Take Ownership of Diabetes for a Better Future

Take Ownership of Diabetes for a Better Future

During the live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor” organized by the Diabetes Care Foundation of India, Dr. Sunil Gupta discussed the growing burden of diabetes and emphasized that the disease often remains silent for years without noticeable symptoms. He explained that in India, diabetes is typically detected approximately 3–7 years later than its actual onset. Many patients are diagnosed only after complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels have already developed. He further asked, “Do you think these chronic complications occur within days or weeks? No. It takes years of uncontrolled diabetes for such damage to develop.” Dr. Gupta stressed the importance of regular screening, monitoring, and a holistic approach to diabetes management rather than focusing only on blood sugar levels. He emphasized the need for patients to take “ownership” of their diabetes by following treatment plans, undergoing routine check-ups, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. The discussion also covered topics such as hypoglycemia, insulin therapy, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), diabetes-related complications, alcohol-related risks, travel precautions for people with diabetes, and the importance of carrying a diabetes identification card. Special attention was given to the increasing incidence of diabetes among younger adults and the need for early diagnosis and preventive care. The key message was that awareness, timely testing, regular monitoring, and active patient and family participation are essential to prevent complications and achieve better long-term diabetes outcomes. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Purva Kulkarni Podcast: 08/05/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Why Diabetes Needs Early Diagnosis and Prevention

The live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor” by the Diabetes Care Foundation of India featured expert guidance from Dr. Sunil Gupta and Dr. Shlok Gupta on diabetes awareness, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. During the discussion, Dr. Sunil Gupta highlighted the alarming rise of diabetes and prediabetes in India. Referring to recent health data, he explained that nearly every fourth adult above 18 years of age is affected by either diabetes or prediabetes. He emphasized that many people remain undiagnosed for years because diabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms. The experts stressed the importance of regular health check-ups, especially after the age of 35, or earlier in people with a family history of diabetes. They explained the role of HbA1c testing, fasting blood sugar, and oral glucose tolerance tests in diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes. Dr. Gupta also discussed how obesity, genetics, sedentary lifestyle, and poor eating habits increase diabetes risk. He warned against self-medication and explained that diabetes treatment must be individualized based on factors such as body weight, insulin production, and insulin resistance. Dr. Shlok Gupta explained that very high blood sugar levels can temporarily exhaust insulin-producing beta cells. In such cases, short-term insulin therapy may help the pancreas recover before shifting patients back to oral medicines. The programme also highlighted modern diabetes technologies such as Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems and insulin pumps, which help patients monitor and control blood sugar more effectively. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Shlok Gupta Anchor- Purva Kulkarni Podcast: 24/04/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Healthy Eating and Timely Care Can Prevent Diabetes Complications

The live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor” by the Diabetes Care Foundation of India featured Dr. Sunil Gupta and Kavita Gupta, who shared valuable insights on diabetes, common myths, healthy nutrition. and proper treatment. Dr. Sunil Gupta explained that self-medication or following advice from neighbours and relatives can be dangerous, as every diabetes patient requires personalized treatment based on age, weight, blood pressure, heart, kidney and liver health, family history, and his own lifestyle. He further highlighted the dangers of alcohol, which can damage the pancreas and lead to secondary diabetes, sometimes requiring lifelong insulin. Kavita Gupta clarified that “sugar-free” does not mean “calorie-free.” Such foods may still contain fat or artificial sweeteners and can increase blood sugar and weight if consumed excessively. She advised limiting sweets and avoiding energy drinks and sugary beverages, especially for children. The experts recommended healthier options like buttermilk, coconut water, lemon water, and mango panna. They also emphasized eating three main meals and three small snacks to avoid weakness caused by long gaps between meals. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta Anchor- Swati Huddar Podcast : 10/04/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Diabetes, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance

During the live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor” on Akashvani, the discussion highlighted the strong link between obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance, etc. emphasizing that diabetes management should go beyond just controlling blood sugar. Experts stressed that focusing only on glucose levels (a “glucocentric approach”) is not enough; instead, a holistic approach is essential, including weight control, lifestyle changes, and overall metabolic health. It was explained that obesity—especially central or abdominal obesity (visceral fat)—plays a major role in increasing insulin resistance. Fat accumulation around vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and heart leads to chronic inflammation, which is the root cause of many complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, neuropathy, and gangrene etc. Even individuals with normal weight but increased waist circumference are at higher risk. The session also highlighted that increasing body fat reduces the effectiveness of insulin, leading to higher insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) and eventually exhausting insulin-producing beta cells. This contributes to the development and progression of Type 2 diabetes. Clear targets for blood sugar control were discussed for different age groups, along with the importance of avoiding hypoglycemia, especially in elderly individuals. The role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and “time in range” was also explained as a modern approach to diabetes care. The key message was: control weight, reduce abdominal fat, follow regular meal timing, stay active, and adopt preventive healthcare practices to effectively manage and prevent diabetes and its complications. Expert: Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor: Purva Kulkari Podcast : 27/03/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Diabetes and Neuropathy: Understanding Nerve Damage and Its Prevention

During the live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor” on Akashvani, Dr. Sunil Gupta explained that diabetes can affect many organs of the body when blood sugar remains uncontrolled for a long time. One of the most common complications is diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which nerves are gradually damaged due to prolonged high blood glucose levels. This complication usually develops over several years and most often begins in the nerves of the feet and hands. Dr. Sunil Gupta stated that common symptoms of neuropathy include burning sensation, tingling, numbness, reduced sensation, and pain in the feet. Many patients may not notice minor injuries or wounds because of decreased sensitivity. Sometimes, even slippers may slip off while walking without the person realizing it. Due to this loss of sensation, the condition is often referred to as a “high-risk foot” situation. He further explained that if nerve damage is combined with poor blood circulation (neuro-ischemic foot), wound healing becomes slow and difficult. In severe cases, untreated wounds may lead to serious complications such as infection or gangrene, making it at high risk for amputation. Dr. Sunil Gupta also highlighted that diabetes affects both small blood vessels (microvascular disease) and large blood vessels (macrovascular disease), which can impact important organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet. He emphasized that maintaining proper blood sugar control, regular medical check-ups, foot care, and early detection of complications are essential for preventing long-term damage and improving quality of life for people living with diabetes. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Swati Huddar Podcast: 27/02/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur