Dr Ganapathi Sastry Nadiminty, Senior Diabetologist and Medical Director at GVK Health Hub:
“It is important to understand that Diabetes affects millions of lives and alarmingly is on an unprecedented rise, more so among the youth. Diabetes, particularly Type 2, is a complex disease, which significantly affects the younger population today due to lifestyle factors.
Obesity is a major concern since it causes insulin resistance which occurs when cells within the body don’t respond to the insulin hormone, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is very important for everyone to maintain a normal BMI, eat a structured diet that contains all essential nutrients, and continue regular exercise, keeping them free from diabetes risk by up to 40 per cent.
Additionally, ensure early detection through periodic check-ups. Patients with diabetes are often asymptomatic during the high blood sugar production phase and complications start quite late, like heart disease, kidney damage, and neuropathy occurring with high sugar levels. Only after monitoring them periodically, can you detect the problem.
Ensure periodic blood glucose (HbAlc less than 7 per cent) checks, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, which are essentially the three ABCs (HbAlc, BP, Cholesterol) of diabetes management and aspire for healthy numbers.
Prevention and management efforts should focus on a balanced diet, physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. Through these steps, we can curb the diabetes epidemic and achieve long-term outcomes.”
Dr Chitra Selvan, Consultant Endocrinologist at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bangalore:
“On World Diabetes Day, it is critical to emphasise India’s growing diabetes epidemic, where over 77 million adults live with the disease—one of the highest rates in the world. Type 2 diabetes, which has been related to lifestyle, urbanisation, and hereditary factors, is affecting Indians at a younger age, increasing the risk of heart disease, renal failure, and nerve damage. Early detection and effective care have the potential to alter people’s lives. Regular checkups, balanced diets, physical activity, and stress management are all effective methods for prevention and control. Technological developments, such as continuous glucose monitors, are making management easier and more efficient. Raising awareness and improving healthcare access can help to lessen the effects of diabetes, resulting in better, longer lives for millions.
Preventing diabetes is possible if started early. If you have a family member with diabetes or if you are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle or have PCOS, please get your blood sugars checked annually and seek the support required to modify your lifestyle.”
Subodh Gupta, CEO Lord’s Mark Microbiotech:
“Amid the surge of diabetes patients and pre diabetics in India, the World Diabetes Day acts as an apt reminder to the pressing need to develop widespread awareness of the chronic and metabolic disease. While diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and amputations, the theme for this year ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’ underlines the crucial role of early detection and prevention. Regular blood sugar testing and adoption of healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise go a long way in decreasing the diabetes risk. The mission to reduce the global burden of diabetes requires concerted actions to build diabetes awareness as well as collaborative approach to make advanced diagnostics solutions such as preventive genome testing accessible to a broader population.”
Prateek Tiwari, Senior Director, Neuroscience & Specialty Therapies, Medtronic India
“The automated insulin delivery system from Medtronic represents a significant advancement in diabetes management. By providing precise, continuous, and automated insulin delivery, it enables individuals to maintain better glucose control and enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. This innovative technology not only enhances the quality of life for those living with diabetes but also reduces the risk of long-term complications. At Medtronic, we are committed to transforming diabetes care and improving outcomes for patients in India”