What causes Peripheral Vascular Disease in Diabetics

By: Dr. Krishna Chaitanya, Lead Consultant – Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Aster RV Hospital

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a common complication for those with diabetes, significantly impacting blood flow and increasing the risk of severe complications like infections, ulcers, and in some cases, amputation. This blog will explore the connection between diabetes and PVD, shedding light on risk factors, early symptoms, and treatment options to help manage and reduce the impact of this condition.

Why Diabetics are Prone to PVD

Diabetes is an illness that impacts blood glucose but is also associated with changes in blood vessels and circulation throughout the body. Diabetes causes high blood glucose, which leads to damage within vessel walls to form plaques and narrowing of the arteries. Also, in diabetics, the duration of blood vessel inflammation is likely to be higher than in patients without diabetes, which increases the risk of PVD.

Though diabetes itself is a significant risk factor, other elements can contribute to the development and progression of PVD:

  • Smoking: Smoking is found to contribute to worsening atherosclerosis and also damages blood vessels, hence posing serious risks for diabetics
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): High blood pressure raises the stress on the arterial walls, which in turn worsens blood vessel deterioration
  • Dyslipidemia: Plaque builds up if the patient has high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and low levels of good cholesterol (HDL)
  • Age and Gender: People who are 50 and above, and men are more susceptible to developing PVD than women

Symptoms that Indicate PVD in Diabetics:

Some of the PVD symptoms are not prominently noticeable or are even different from the common features traditionally associated with the disease, which worsens this situation for diabetics. Common symptoms include:

  • Claudication: Pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs or buttocks that occurs during walking and is relieved by rest.
  • Coldness in the Extremities: One may feel cold due to reduced blood flow to the feet or legs.
  • Poor Healing of Sores and Ulcers: There is poor circulation in the feet, thus it takes longer for injuries to heal fully.
  • Shiny Skin or Loss of Hair on the Legs and Feet: When circulation is reduced, it changes skin texture and also the rate of hair growth.
  • Reduced Pulse in the Legs and Feet: Lack of or weak pulse in the legs indicates limited blood circulation.

How to Treat Peripheral Vascular Disease in Diabetic Patients?

Managing PVD in diabetic patients typically requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention. The primary goal of managing SLE is the relief of symptoms, promotion of circulation, and avoiding further advancement of the illness.

Lifestyle Modifications

Smoking Cessation: You need to quit smoking to stop the progression of PVD. Smoking acts as a barrier to blood flow and also affects blood vessels.

Exercise Therapy: In more chronic cases, supervised exercise programs such as walking are suggested as they improve circulation, hence alleviating patients’ symptoms.

Dietary Changes: Low fat, high fiber, fruits, and vegetable diets lower cholesterol and balance blood glucose concentrations.

Medications

Several medications may be prescribed to help manage PVD in diabetics:

Antiplatelet Agents: Drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel thin the blood so that it flows more easily through the arteries and limits clot formation.

Cholesterol-Lowering Medications: Statins for cardiac care reduce cholesterol values in the blood and lower the rate of atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Blood Pressure Medications: Controlling blood pressure reduces arterial stress and helps prevent PVD progression.

Blood Sugar Control: Ensuring the patient’s blood sugar is well-controlled is another way to avoid worsening of blood vessels.

Surgical and Interventional Procedures

In cases of advanced PVD, lifestyle changes and medication might not be enough; surgical options may be necessary:

Angioplasty and Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure in which the artery is expanded by the inflation of a balloon, with a stent put in the artery to maintain its open state.

Atherectomy: A process where plaque is removed to open the arteries and allow regular blood flow.

Bypass Surgery: In more severe cases, bypass surgery can be an option, creating an alternate pathway for blood flow around narrowed or blocked arteries.

