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Healthy habits for the whole family: Managing Diabetes together

Healthy habits for the whole family: Managing Diabetes together

Rajiv Kovil / etimes.in / Mar 28, 2026, 15:00 IST

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Healthy habits for the whole family: Managing Diabetes together

The diabetes burden is rising across the country. Many families are struggling with diabetes and fail to manage it. However, this article is an eye-opener for the families who wish to control diabetes and improve the quality of life. Right from children to adults to even senior citizens, everyone should come together, follow the expert’s guidance, stay healthy, and manage diabetes. So, don’t panic as we’ve got you covered. It is a known fact that managing diabetes becomes easier when the whole family adopts healthy habits. Hence, creating a supportive environment that benefits both children and adults. Get going, take charge of your well-being!Diabetes affects how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). It can impact both adults and children. The diabetes epidemic in India is concerning and demands timely attention. Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps to control blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is seen in children due to an autoimmune response where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes is associated with unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, obesity, stress, and even family history.

The symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and unexplained weight loss. In children, the warning signs can be irritability and low energy levels. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, vision loss, and frequent infections. In children, poor control can also affect growth and development, and can become worrying for parents.

Know about healthy habits for the whole family, and manage diabetes with these crucial tips

Diet should be prioritized without fail: As a family, focus on mindful eating practices. Make sure to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and avoid junk, oily, canned, and processed foods. Make sure to eat at regular intervals, which can help you to stay full and avoid overeating. As many may end up having processed foods that can fluctuate their blood sugar levels. Adults should quit smoking and alcohol and ensure proper hydration.
Exercise as a family: Go for morning or night walks, cycling, swimming, and play outdoor games to manage blood sugar levels.
Monitor blood sugar levels: Go for an HbA1c test. Take medication or insulin as advised by the doctor. Don't try any herbal remedies like Aloe Vera, moringa, or cinnamon just because others are doing so. Moreover, avoid taking any medication on your own. What works for others may not suit you. So, follow the expert's advice only.
Make sure to spend less time on screens and try to be physically active. Phones shouldn't be allowed during meal times or in the bedroom while sleeping. So, be attentive, manage diabetes, stay strong and healthy!

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About the AuthorRajiv Kovil

Dr. Rajiv Kovil is a practicing Diabetologist (22+ years) and founder of Dr Kovils Diabetes Care Centre. Dr. Kovil has completed M.B.B.S. and diploma in Diabetology from Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai. In 2019, Dr. Kovil was awarded the Fellowship Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh. In addition to his Andheri and Lokhandwala centers, Dr. Kovil is a honorary diabetologist at several leading hospitals in the Western suburbs of Mumbai such as the Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, SL Raheja Hospital, KLS Memorial Hospital, Bhartiya Arogya Nidhi, BSES Hospital, CritiCare Hospital and Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Kovil is a founder member of United Diabetes Forum (UDF), a non-profit association of practicing diabetologists in India. He is also serving as an invited faculty for Diabetology Fellowship Program at DY Patil University. He is on the editorial board of Diabetes Today and was a member of National Editorial Board (2004) of Heart Care Journal. Since 2014, Dr. Kovil has been an organizing secretary for an annual scientific event titled, Challenges in Diabetes. Dr. Kovil has been very passionate about Project Blue Dot. He was the chief coordinator for Project True Blue (2015), a UDF initiative where the primary aim was to identify and mark diabetes friendly foods with a blue dot after defining the blue dot based on parameters like glycaemic index, glycaemic load and total calories. Dr. Kovil is a notable speaker at several National and International conferences. He was the Honorary Chief Guest for National Wellness Nutraceutical Awards and has been awarded the Diabetes India Fellowship, 2017. Dr. Kovil has over 30 published articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and he is currently working on two major trials (2020).

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