Can lifestyle changes reverse diabetes? Insights from TOI Medithon Part 4

The TOI Medithon Part 4 brought together leading healthcare professionals, diabetes experts, and participants to address the critical challenges surrounding diabetes management and prevention. The event served as a comprehensive platform for raising awareness and equipping individuals with actionable strategies to combat this chronic condition. With four dedicated sessions, the Medithon went deep into understanding diabetes, its complications, the interplay of obesity, and the significance of lifestyle modifications for prevention, management, and potential reversal.

Live Well with Diabetes: Getting to Know About DiabetesThe first session began with experts talking about what diabetes is, what are the myths and how to identify the metabolic disorder. Dr. Vidhya Rajeev Jahagirdar highlighted the myths surrounding diabetes, focusing on the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. She explained the different types of diabetes and their distinct characteristics. Dr. Archana Juneja elaborated on gender-specific differences in diabetes, emphasizing the protective role of estrogen in women and its diminishing effect after menopause. She discussed how these hormonal changes impact diabetes management in women. Dr. Beena Bansal addressed the asymptomatic nature of diabetes, revealing that 80% of patients do not experience symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular screening for early detection.

Live Well with Diabetes: Diabetes – Risk Factors and ComplicationsOne of the main reasons why diabetes is so heavily discussed is the complications that arise out of it. Dr. G. Sri Harsha emphasized diabetes as a significant contributor to cardiac deaths, particularly in young individuals. He explained how multiple factors interplay with diabetes to increase the risk of sudden cardiac events. Dr. Amit Goel discussed the impact of diabetes on kidney health, pointing to reduced blood supply, albumin loss, and the role of hypertension in exacerbating kidney complications. Dr. Mahesh DM stressed the importance of managing high blood glucose levels to prevent complications that affect major and minor blood vessels, which in turn can damage vital organs such as the heart.

Live Well with Diabetes: Diabetes and ObesityObesity and diabetes go hand in hand. Several health agencies and government bodies have been working together to create awareness around obesity and its contribution in developing diabetes. Dr. S. Sridhar defined obesity as a major risk factor for diabetes, referencing the World Health Organization’s BMI guidelines to classify obesity. Dr. Parag Shah explored factors beyond sedentary lifestyles that contribute to obesity, including genetic predisposition, cultural practices like overfeeding during pregnancy, childhood obesity, and reliance on packaged foods. Dr. Pramod Gandhi explained how obesity exacerbates diabetes management by causing insulin resistance. He advocated for lifestyle modifications to mitigate its effects.

Live Well with Diabetes: Prevention, Management & ReversalIf diabetes is a menace, diabetes reversal is the savior and in the last session of the medithon, experts highlighted this. Dr. Saptarshi Bhattacharya stressed the importance of inculcating healthy habits early on, including maintaining physical activity and reducing harmful addictions. Dr. Amitabh Sur highlighted the effectiveness of balanced nutrition and exercise in reducing diabetes. He recommended focusing on the quality and quantity of diet, ensuring a fair representation of carbohydrates and proteins, and carefully monitoring calorie intake. Dr. Chandani Seth emphasized dietary changes, advocating for increased fiber intake through vegetables and fruits, altering carbohydrate types, and reducing salt consumption. She proposed the “8-inch plate rule”: half the plate for salads, one-fourth for lean proteins, and one-fourth for grains.

TOI Medithon Part 4 provided an enlightening platform to address diabetes comprehensively. With expert insights and actionable advice, the event empowered participants to take control of their health through informed lifestyle changes, bringing hope and resilience in the journey to live well with diabetes.

Watch TOI Medithon Part 4 here