Chandigarh Couple’s Journey to Parenthood: A Testament to Strength and Hope

Chandigarh, 13 March 2025: Rupali (name changed), a 30-year-old woman, successfully conceived after a challenging nine-year journey with infertility, which included six miscarriages and multiple unsuccessful reproductive treatments. Despite facing numerous setbacks, the couple’s dream of parenthood was achieved through a careful and innovative approach to fertility care at Indira IVF Hospital Chandigarh.

The couple had been trying to conceive for nearly a decade, facing three early miscarriages shortly after marriage, followed by multiple failed IUI attempts and unsuccessful IVF cycles. Some of the early pregnancy losses were diagnosed as blighted ova (gestational sacs without a developing embryo), and even during IVF, despite positive beta hCG tests, pregnancies failed to progress due to the absence of a visible gestational sac.

The patient’s medical history revealed irregular menstrual cycles and hypothyroidism, though her ovarian reserve remained strong, and her husband’s sperm parameters were normal. A diagnostic procedure identified a slightly narrowed uterine cavity, which was surgically corrected. Despite extensive investigations, no definitive cause for the recurrent pregnancy losses could be determined, leading to a suspicion of an underlying immune-related issue affecting implantation and fetal development.

Dr Reema Sircar, Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist, explained, “Recurrent pregnancy loss and implantation failure remain some of the most complex challenges in fertility treatment. When standard approaches do not yield results, it becomes essential to explore potential immune-related factors and customize treatment accordingly. In Rupali’s case, we revised the treatment plan to include IVF with ICSI and genetic testing of embryos. Out of the embryos assessed, we selected two healthy ones for transfer; however, the pregnancy did not progress. Further specialized testing revealed slightly elevated immune markers, prompting us to introduce immune therapy to enhance implantation potential. Following this intervention, we proceeded with another frozen embryo transfer, supported by a carefully tailored immune-modulating treatment plan. This time, the pregnancy was successful, confirmed by a steadily rising beta hCG level, bringing long-awaited joy to the couple.”

This case exemplifies Indira IVF’s commitment to addressing complex infertility challenges through personalized treatment strategies. By addressing the challenge of multiple miscarriages and unsuccessful treatments, the team was able to help the couple achieve their dream of parenthood. This success not only transformed their lives but also serves as a beacon of hope for other couples facing similar infertility struggles.

Eco-Friendly Holi Celebrations: 4 Organic India Essentials You Need

March 13,2025:As Holi approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate with vibrant colours, delicious treats, and meaningful traditions. This year, elevate your celebration with products that have nature’s purity, are joyful, care for wellbeing, and eco-friendly. Organic India offers a range of organic alternatives like their Certified Organic Cow’s Ghee, Organic India’s newly launched Desi Khandsari sugar, eco-friendly herbal Gulal, thandai, and jaggery, all made with respect for nature. Enjoy Holi safely with your loved ones without worrying about harmful chemicals and pesticides. Celebrate with peace of mind, knowing that each product contributes to a more conscious world. Here’s a list of four perfect items to make your Holi festivities even more special:

1. Organic India Pack of 4 Festive Herbal Gulal

Make your Holi vibrant and natural with this pack of 4 colourful Herbal Gulal, featuring red, yellow, pink, and green hues. Made from real flowers like pink and red roses and fruits and vegetables like pomegranate peels and spinach, This plant based gulal with eco-friendly packaging is gentle on the skin and completely safe for the environment. It’s a great choice for a safe and joyous Holi celebration!

2. Organic India Thandai Instant Premix

Beat the heat and refresh your body and mind with Organic India’s Thandai Instant Premix. Made from a blend of nuts, seeds, spices, and rose petals, this delicious, cooling drink offers the authentic taste of India. Made from 100% natural ingredients, with no added colours or flavours, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy during the festivities.

3. Organic India Cow’s Ghee

Cook up delicious Holi treats with Organic India’s Cow Ghee, made from milk sourced from cows raised on organic farms. Made without using pesticides and hormones, this ghee is a source of fatty acids and nutrients.Perfect for adding a rich, wholesome flavor to your Holi recipes, from sweets to snacks.

