Latest news with #SugunaDeeptiKapila
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gynaecologist shares 10 ways to prevent gestational diabetes: ‘Add protein to every meal'
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body fails to produce enough insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Although it often presents without symptoms, untreated gestational diabetes can pose serious risks to both the mother and the baby. On June 15, gynaecologist Dr. Suguna Deepti Kapila shared an Instagram post outlining effective ways to prevent it. Also read | Managing gestational diabetes: Diet plan, lifestyle tips for a healthy pregnancy Gestational diabetes ca be avoided.(Shutterstock) The gynaecologist listed down the risk factors of gestational diabetes: Age > 35 Overweight before pregnancy PCOS or hormonal imbalance Family history of diabetes History of big baby or GDM in past pregnancy Here are 10 sustainable ways to lower the risk of gestational diabetes: 1. Eat small meals every 3–4 hours Skipping meals causes sugar spikes, while steady eating keeps blood sugar balanced. 2. Swap white carbs for whole grains Choose brown rice, oats, millets, whole wheat instead of maida and white rice. 3. Add protein to every meal Include paneer, eggs, lentils, curd, tofu; it slows sugar absorption. Also read | Gestational diabetes: Myths and truths you need to know about 4. Walk 20–30 minutes daily Especially after meals, it helps lower sugar levels naturally. 5. Avoid sugary drinks and sweets Say no to packaged juices, sugary tea, sweets. Instead, try fruit, coconut water, or nuts. 6. Focus on fiber‑rich foods Veggies, fruits with skin, whole dals; fiber helps prevent sugar spikes. 7. Limit portion sizes Eating too much, even healthy food, can raise blood sugar. 8. Get 7–8 hours of good sleep Poor sleep increases insulin resistance. 9. Manage stress daily Practice deep breathing, light yoga, or walking. Stress hormones affect sugar levels. 10. Track weight gain with your doctor Healthy weight gain leads to healthier pregnancy and lower gestational diabetes risk. Gestational diabetes is a silent threat In an earlier interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Shubhashree Patil, diabetologist and physician, Diabetes & Wellness Clinic, Mumbai explained, 'Often undiagnosed or underestimated, GDM acts as a silent threat, exacerbating conditions such as hypertension, infections, and cardiovascular issues, which may ultimately lead to fatal outcomes. Understanding this link is crucial in promoting awareness, improving maternal care protocols, and ensuring safer pregnancies.' Also read | Diabetes in pregnancy could raise your child's risk of autism and ADHD: Study Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
8 Early Signs Of PCOS That Most Women Overlook
If women experience irregular ovulation or missed ovulation, thin endometrium, or no dominant follicle, it could be a sign of PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that leads to the formation of cysts in the ovaries. While its exact cause remains unclear, it's believed to stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Common symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and mood swings are often mistaken for routine health issues, causing many women to overlook the early signs of PCOS. Dr. Suguna Deepti Kapila, a gynaecologist, took to Instagram on July 9 and provided insights into this hormonal disorder. Dr. Suguna wrote that PCOS often starts silently, and it is common to overlook the symptoms at first, and shared a few early signs that women should watch for. According to Dr. Suguna, early signs of PCOS include: Irregular Periods But Not Absent According to Dr. Suguna, early signs of PCOS include your periods arriving late, generally 35-40 days, sometimes regular, sometimes delayed. She also advised women to watch out for brown spotting and light flow during irregular periods. Weight Gain, Especially In The Stomach Area Gaining weight without major diet changes could count as an early sign of PCOS. Belly and waist fat increase, making you feel bloated very often. Mild Skin and Hair Changes Women should watch out for sudden acne on the jaw or chin area, greasy skin or oily scalp, thicker upper lip or chin hair, and more hair falling from the crown area. Sugar Cravings and Energy Slumps Excessive sugar cravings after meals can also hint at early signs of PCOS. Women should watch out if they feel sleepy or dull after eating and need to depend on caffeine or sugar to stay awake. Skin Darkening in Folds Dark velvety patches on the neck, underarms, or groin area could also be early signs of PCOS. Although it looks like dirt or tanning, it does not go away and makes the skin thicker. Mood and Sleep Disruptions Mood swings and anxiety, especially during or near periods, should also be taken seriously. Women should pay attention if they feel tired even after 8 hours of sleep and have trouble falling or staying asleep. Trouble Conceiving If women experience irregular ovulation or missed ovulation, thin endometrium, or no dominant follicle, it could be a sign of PCOS. Family History In some cases, family history plays a significant role in getting PCOS, and sometimes early hormone pill prescriptions can also heighten the chances of PCOS. Various gynaecologists suggest that having whole foods, getting enough sunlight, working out regularly, cutting down on carbohydrates, and having a well-balanced diet can help in managing the symptoms. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : pcos view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gynaecologist shares 8 early signs of PCOS most women miss: Sugar cravings to weight gain, especially belly fat
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that causes cysts to form in the ovaries. Common symptoms include irregular periods, acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth, and mood swings. However, many women overlook the early signs, as the symptoms can often be subtle and easily mistaken for everyday health issues. Also read | Nutritionist shares 7 tips to manage PCOS in just 4 weeks: 'Try seed cycling' Know the early signs of PCOS that women should watch out for.(Pixabay) In an Instagram post shared on July 9, Dr Suguna Deepti Kapila, a gynaecologist, wrote that PCOS often starts silently and is easy to miss. The gynac further shared the early signs of PCOS that women should watch out for: 1. Irregular periods but not absent Periods arrive late (35–40+ days), sometimes regular, sometimes delayed. Just brown spotting/light flow. 2. Mild skin and hair changes Sudden acne on jaw/chin. Greasy skin or oily scalp. Thicker upper lip or chin hair. More hair falls from the crown. 