Iodine is a vital micronutrient required at all stages of life; fetal life and early childhood being the most critical phases of requirement. Diet is the sole source of iodine, which in turn is dependent upon the iodine content of water and soil. Iodine is metabolized in the human body through a series of stages involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid gland and blood. Recent advances in physiology and molecular science have revolutionized our understanding of iodine metabolism at the cellular and sub-cellular level. This in turn has improved our knowledge of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), their prevention, management and control. This article makes an attempt to revisit this important topic in light of recent advances and provides a comprehensive account of the subject.

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Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world. Today it is estimated that there are more than 300 million obese people world-wide. Obesity is a condition of excess body fat often associated with a large number of debilitating and life-threatening disorders. It is still a matter of debate as to how to define obesity in young people. Overweight children have an increased risk of being overweight as adults. Genetics, behavior, and family environment play a role in childhood overweight. Childhood overweight increases the risk for certain medical and psychological conditions. Encourage overweight children to expand high energy activity, minimize low energy activity (screen watching), and develop healthful eating habits. Breast feeding is protective against obesity. Diet restriction is not recommended in very young children. Children are to be watched for gain in height rather than reduction in weight. Weight reduction of less than 10% is a normal variation, not significant in obesity.

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Introduction: In the present study, we have sought to determine the existing Knowledge, attitude & practice and impact of a structured health education intervention regarding diabetes in adults in Sikkim. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study of non-randomised trial done at the Central Referral Hospital of SMIMS, Sikkim, India on 189 adult individuals attending the 'Diabetes Awareness Camp'. A pre-tested closed ended questionnaire was used to assess the impact of health education intervention. The data was analysed by a computer programme, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Paired t-test was applied. Results: A questionnaire specifically designed to find knowledge and attitude related to diabetes total of administered on 189 adults revealed that mean age of participants was 45.7 years (+14.8 yrs), majority were males (63.5%), 23.3% had positive family history, 55.6% were previously diagnosed. Knowledge of diabetes was suboptimal in pre-test. Significantly improved knowledge was after intervention regarding: (a) Risk factors, (b) Early symptoms, (c) Organs affected, (d) Warning signs of Hypoglycaemia, (e) Personal Precautions. Significantly improved positive attitude was among: (a) motivate all family members to get their blood sugar tested yearly after 40 yrs of age, (b) undergo regular check-up, continue medication and motivate family members. Majority of previously diagnosed diabetics (78.6%) were on regular medication. 82.8% were on insulin, 18.4% taking it themselves. 7.8% were carrying identification card with treatment regimen and 35.9% carrying sugar/chocolate. Conclusions: This study highlighted the need for better health information to the patient through large scale awareness interventions regarding diabetes.

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A tendency for magnesium deficiency in patients with diabetes mellitus is well established. Hypomagnesemia is commonly associated with hypokalemia and hypocalcemia. Here, we report a case of a 55 yr old woman with diabetes mellitus, presenting with acute onset quadriparesis, paresthesia and muscle cramps, associated with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia, with total recovery on correction of electrolytes for which no other secondary cause could be ascertained.

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Introduction: Diabetes mellitus comprises a group of common metabolic disorders that share the phenotype of hyperglycemia. The metabolic dysregulation associated with DM causes secondary patho-physiological changes in multiple organ systems. The brainstem auditory electric responses represent a useful, non invasive and simple procedure to detect both acoustic nerve and CNS damage. Material & Methods: The study was carried out in the department of ENT, JNMC from 2008 -2010. The study included two groups, (i) diabetic group (n=25) (ii) Control group (n = 25). Diabetic group included patients attending Endocrinology OPD and ward. The equipment used for recording evoked response audiometry is IHS-BERA. Model number TH72312HT. Year of manufacture 2006. Results: Mean age of control group was 45.7 years. In the study group 13 (52%) were males where as 12 (48%) were females. Mean age of study group was 46.8 years. There is no significant difference between age groups of controls and cases. Significant difference was found in latencies of wave III and interpeak III-V while highly significant difference was found in latencies of wave V and interpeak I-III, I-V between control and study group at 70 dB. Highly significant difference was found in latencies of wave III, V and interpeak I-III and I-V while significant difference was found in interwave III-V between control and study group at 80 dB. Significant difference was found in latencies of wave V and interpeak III-V while highly significant difference was found in wave III and interpeak I-III, I-V between control and study group at 90 dB. Conclusion: BERA is a simple, non-invasive procedure to detect early impairment of acoustic nerve, and CNS pathways, even in the absence of specific symptoms. This study suggests that if BERA is carried out in diabetic patients; involvement of central neuronal axis can be detected earlier.

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