4. Organic India Desi Khandsari Sugar (Desi Khand)

Sweeten your Holi with Organic India’s Desi Khandsari Sugar, an unrefined sugar made from organic sugarcane. With its traditional 4-step production method, this sugar enhances the taste of your food and beverages, from desserts to your morning tea, perfect for sweetening your Holi treats in a natural, delicious way.

Organic India products beautifully blend tradition, making them the perfect companions for a memorable Holi celebration. With a variety of sweetening alternatives, including Organic India honey, the brand is responding to the increasing shift towards mindful consumption and organic food choices. Their expansion into natural sweeteners, such as honey, jaggery, stevia, and khandsari, is a strategic move to meet the growing demand for wellness products.

Alphadroid Unveils Strong AI-Powered Hospitality Solutions at AAHAR 2025

Delhi, India – 13/03/2025:Alphadroid, a leader in intelligent service robotics, experienced a remarkable reception at AAHAR 2025 – The International Food & Hospitality Fair, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from March 4-8, 2025. This year marked Alphadroid’s second successful participation, demonstrating a significant surge in industry interest and adoption of cutting-edge automation solutions.

Attendees, ranging from representatives of luxury five-star hotels to banquets, budget hotels, and concept stays, showed a keen interest in exploring how Alphadroid’s intelligent service robots are revolutionizing guest experiences and operational efficiency. The overwhelming response highlighted the industry’s growing recognition of technology’s transformative potential.

“It was inspiring to see people recognize the vast potential of technology in the hospitality industry,” said Pragati Tripathi, Chief of Business and Strategy at Alphadroid. “While luxury hotels have been early adopters, there is now a growing understanding that technology can enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and drive efficiency not just in high-end properties, but also in banquets, budget hotels, and unique concept stays.”

Alphadroid’s intelligent service robots are designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the hospitality sector, offering solutions that enhance customer service, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall operational effectiveness. The company’s innovative approach resonated strongly with AAHAR attendees, who recognized the value of integrating advanced robotics into their businesses.

“The enthusiasm for innovation at AAHAR 2025 was palpable,” Tripathi added. “We are excited to partner with businesses across the hospitality spectrum to implement our intelligent service robotics and drive the industry forward.”

Alphadroid’s successful participation at AAHAR 2025 reinforces its position as a leading innovator in the service robotics industry, driving the adoption of intelligent automation solutions that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Style your Holi Look with Silver Accessories from BINNI

Holi is no longer the festival where one would only look for the oldest garment in their wardrobe and step out to get sloshed in colors. It has become yet another occasion to step out in style and make a bold statement with one’s look.

Let’s credit the movies and Bollywood to make white the official Holi Outfit color. Shraddha Tripathi, Founder and CEO, BINNI; a D2C fashion accessories brand suggests silver jewellery should be your go to, when planning to accessorize your Holi look. Here are a few Tips and Tricks to style, layer and slay this HOLI!!

    1. Subtle Elegance: if you like it simple and classy, opt for a single standout bangle or cuff with minimal jewellery. A single spiked bangle or engraved cuff can add an edge without overpowering the look.
  1. Bold Look: If you are someone who likes to stand out and make a statement, stack multiple heavy, intricately designed cuffs or bangles. This will elevate even simple outfits, and let the accessories shine. You can also add metallic or bold nail colors for completing the look.
  2. Minimalist Necklace Set – If you prefer a delicate and elegant style, a fine pearl or beaded choker (like the white choker with green detailing) is perfect for deep necklines. Add small studs or ear cuffs instead of heavy earrings for a chic, modern touch.
  3. Layering Magic – For a simple yet deep neckline opt for a fusion look. Complement the long silver necklace with additional delicate coloured stone studded silver necklace for a boho-fusion vibe.
  4. Jhumka Elegance – If you love to wear jhumkas (like the silver and pearl hook jhumkas), let them take center stage. Pair them with a delicate silver or pearl bracelet instead of a necklace to maintain balance. This would also work for close neck kurtis.
  5. Ear Cuff Statement – Style your hair in a sleek bun or braid to highlight the intricate ear cuffs. You may add a bun stick for additional flair.
  6. Colourful Danglers – With bold danglers (like the red statement earrings), opt for a minimal or no-necklace look, especially if your dress is deep-necked. A sleek bangle or ring can complement without overpowering.
  7. Mix Textures: Combine silver bangles with beaded or fabric accessories for a more eclectic, bohemian style.
  8. Pop of Colour – Enhance the white outfit and silver jewellery by pairing it with colourful bangles. Opt for oxidized silver anklets paired with a mirror work or colorful Mojris if you are going for high ankle or layered pants.

