By Dr. G. Moinddin
Consultant – Bariatric & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Manipal Hospital
The Role of Insulin and Diabetes:One of the key factors linked to obesity is insulin resistance. Excessive sugar consumption forces the pancreas to produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Over time, if the body stops responding effectively to insulin, it leads to insulin resistance—a major precursor to type 2 diabetes. For individuals with type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin, requiring regular insulin injections for survival. Those with type 2 diabetes may still produce insulin, but their bodies struggle to use it efficiently. If diet and exercise alone are insufficient to control blood sugar, insulin therapy may be necessary. However, insulin resistance is reversible. Regular exercise and a balanced diet—rich in non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits—can help reverse it. Managing stress and getting adequate sleep also play a significant role in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Obesity is a major cause of several serious health conditions. When insulin resistance progresses to full-blown diabetes, it results in persistently high blood sugar levels. Excess body weight puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Carrying extra weight can also stress the joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and arthritis. Another major concern is sleep apnea, which occurs when fat deposits around the neck and throat obstruct the airways during sleep, causing breathing difficulties and poor sleep quality. Studies have also shown that obesity raises the risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, and liver cancer.
In a heartwarming success story that bridges borders, team of doctors at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, recently transformed the life of a 7-year-old girl from Yemen facing a severe condition known as neurogenic bladder and bowel. This condition had left the young girl unable to pass urine and bowel movements on her own, leaving her reliant on diapers—a challenging situation for any child.
The multidisciplinary team of paediatric super-specailists- Dr. Hussain Kotawala, Dr. Jamal Azmi, Dr. Taha Daginawala, Dr. Amish Vora, Dr. Majid Saiyed (paediatric surgeons & urologists, paediatric intensive care & paediatric anaesthesia), the resident doctors at Saifee Hospital and the nursing staff who worked together to achieve this feat of complex surgery and postoperative recovery at Saifee Hospital. Neurogenic bladder and bowel issues make it difficult for children to control their bathroom functions, often affecting their ability to participate in everyday activities, and it can deeply impact their confidence. The young girl’s condition was especially severe, and her family had traveled a long distance seeking a solution that could restore her ability to lead a more independent, carefree life. Surgeons performed a complex yet groundbreaking procedure called bladder augmentation, using a section of the child’s intestine to expand her bladder. In addition, they created a concealed passage for enema, allowing her to manage bowel movements with greater ease. These surgeries have given her newfound control over her body, letting her experience social continence for 4-5 hours at a time—enough for school, play, and outings with friends. For the girl and her family, this operation has brought immense relief and hope. “It’s as if her life has started fresh,” shared her father. “Now she can do things we never thought possible before. Dr. Kotawala explained, “Our goal was to improve her quality of life so she could enjoy her childhood like other children. Seeing her smile and resume her daily activities is the true reward. This story is one of many showing how advanced pediatric surgery can uplift children facing complex health issues. For families dealing with similar conditions, success with this procedure offers not only a medical solution but also a message of hope, resilience, and the possibility of a brighter future.
Children are bundles of energy and curiosity, but sometimes their actions, though innocent, can lead to serious consequences. This was evident in a recent case where a five-month-old baby sustained a severe head injury after being accidentally dropped by his five-year-old sister. The child suffered a skull fracture and an 80 ml epidural hematoma (EDH)—a life-threatening brain bleed. Immediate medical intervention was crucial, and the child underwent emergency surgery to address the bleeding and repair the damage.
Thankfully, the operation was successful, and the baby was discharged in stable condition, much to the relief of his family. This case serves as a powerful reminder to parents: infants should not be entrusted to young siblings. While it may seem adorable to let an older sibling hold or carry a baby, young children lack the strength, coordination, and judgment required to handle such responsibility. Accidents like this, though unintentional, can result in devastating injuries, including fractures, internal bleeding, or worse. Parents must always supervise interactions between older siblings and infants, ensuring the safety of both. Such preventive measures can protect your little ones and avoid the emotional and physical toll of serious accidents. Your children’s safety is in your hands—prioritize it with vigilance and care.