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Bausch + Lomb has announced a voluntary recall of intraocular lenses on its enVista platform due to the potential for an acute postoperative inflammatory reaction.

If you eat a snack—a meatball, say, or a marshmallow—how will it affect your blood sugar? It’s a surprisingly tricky question; the body’s glycemic response to different foods varies based on individual genetics, microbiomes, hormonal fluctuations, and more. Because of that, providing personalized nutritional advice—which can help patients manage diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, among other conditions—requires costly and intrusive testing, making it hard to deliver effective care at scale.

Prediabetes: Potential Cardiovascular (CV) Warning Sign: India has a high prediabetes prevalence (15.3%), nearly equal in urban (15.4%) and rural (15.2%) areas. (1) In India, isolated IFG predominates, with rapid progression to diabetes (55% in 3 years) even at lower BMI. Asian Indians have higher central adiposity and insulin resistance, worsening metabolic responses to weight gain; amplifying CV risk even in prediabetes, and highlighting the need for early interventions. (1,2) A recent study published in March 2025 included young acute myocardial infarction patients (<35 years) and found prediabetes in 22.1% of cases, with a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) compared to normoglycemic individuals (27.3% vs. 18.4%). After adjusting for confounders, prediabetes remained an independent predictor of adverse outcomes (HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.05–2.18; p=0.027), with risk comparable to diabetes.​ (3)

Pathophysiology Linking Prediabetes to CV Events: Prediabetes involves insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, leading to low-grade inflammation and endothelial damage. (4) Central obesity fuels cytokine release (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule-1), promoting atherosclerosis. Hyperglycemia worsens vascular injury via lipoprotein glycation and oxidative stress. These processes contribute to early cardiovascular disease. Surrogate markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, carotid intima-media thickness, and microalbuminuria are often elevated, signaling subclinical vascular dysfunction and heightened CV risk even before progression to overt diabetes. (5)

Indian-Specific Risk Amplifiers: Indians suffer early CV risk, evident even before diabetes, with most newly diagnosed T2DM patients classified as high or very high risk and a mean 10-year CVD risk of 15.3%. (6) Indians exhibit a distinct “thin-fat” phenotype—marked by abdominal adiposity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia—even at low BMI. (7) This metabolic profile, seen from childhood, is compounded by high-carbohydrate diets and sedentary lifestyles. (8) Studies show higher truncal fat, insulin resistance, and beta-cell stress compared to whites, predisposing this group to early-onset diabetes and amplifying cardiovascular risk well before overt disease, as reflected in high-risk scores at diagnosis. (6)

Identifying High-Risk Individuals in Practice: Adults over 30 years with risk factors like family history, hypertension, PCOS, inactivity, or central obesity should be screened using HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).(9) As per ADA 2025, the presence of prediabetes should prompt comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment. (10)

Evidence for Metformin in CV Risk Reduction: The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) enrolled 3,234 high-risk adults to assess diabetes prevention using metformin (850 mg BID), lifestyle changes, or placebo. Over 2.8 years, metformin reduced diabetes incidence by 31% vs. placebo. Long-term follow-up in the DPPOS showed a sustained risk reduction of 18% over 10–15 years. Metformin was especially effective in individuals with obesity, elevated fasting glucose, or a history of gestational diabetes. (11)

The Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme (IDPP; n=531) was a randomized, controlled trial assessing diabetes prevention in Asian Indians with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Participants were assigned to control, lifestyle modification, metformin (250 mg BID), or both. Over 3 years, metformin alone reduced diabetes incidence from 55% to 40.5%, with a 26.4% relative risk reduction (p=0.029) and number needed to treat of 6.9, demonstrating efficacy of low-dose metformin in this high-risk population. (12)

Proactive Prediabetes Care: Integrating Lifestyle & Pharmacological Approach: Lifestyle modification is essential but often insufficient in Indian prediabetes due to early beta-cell dysfunction and rapid disease progression. The Indian Expert Consensus Statement (on Approach and Management of Prediabetes in India) suggests early consideration of metformin (250–850 mg/day), especially in younger individuals with additional risk factors such as BMI >35 kg/m² or prior GDM, and initiation after 6 months of failure of lifestyle interventions. Metformin is the only pharmacologic agent recommended to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes,8 and is approved for prediabetes in 66 countries. (13)

Guideline	Recommendations for Metformin Use	Criteria	Notes
American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2025) (14)	Consider metfomin for prevention of T2D in high-risk adults	-Age 25-59 years -BMI >35 kg/m2 -FPG >110 mg/dL -HbA1c >6% -History of GDM	Level A recommendation.
Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India – Endocrine Society of India (RSSDI-ESI, 2020) (15)	Initiate metformin fo diabetes prevention in younger individuals with risk factors.	Initiate metformin fo diabetes prevention in younger individuals with risk factors. -One or more diabetes risk factors (regardless of BMI) OR -Overweight/obese with IFG+IGT or IFG+HbA1c >5.7%	Recommended dose: 500 mg twice daily. To be started after 6 months of lifestyle intervention.