15 Years, Infinite Creativity: Present Future’s Artistic Milestone

March 13,2025:The International Creative Arts Centre (ICAC) is proud to present Present Future, a landmark exhibition celebrating the evolving landscape of Indian contemporary art. Taking place from 11th to 15th March 2025 at Bikaner House, Delhi, this exhibition will showcase 50 of India’s most celebrated contemporary artists, whose pioneering works are shaping the future of Indian art.

                                           Biman Das, Ravindra Mardia

Organized by ICAC and featuring the esteemed collection of Ravindra Mardia, Present Future is more than just an exhibition—it is a testament to the growth and transformation of Indian art over the past 15 years. The participating artists represent both renowned masters and emerging talents, bringing together diverse styles and narratives that define the contemporary art movement in India today.

A Celebration of Masters & Emerging Talent

Present Future features an impressive lineup of established artists, including Achuthan Kudallur, Anupam Sud, Avijit Dutta, Bose Krishnamachari, Chandra Bhattacharjee, Jeram Patel, K. Khosa, Manish Pushkale, Niren Sengupta, Prabhakar Kolte, Prem Singh, R. B. Bhaskaran, Ritu Singh, Seema Kohli, and Sudip Roy.

In addition to these well-known names, the exhibition also highlights the next generation of promising artists, such as Laxman Gore, Hemant Dhane, Pisurwo (Jitendra Suralkar), Manish Rao, and Bhuval Prasad. These rising talents are already making their mark, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and signaling the future of Indian art.

 The exhibition was inaugurated by Sameep Shastri, Maneesh Bahti, Prof. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Sanjeev Kishor, and Goutam Rajput. Many senior artists, including Gopi Gajwani, Vijendra Sharma, and Niren Sengupta, attended the opening.

The International Creative Arts Centre (ICAC) has been a key platform for nurturing and promoting Indian contemporary art for over 15 years. Committed to supporting both established and emerging artists, ICAC continues to provide a space where artistic vision and creativity can flourish.

i-merit Signs MoU with SRM Institute to Launch Skill Development Programs

Delhi, 13th March 2025: i-merit, the flagship program of Scholars Merit Online Pvt. Ltd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST), Delhi-NCR Campus, to introduce a series of skill development programs under the i-merit banner. These programs, designed to enhance students’ employability index, will range from short-term courses of 120 hours to comprehensive programs spanning 12 to 25 weeks, providing a structured approach to industry-oriented learning.

This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, equipping students with technical and soft skills essential for securing job opportunities in today’s competitive market. The i-merit Nova courses will be integrated into the i-merit Accelerate and Elevate programs, offering practical, hands-on training aligned with industry requirements.

Speaking on the partnership, Nancy D, CBO at Scholars Merit PVT Ltd., said, “At i-merit, we recognize that while academic degrees provide foundational knowledge, they often fall short in preparing students for real-world professional challenges. Our skill development programs at SRMIST are designed to address this gap by offering industry-aligned training that enhances employability. By extending our outreach through partnerships like this, we aim to empower over 50,000 students by December 2025.”