3. Weight gain, especially belly fat Gaining weight without major diet changes. Belly and waist fat increase. Feeling bloated/heavy often. 4. Sugar cravings and energy slumps Crave sweets/carbs after meals. Feel sleepy or dull after eating. Depend on caffeine/sugar to stay awake. 5. Mood and sleep disruptions Mood swings, anxiety near periods. Tired even after 8 hours of sleep. Trouble falling/staying asleep. Also read | Manage PCOS like a pro: Top tips to improve your reproductive health and unlock fertility 6. Skin darkening in folds Dark velvety patches on neck, underarms, or groin. Looks like dirt/tanning but doesn't go away. Skin feels thicker. 7. Trouble conceiving Irregular ovulation or missed ovulation. Thin endometrium or no dominant follicle seen. Difficulty getting pregnant. 8. Family history Female relatives with PCOS/diabetes. Facial hair in women in your family. Early hormone pill prescriptions. Tips to manage PCOS In an earlier interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Supriya Puranik, Director – 9M Fertility and Senior Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ankura Hospital in Pune shared that PCOS can be managed naturally. Having whole foods, getting enough sunlight, cutting down on carbohydrates, working out regularly and having a well-balanced diet every day can help in managing the symptoms. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Having a C-section? Gynaecologist shares 10 truths to know: 'You don't feel pain, but you do feel a lot'
C-section delivery follows a surgical procedure for childbirth. Unlike vaginal delivery, C-section is done by making incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus. However, often people are confused about what to expect and how to go about a C-section. Also read | C-section vs. vaginal birth: Medical indications and myths; doctor explains Here's all that you need to know about C-section delivery.(Shutterstock) Dr Suguna Deepti Kapila, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, shared an Instagram post on June 18 explaining what to expect in a C-section and the truths that one must know before opting for it. '10 truths no one really prepares you for a C-section,' she wrote. Here's what the gynaecologist had to say: 1. Even with a planned C-section, labour might surprise you. Your body doesn't follow a script; contractions or your water breaking might happen before your scheduled date. Keep your hospital bag packed and ready to go. Also read | Cesarean Awareness Month: Busting myths and misconceptions about C-section 2. You don't feel pain, but you do feel a lot. There's pressure, pulling, and shifting inside you. You're numb, but totally aware. It's a strange mix of calm and chaos. 3. The operating room is far from cosy. Think bright lights, cold air, and a team of medical staff. Not the serene, candle-lit moment you might have visualised. 4. The spinal block kicks in quickly, and it might make you tremble. The body shakes, and sudden nausea happens. You're strong, even when you feel fragile. 5. You'll have a catheter in, and you probably won't notice. You'll be peeing in a bag for hours. Removing it? It doesn't hurt, but it feels odd. 6. You'll be alone in the operating room for a few minutes. Your partner waits outside until the anaesthesia is in. Those minutes can feel endless. You'll be scared, and that's okay. You're doing great. 7. You might not hear your baby cry right away. It's terrifying, but it doesn't always mean something is wrong. Some babies need suction or help before that first cry. It's okay. They're okay. 8. Skin-to-skin isn't always instant. Depending on your baby's health and yours, that golden first cuddle may take a little time, but it will come. Also read | Elective C-section: What is it? Is it safe? Doctor explains 9. The first 24 hours are tough. Fresh scar, numb legs, zero mobility, and emotional overload. You're expected to feed, bond, and smile. Give yourself grace. This is healing. 10. C-section birth is still a birth. Still sacred. Still raw. Still fierce. You were sliced open to bring life into this world. There's nothing stronger than that. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Struggling with PCOS, unexpected weight gain? Gynac shares 5 things to have on empty stomach: Amla, flaxseeds and more
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women and can lead to weight gain, obesity, acne, mood swings, irregular menstruation, and several other complications. A few weeks ago, gynaecologist Dr. Suguna Deepti Kapila explained how PCOS and insulin resistance can fuel intense sugar cravings and contribute to unexpected weight gain. Also read | Weight gain to acne: Doctor explains 6 common challenges faced by women due to PCOS; shares prevention tips PCOS can lead to unexpected weight gain. Here's what you need to know.(Shutterstock) 'If you have PCOS and often struggle with intense sugar cravings, unexplained weight gain (especially around your abdomen), or feel drained after meals, you're not alone. Many women don't realise that these symptoms point to insulin resistance; a key factor behind irregular cycles, acne, and stubborn weight gain,' the gynaecologist wrote. 'You can take control, and it all starts with small, daily habits, especially with what you eat first thing in the morning,' Dr. Suguna Deepti Kapila added as she shared a list of five food items that we must consume in an empty stomach to manage insulin resistance and PCOS symptoms. 1. Fenugreek (methi) water: Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning. It helps lower blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. Also read | Struggling to lose weight with PCOS? Weight loss coach who shed 23 kg shares tips to get back in shape 2. Cinnamon water: Boil a cinnamon stick in water and let it sit overnight. Drinking it in the morning can help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings. 3. Amla (Indian gooseberry): Have one fresh amla or a small shot of amla juice in the morning. It supports insulin sensitivity and overall hormone balance. 4. Flaxseeds (alsi): k a tablespoon of flaxseeds overnight and eat them in the morning. They're rich in fiber and omega-3s, which help regulate insulin and aid digestion. 5. Soaked almonds: Eat 5-6 overnight-soaked almonds. The healthy fats and magnesium help maintain steady blood sugar levels and reduce stress. 'Remember, PCOS isn't just about irregular periods, it's about how your body processes food, stress, and hormones. These small, consistent changes can have a powerful impact on how you feel every day,' The doctor emphasised the importance of adopting healthy daily habits to effectively manage symptoms. Also read | Nutritionist shares diet dos and don'ts to keep PCOS under control Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
