overcoming insecurities
Occasional self-doubt is normal, but persistent insecurity can impact your happiness, relationships, and career. Building self-esteem takes effort, but small, intentional changes can make a big difference.
US reports first bird-flu case in a child
A child in California has become the first in the United States to test positive for bird flu infection, authorities said Friday
2 die of dengue
458 patients hospitalised till this morning
Dengue claims 9 more lives, 1,214 hospitalised in 24 hours
Of the deaths, five were reported in Dhaka North City Corporation, three in Dhaka South City Corporation, and one in Rajshahi division
Urgent action needed: obesity crisis predicted to impact 260 million by 2050
A new study in The Lancet reveals a worsening obesity epidemic in the USA, with devastating health, social, and economic consequences predicted. By 2050, over 260 million Americans—213 million adults and 43 million children and adolescents—are expected to live with overweight or obesity.
Gross National Happiness Day
Gross National Happiness (GNH) Day was observed last Monday, November 11th. The GNH concept was first introduced by the Bhutanese King in the 1970s. GNH promotes a holistic approach to development, emphasising that well-being should be measured by economic growth and non-economic factors such as health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Are you willing to “go blue for AMR”?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of humanity’s top 10 global public health threats.
Global diabetes rates surpass 800 million, highlighting widening inequalities
A global study published in The Lancet ahead of World Diabetes Day reveals that over 828 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2022—a fourfold increase since 1990. Notably, 445 million adults aged 30 and older, or 59%, did not receive treatment, with most of these untreated cases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Is virtual early palliative care an option for advanced cancer?
Guidelines recommend early integration of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer, given evidence for improved quality of life (QOL). However, most patients do not receive early palliative care due to limited access and resources.
Addressing dengue fever in pregnancy
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, presents significant challenges for public health, particularly during pregnancy. While many women may experience a mild illness, severe dengue can lead to serious complications that affect both maternal and foetal health.
The hidden dangers of sugar
Sugar has become one of the most pervasive ingredients in modern diets. From soft drinks to packaged snacks, added sugars are ubiquitous, contributing to a public health crisis that is gradually escalating.
Secondary hypertension in young adults often remain undiagnosed
The prevalence of secondary causes of hypertension varies depending on the studied population. Data suggest that 10% of adults with hypertension have secondary causes, although this percentage likely is an underestimate. Current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend screening for secondary causes of hypertension in patients who are younger than 30.
Can poor blood flow in the brain raise the risk of dementia?
A new study suggests that problems with blood vessels in the brain may increase the risk of developing dementia. While it is well-known that clogged arteries can lead to strokes, this research looks at whether similar issues in smaller brain vessels might also be linked to memory problems and cognitive decline.
Championing the fight to stop pneumonia
Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. The 2024 theme for World Pneumonia Day (November 12), “Championing the Fight to Stop Pneumonia,” highlights the urgent need to address this preventable and treatable disease.
Novel Radiotracer PET-CT Imaging to characterise small renal masses
Detection of small renal masses (i.e., ≤4 cm) is increasing, partly due to widespread use of abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an aging population. Current imaging technologies cannot distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.