By-Dr. Ganapathi Sastry Nadiminty, Senior Diabetologist and Medical Director at GVK Health Hub on World Diabetes Day

Diabetes affects millions across the world and is increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in youth. GVK Health Hub aspires to ameliorate global health by shifting the focus on prevention, early detection, and effective management as a deterrent to this growing menace. Observed on November 14th, World Diabetes Day underscores the importance of collective and individual efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and management.

Dr. Ganapathi Sastry Nadiminty, Senior Diabetologist and Medical Director at GVK Health Hub, shares insights on managing and reducing diabetes as a critical health challenge.

“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%.

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%) 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.”