Prof. R. P. Mahapatra, Dean, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Delhi-NCR Campus, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “SRMIST is dedicated to providing our students with an education that not only meets academic excellence but also prepares them for the job market. Our partnership with i-merit will ensure that our students acquire the necessary skills to excel in their careers. With programs tailored to meet industry needs, this initiative will significantly boost the employability index of our students.”

SRMIST, Delhi-NCR Campus, is a premier educational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering and technology, management, computer applications, pharmacy, and hotel management. Recognized as a Category-1 university by MHRD and UGC, SRMIST holds an A++ accreditation by NAAC and is approved by AICTE and PCI. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and industry integration, SRMIST aims to be among the top private universities globally by 2025.

This MoU with SRMIST follows i-merit’s recent collaboration with Sri Sai Group of Institutes, where over 300 students are currently enrolled in i-merit Nova courses. With an ambitious goal of partnering with 100 colleges and impacting 50,000 students, i-merit continues to expand its footprint in skill development across India, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

PhonePe’s Indus Appstore and Xiaomi India Drive Growth in India’s Digital Ecosystem with New Partnership

Bangalore, March 13th, 2025: Indus Appstore, India’s homegrown Android app marketplace, today announced a multi-year alliance with Xiaomi India, a global technology pioneer. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Indus Appstore and Xiaomi India to foster a localized digital ecosystem tailored for Indian consumers.  By integrating the Indus Appstore on all new Xiaomi smartphones in India and replacing GetApps on existing ones, the Indus Appstore aims to foster accessibility, app discovery, and a seamless user experience.

Speaking about the partnership, Priya M Narasimhan, Chief Business Officer, Indus Appstore said, “Our partnership with Xiaomi India marks a significant milestone towards our goal of building a horizontal app store for Indian Mobile Users and Developers. By combining Xiaomi India’s reach with our localized app discovery platform, we’re creating opportunities for developers while delivering a seamless, culturally-relevant experience to users. This partnership is just the beginning of our vision to transform how India discovers and experiences mobile apps.”

 Sudhin Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, Xiaomi India, commented on the development, stating, “As India’s digital ecosystem continues to grow, the demand for a locally driven app marketplace has never been more critical. At Xiaomi India, we have always championed ‘Make for India’ innovations, and this partnership with Indus Appstore is a strategic step in that direction. By integrating Indus Appstore with our ecosystem, we aim to offer users a seamless and enriched app discovery experience, while also supporting Indian developers in reaching a wider audience. This partnership reflects both brands’ unwavering commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem in India, empowering users and developers alike.”

This partnership will also help build a self-reliant, consumer-first digital infrastructure in the country by integrating a localized, feature-rich app marketplace, that will help drive innovation and accessibility for millions of users across the country.

Some of the key product highlights of the latest Indus Appstore version are:

  • Multilingual App Discovery: Users can discover apps in 12 Indian languages, making it convenient for vernacular language speakers to find their preferred apps
  • Video-First Experience: An innovative video-led app discovery system that provides users with rich, visual previews of apps before downloading
  • Voice-Enabled Search: Supporting voice commands in 10 Indian languages, eliminating the need for specialized keyboards or complex character input
  • Comprehensive App Collection: Access to over 5 lakh mobile apps and games across 45 categories, ensuring a diverse selection for all user needs

CMRI Kolkata’s Wake-Up Call for Sleep Apnea Patients

Kolkata (West Bengal), 13 March 2025: On the observance of World Sleep Day, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata organized an interactive session with doctors and patients highlighting the concept of “Sleep Well, Live Well!’ along with the launch of a Sleep Apnea Support Group. The session stressed the early diagnosis and treatment, as well as lifestyle modification for better sleep health.

