Welcome to M.V Hospital for Diabetes, established by late Prof. M.Viswanathan, Doyen of Diabetology in India in 1954 as a general hospital. In 1971 it became a hospital exclusively for Diabetes care. It has, at present,100 beds for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Power Salads for a Healthy Diet

Some foods which are really very healthy, many a times, get reduced in importance and are considered as side dishes. Here are some very healthy choices that you can use as salads.


Tomatoes : This contains a lot of antioxidants that help in decreasing the risk of arterial aging, heart disease, stroke, memory loss, impotence and wrinkling of the skin.







Broccoli : It is high in vitamin C and dietary fibre and contain nutrients with anti- cancer properties.









Fish: Packed with protein, vitamins and nutrients that can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.









Black beans (Urad) : Low in fat and high in protein and fibre they have anti- oxidant and anti- inflammatory  properties which combat cardiovascular disease.












ARUGULA (Tara Mira)






CABBAGE                                        SPINACH

Leafy greens: Spinach, cabbage and arugula, are rich sources of Vitamin B and pack a punch. One serving of leafy greens is loaded with fibre, calcium and almost the entire day’s recommended dose of beta carotene which is vital for immune system health.

While buying arugula leaves or rocket leaves, look for young crispy green leaves. Avoid flowered harvest, as its leaves are tough and bitter in taste. 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Ideal Diabetic Footwear









The DiaStep TM (shown above) is a unique product of research between M.V. Hospital for Diabetes and   the Central Leather Research Institute , Chennai, supported by Novo Nordisk Educational Foundation. It is specially designed for diabetic patients who have neuropathy, minor foot deformation and foot complication.

Special features:
  • A PU sole with extra depth for effective pressure distribution.
  • A special tread for extra depth sole for better grip and traction.
  • A specially designed insole bed and foam layer for added comfort
  • A rigid counter to ensure limited joint mobility.
  • A specially designed upper with leather lining for comfortable wear.
  • Adjustable Velcro fasteners to accommodate changes in foot volume.
  • A special angle of slant on the sole to give the ‘rocker’ effect which eases pressure from the plantar surface of the feet.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Tips on Choosing Foot wear

When you have diabetes, the type of shoes you wear is very important.
The following are some important tips.
  • Buy shoes in the evening because your feet swell a little during the day.
  • Get your feet measured while standing, each time you buy shoes. Feet change in shape and size as neuropathy progresses. 
  • Footwear should be well- fitting and comfortable when you buy it. 
  • DON’T wear ill- fitting shoes. They usually cause ulcers on the pressure points.
  • Shoes should fit both the length and the width of the foot. The toe-box should be sufficiently long, broad and deep so that toes are not cramped.
  • DON’T expect tight shoes to stretch after use. 
  • DON’T use footwear with toe grips, toe rings or thongs between the  toes.







  • It is advisable to use sandals inside and outside the house. Use Velcro, adjustable laces, or straps to fasten footwear. 







  • DON’T wear tight shoes, shoes with heels more than an inch, or shoes with pointed toes. They put too much pressure on parts of the foot and cause ulcers, corns and calluses. 







  • Use therapeutic shoes and inserts for calluses. Moulded insoles are available to suit your foot.
  • The inner lining of footwear should be made of soft material, free of in- seam to protect the foot from blisters.
  • Leather breathes better than any other material. It absorbs the wetness of perspiration and allows moisture to evaporate. Wet skin could macerate, especially between the toes. Macerated skin spreads infection.
  • DON’T wear footwear made of nylon or plastic.








  • Wear clean, dry, cotton socks with shoes to prevent blisters. 
  • Wear custom-made footwear prescribed by a podiatrist.
  • Check shoes and socks for any foreign objects daily after you take them off, and check your feet too.
  • Run a hand around the inside of footwear to detect rough, worn-out places. 
  • DON’T wear worn-out shoes, replace them immediately. Change them every 6-8 months.




  • Use walking shoes or sports shoes while exercising.     
  • Change your shoes after 5 hours of wearing them during the day to change pressure points.
  • Don’t wear new shoes continuously. Wear them for 1-2 hours each day for the first few days.
Finally… always remember to show your feet and your footwear to your doctor.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Know Your Diabetes Numbers








Target blood glucose for most people with diabetes:
In the morning before eating and before meals, it should be ≥ 70 mg/dl  and ≤120 mg/dl.
1 ½  - 2 hours after eating, it should be ≤160 mg/dl.










What level of blood glucose is too low?
Less than 70 mg/dl

What level of blood glucose is too high?
Over 180 mg/dl : Talk to your doctor on next visit.

Over 300 mg/dl for 2 or more readings over 12 – 24 hours:  call your doctor.

Over 500 mg/dl: Call your doctor immediately or go to emergency room.











Always check your blood glucose levels: 
  • Every day when you get up in the morning and at least one more time during the day
  • If you take pills for your medication, check before breakfast and 2 hours after your biggest meal of the day.
  • If you take insulin for your diabetes, check before each meal and at bedtime.
Your doctor may ask you to check your blood glucose level at other times as well.
Check any time you feel like your sugar is too high or too low.


How do you feel if your blood glucose is low?
Sweaty, shaky, fast heart - beat, dizzy, headache, not thinking clearly, hungry, tired, blurred vision, confused, moody or angry.

How to treat low blood glucose 
First eat 15 g of fast acting carbohydrate such as 

½ cup fruit juice
1 cup skimmed milk
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
A sweet

Then, test your blood glucose.
Test your blood glucose again in 15 minutes.
If sugar is not over 70 mg/dl, eat another 15 gm of fast acting carbohydrate.

Eat some protein and carbohydrate as soon as you can to stop from going low again. Try eating half a sandwich of peanut butter, meat or chicken or have your next meal or the meal you missed.








How do you feel if your sugar is high?
Increased urination, increased thirst, tired, blurred vision, dry skin/dry mouth.

What to do if you think you have high blood glucose.
Check your blood glucose as soon as you can.

Some tips to help you keep blood glucose low 
  • Eat 3-4 small meals a day.
  • Eat your main meals 4 -5 hours apart.
  • Do not skip meals.
  • Eat less food.
  • Avoid the second helping.
  • Do not snack between meals.
  • Do not drink fruit juice, sodas or sweet tea but drink calorie free liquids such as unsweetened tea or coffee, or just plain water.
  • Avoid foods high in sugar such as cake, pie, sweetened cereals, honey, jam, jelly.
  • Do not add sugar to food.
At MVH, we advise all people with diabetes to manage their diabetes well so that they can live a normal span of life in perfect health.

Tip of the Week

Tip of the Week
Choose the right shoe and socks