Is the diabetes epidemic being ignored? Join TOI Medithon part-6 as experts discuss management, symptoms and prevention

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively. Raising awareness about diabetes is critical because it helps people recognize symptoms early. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes through timely interventions, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments.

Education on diabetes empowers individuals to make healthier choices, such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing stress. It also reduces stigma by fostering understanding and compassion for those living with the condition.

With the global rise in diabetes cases, awareness campaigns are vital for promoting regular health check-ups and emphasizing prevention strategies. By increasing public knowledge and encouraging healthy habits, we can reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for millions.

Awareness isn’t just about information—it’s a step toward healthier, more informed communities and with this vision, TOI will organise the sixth medithon, under the campaign Live Well With Diabetes. The event will be held on January 30. Major topics around diabetes will be covered in the medithon in four different sessions where experts will discuss basics on diabetes and provide informative solutions to it.

First session: Diabetes and ObesityThe first session will focus on obesity, a silent epidemic and how it influences diabetes. The event will have the following experts in attendance:

• Dr. Om J Lakhani, MD, DNB Endocrinology. Consultant Endocrinologist, Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad
• Dr. Harsh Durgia, MD, DM Endocrinology. Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr. Harsh’s Endocrine & Diabetes Center, Rajkot

Second session: Live well with Diabetes - Prevention, management and reversalPrevent diabetes by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing weight. Manage it with balanced meals, regular monitoring, and medication as needed. In some cases, Type 2 diabetes can be reversed through sustained lifestyle changes like weight loss and improved fitness.

The following experts will address the key queries in this session:

• Dr. Ghanshyam Agrawal MD, DM Endocrinology. Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Lucknow
• Dr. Jayakrishnan C Menon, MD, DM (Endocrinology). Assistant Professor in Endocrinology, Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur
• Dr. Kiran Kumar Pasam, MD, DM Endocrinology. Consultant Endocrinologist, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad

Third session: Live Well with Diabetes : Getting to know about DiabetesDiabetes is a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar due to insufficient insulin or resistance to it. It comes in types: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. Understanding its symptoms, risks, and management empowers individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives despite the condition.

• Dr. Alka Gandhi, Consulting Diabetologist & Founder, Aayushi Advanced Diabetes Care Clinic, Mumbai
• Dr. Shefali Karkhanis, Consultant Diabetologist & Co-Director, Karkhanis Super-specialty Hospital, Thane
• Dr. Ami Sanghvi, Director & Consultant Diabetologist, Sanghvi Eye & Diabetes Care Centre, Mumbai

Fourth session: Diabetes - Risk factors and complicationsRisk factors for diabetes include obesity, family history, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and age. Complications can arise if unmanaged, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, vision loss, and slow wound healing. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial to reducing these risks and maintaining overall health.

Participate in the TOI Medithon Part-6 to understand the complications around diabetes as explained by the following experts:

• Dr. Jasjeet Singh Wasir, MD, Director, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medanta, Gurugram
• Dr. Rohit Kapoor, MD, FACP, FACC, FRCP, Internal Medicine Director, Carewell Heart & Super Speciality Hospital, Amritsar
• Dr. Ashish Saxena, MD, FRCP, FIAE, PGDD, Consultant Internal Medicine, Diabetes & Non-Invasive Cardiology, Diabetes and Heart Centre & Delta Heart Centre, Ludhiana

Awareness plays a crucial role in diabetes control by educating individuals about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. It empowers people to make healthier lifestyle choices, adhere to medication regimens, and monitor blood sugar levels, ultimately reducing complications and improving quality of life.

Watch TOI Medithon here