Sleep apnea presents a very serious yet oftentimes not diagnosed medical condition, which has affected millions of Indians in their sleep. The numbers increase each year. The condition refers to the constant pause and resume of breathing during sleep, impaired oxygen supply into the body, and reduced body function. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can give rise to severe cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke; metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity; and upon mental wellbeing complications comprising anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction, accompanied by tremendous day fatigue, loss in productivity, and plethora accidents.

This interactive session with the patients led by Dr. Raja Dhar, Director and Head of the Department of Pulmonology, and Dr. Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist at CMRI Kolkata, brought forward the different issues of the patients suffering from sleep apnea and also the doctors pointed out that it is a common disorder but is rarely diagnosed and can be life-threatening. Both pointed out that snoring if often considered just an annoying bother, could just be a telltale sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an ailment wherein respiration stops and starts repeatedly through the course of sleep, thereby reducing airflow to the lungs. When OSA is left untreated, it can complicate with very serious medical conditions, mainly hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and metabolic disorders.

Dr. Arup Halder commented on the dangers presented by sleep apnea: “It’s that condition that disturbs the very rhythm of life-breathing and sleeping. On this World Sleep Day, it needs to discover its toll and motivate early diagnosis and treatment. Whether by lifestyle modification, CPAP therapy, or surgical intervention, sleep apnea must be treated for the preservation of well-deserved peaceful nights and wholesome days.”

Dr. Raja Dhar expressed quite the same sentiments in not so many words: “Across the globe, sleep disorders affect over 10% of the population, translating to an occurrence of more than 200 million patients in India alone. Research suggests that nearly 50 million Indians are suffering conditions such as sleep apnea and insomnia. However, a majority remains undiagnosed. This lack of awareness brings dire consequences in the long run, such as cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders, and impaired cognitive function. Sleep-related problems are already rising at an alarming state in India, making early screening, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions imperative for this threatening rise.The significance of quality sleep and health needs to be emphasized. If you or someone around you snores loudly and experiences excessive fatigue during the day or wakes up at night with choking sensations, seeking medical help can change everything. Protecting our health and well-being in the future means fighting sleep disorders.”

To respond to the growing concerns, CMRI Kolkata has now launched a dedicated Sleep Apnea Support Group for long-term assistance and community support for individuals to lead a healthier life.

List of Airports tweeted Air India Express’ 100 Aircraft Milestone

March 13,2025:A moment of pride, a story of growth! Air India Express has officially welcomed its 100th aircraft, marking an incredible milestone in its journey. Airports across India – from Agartala, Amritsar, Bengaluru, and Delhi to Chennai, Guwahati, Lucknow, Mangalore, and beyond – joined the celebration turning social media into a hub of excitement as this achievement took flight.

Mirroring the tail art on Air India Express’ 100th aircraft, a Boeing 737-8, featuring Chittara – an ode to Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage – Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, lit up its digital screens with informatory content on the traditional mural painting art form. The aircraft’s take-off from the airport – a major destination for Air India Express with over 445 weekly flights – was flagged off by Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express,

Each aircraft in the growing Air India Express fleet carries the ‘Tales of India’ tail art theme, a unique branding initiative that showcases the country’s diverse artistic heritage. Each tail art is inspired by traditional Indian textile motifs, mural paintings, and folk-art forms such as Ajrakh and Bandhani from Gujarat, Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, Ikat from Odisha, Jaapi from Assam, Jamdani from West Bengal, Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Warli from Maharashtra, and more. This initiative not only enhances the airline’s visual identity but also pays tribute to India’s deep-rooted artistry, making every flight a journey through the nation’s cultural legacy. The Chittara art on the 100th aircraft continues this tradition, celebrating the vibrancy of Karnataka’s cultural landscape.

The journey to this achievement has been one of exceptional growth and transformation. Since joining the Tata group in January 2022, Air India Express has nearly doubled its fleet—from 26 Boeing 737 NGs and 28 A320s to an impressive 100 aircraft. This expansion sets the stage for the airline to operate over 500 daily flights by March 2025, covering 54 destinations across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.