Take-Home Message

• Prediabetes is highly prevalent in India and significantly elevates CV risk—even in young adults- necessitating the need for early detection and intervention.
• Asian Indians are uniquely vulnerable due to early insulin resistance, central adiposity, and rapid progression to diabetes even at lower BMI.
• Screening high-risk adults and assessing cardiovascular risk may be essential even at the stage of prediabetes.
• Lifestyle modification plus early metformin use, supported by Indian & global guidelines, can effectively delay T2D and reduce CV complications when appropriately indicated.

References:

1. Anjana, Ranjit Mohan et al. “Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17).” The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology vol. 11,7 (2023): 474-489. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00119-5

2. Sandforth, Leontine et al. “Prediabetes remission to reduce the global burden of type 2 diabetes.” Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM, S1043-2760(25)00004-9. 14 Feb. 2025, doi:10.1016/j.tem.2025.01.004

3. Zhao, X., Zhuang, Y., Tang, S. et al. Prognostic impact of prediabetes on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients under 35 with premature acute myocardial infarction. Diabetol Metab Syndr 17, 90 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-025-01662-3

4. Brannick B, Dagogo-Jack S. Prediabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Pathophysiology and Interventions for Prevention and Risk Reduction. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2018;47(1):33-50. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2017.10.001

5. Nanavaty D, Green R, Sanghvi A, et al. Prediabetes is an incremental risk factor for adverse cardiac events: A nationwide analysis. Atheroscler Plus. 2023;54:22-26. Published 2023 Sep 14. doi:10.1016/j.athplu.2023.08.002

6. Unnikrishnan, A G et al. “Cardiovascular risk in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients in India.” PloS one vol. 17,3 e0263619. 31 Mar. 2022, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263619

7. Siddiqui MK, Anjana RM, Dawed AY, et al. Young-onset diabetes in Asian Indians is associated with lower measured and genetically determined beta cell function [published correction appears in Diabetologia. 2022 Jul;65(7):1237. doi: 10.1007/s00125-022-05707-4.]. Diabetologia. 2022;65(6):973-983. doi:10.1007/s00125-022-05671-z

8. Das AK, Mohan V, Ramachandran A, et al. An Expert Group Consensus Statement on “Approach and Management of Prediabetes in India”. J Assoc Physicians India 2022;70(12):69–78.

9. Alvarez S, Coffey R, Mathias PM, et al. Prediabetes. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459332/

10. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 2. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care 1 January 2025; 48 (Supplement_1): S27–S49. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc25-S002

11. Aroda VR, Knowler WC, Crandall JP, et al. Metformin for diabetes prevention: insights gained from the Diabetes Prevention Program/Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Diabetologia. 2017;60(9):1601-1611. doi:10.1007/s00125-017-4361-9

12. Ramachandran, A et al. “The Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme shows that lifestyle modification and metformin prevent type 2 diabetes in Asian Indian subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IDPP-1).” Diabetologia vol. 49,2 (2006): 289-97. doi:10.1007/s00125-005-0097-z

13. Petrie, John R. “Metformin beyond type 2 diabetes: Emerging and potential new indications.” Diabetes, obesity & metabolism vol. 26 Suppl 3 (2024): 31-41. doi:10.1111/dom.15756

14. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 3. Prevention or Delay of Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care 1 January 2025; 48 (Supplement_1): S50–S58. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc25-S003

An Instagram post claims that Pudina, Dhaniya, Curry patta, Rock Salt and Turmeric cure lipomas In A Week. The claim by the user is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Pudina, Dhaniya, Curry patta, Rock Salt and Turmeic cure lipomas in a week. The user healthmatters.ai in the reel says, “Any kind of lipoma in the body will completely go away. For this, you just need to take a few mint leaves, coriander, and curry leaves, put them in a blender along with a little turmeric. Then make a juice out of this mixture and if you drink it two to three times a day, it will disappear within a week”

The claim can be accessed here

Fact Check

The claim by the user is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or established medical consensus indicating that pudina (mint), dhaniya (coriander), curry leaves, rock salt, or turmeric have any effect on treating or reducing lipomas.

What are lipomas?

Lipomas are common, non-cancerous tumors made up of fat cells, often surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule. They typically occur in the subcutaneous tissues of the head, neck, shoulders, and back, but can also be found in other areas like the thighs. Most lipomas grow slowly and do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or multiply. While generally harmless, lipomas can be linked to rare conditions such as multiple hereditary lipomatosis and Gardner syndrome. Several uncommon types of lipomas include angiolipoma, myolipoma, and hibernoma.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Pudina, Dhaniya, Kadi Patta, Salt and Turmeic?

Mint (Pudina), particularly from the Mentha species, offers several nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and heart-protective properties. Due to its low toxicity and high effectiveness, mint is widely used for promoting overall health and preventing chronic diseases.

Coriander leaves are known as Dhaniya for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. The seeds help with digestion, joint pain, and blood sugar control, while the leaves are used for stomach issues and inflammation. They also contain dodecenal, a natural antibacterial compound effective against Salmonella—stronger than gentamicin in lab tests—making coriander a valuable ingredient in both traditional medicine and cuisine.

Curry leaves (Curry patta) are highly valued for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, and E, they support digestion, reduce oxidative stress, and improve heart and liver health. Traditionally used in Ayurveda, curry leaves exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal properties. 

Rock salt or halite consists of 95-98% sodium chloride, 2-4% polyhalite (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, oxygen, hydrogen), 0.01% fluoride, 0.01% iodine and small amounts of numerous trace minerals. The reddish colour is due to the presence of elements in polyhalite and trace minerals. It can be used as a healthy substitute for common salt as it is rich in minerals and does not pose health problems like high blood pressure, puffiness in the body or eyes. It has numerous health benefits such as aiding in digestion, improving appetite, removing gas and soothing heartburn, plays an important role in replenishing the body’s electrolytes and maintaining the pH balance, stabilizing blood pressure, aiding in weight loss, helps in managing rheumatic pain and herpes, inflammation and irritation from insect bites, helps to overcome muscle cramps, improves the immune system and many more.

Turmeric, also known as Haldi, is obtained from rhizomes of Turmeric as a palatable orange-yellow spice and has cur-cumin as the main constituent. Turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, strong antimicrobial properties, and anticancer activities. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is a well-documented treatment for various respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, and allergy, as well as for liver disorders, anorexia, rheumatism, diabetic wounds, runny nose, cough, and sinusitis.

Can Pudina, Dhaniya, Curry patta, Salt and Turmeric Cure Lipomas In A Week?

There is no scientific evidence that a mixture of pudina (mint), dhaniya (coriander), Curry patta (curry leaves), rock salt, and turmeric can cure lipomas. These ingredients may offer general health benefits, but they do not cure or eliminate lipomas that too in a week.

Mint, a widely used culinary and medicinal herb, is known for its refreshing flavor and therapeutic properties. An article published in Molecules demonstrates that mint exhibits multiple health-promoting properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. These benefits are largely attributed to its strong antioxidant potential, low toxicity and high efficacy.

Coriander has long been recognized for its medicinal value, and recent scientific studies support its therapeutic potential. The study by Veda Prachayasittikul et. al. highlights that coriander contains various bioactive phytochemicals responsible for its diverse biological effects, including antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Curry patta, a staple in Indian cuisine, is not only valued for its flavor but also for its medicinal properties. A review published in Reviews in Food and Agriculture highlights the potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activities of Curry patta particularly concentrated in its leaf, stem, bark, and essential oil components.

Rock salt, commonly used in traditional remedies, is known for its therapeutic benefits beyond seasoning. According to the World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, it can support healthy metabolism, enhance water absorption in the digestive system, and facilitate better nutrient and mineral uptake—contributing to overall improved body function.

Turmeric, a golden-hued spice widely used in traditional medicine, offers a broad spectrum of health benefits. As highlighted by Javad Sharifi-Rad et. al., it exhibits numerous therapeutic properties including antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, and even antivenomous effects.

While ingredients like pudina (mint), dhaniya (coriander), curry patta (curry leaves), rock salt, and turmeric offer certain health benefits, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that they can treat lipomas or influence their development.

Dr Prashant Chandra, Surgical oncology, TGH Oncolife Cancer Centre responded to the claim and said, “There is no evidence available to suggest that Pudina (mint), Dhaniya (coriander), Kadi Patta (curry leaves), salt, or turmeric can cure lipomas within a week or even at all. Don’t fall prey to any rumors at all. Lipomas are benign (non cancerous) fatty lumps that develop under the skin and typically do not go away without medical intervention. Though turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and some herbs support overall health, they cannot dissolve lipomas. Natural remedies do not shrink or eliminate these fatty growths. It is imperative to seek expert opinion instead of opting for natural remedies. So, consult a doctor and follow his/her instructions. If the lipoma grows, becomes painful, or causes discomfort then the expert can advise surgery or liposuction. Relying solely on home remedies may delay necessary treatment. It is also necessary to understand that not everything posted on social media is true. The forward posts circulated on social media are not backed by any research or expert comment and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Don’t just blindly follow anything and everything promoted on social media as it can do more harm than good. It is a good idea to clear all your doubts with the help of an expert instead of believing in any random information passed on social media.”

Dr Partha Pratim Sen, Senior Consultant, Narayana Hospital Super Specialty Hospital, Howrah further said, “Lipoma is a tumour from the fatty tissue. It is due to abnormal growth of a particular tissue (here body fat). It can occur anywhere in our body. Hence it is called ubiquitous tumour. No solid tumours regress due to any medications let alone herbs or spices. In some cases Liposarcoma which is a malignant tumour of fatty tissue may mimic a benign lipoma in the initial stage. Surgical removal is the only option if a lipoma is Symptomatic.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that a mixture of pudina, dhaniya, curry patta, rock salt, and turmeric can cure lipomas is false and unsupported by scientific evidence or medical consensus. These ingredients may support general health but do not s or treat lipomas.

Hence, the user’s claim is FALSE.