Reversing Diabetes: Experts Advocate For Lifestyle Changes Over Medication

The incidence of diabetes in India has more than doubled in the last 30 years, rising faster than anywhere else in the world. What was once prevalent primarily among adults is now commonly found in younger generations and children, positioning India as a potential "Diabetes Capital" of the world.

Dr Subhankar Mahapure, HoD of Physiotherapy at Pune-based Freedom From Diabetes (FFD), spoke at an interactive session titled "Reversal of Diabetes - A Myth or Reality." He highlighted the worsening diabetes epidemic, which continues to increase in prevalence, treatment costs, morbidity, and mortality. Despite advances in medical science over the past four decades, there has been no significant improvement in diabetes care. Dr Mahapure emphasised that modern medicine alone cannot curb the havoc caused by diabetes.

"Even good control of blood sugar with oral drugs and insulin may not be helpful in the long term. Fresh or old diabetes responds best when managed conservatively without drugs. The best solution is sincere lifestyle corrections and conservative management at the primary level of health care to enjoy positive health and total wellness throughout life," said Dr Mahapure.

Dr Pramod Tripathi, Founder of Freedom From Diabetes (FFD), echoed this sentiment. He emphasised that nearly 50 per cent of diabetes cases can be controlled adequately for a healthy life through exercise and diet management alone. He introduced the Holistic, Optimistic, Goal-Oriented Approach (HOGA) as the latest concept in controlling diabetes. This approach emphasises weight loss, regular exercise, and determination to achieve set goals.

"Management of diabetes and related diseases through a disciplined lifestyle, timely sleep, adequate relaxation, stress relief, regular aerobic exercise, daily yoga, an optimum nutritious diet, minimal intake of salt and sugar, weight control, and cessation of tobacco and alcohol intake definitely minimizes dependence on medication," Dr Tripathi noted.

The session was attended by various notable individuals, including Shishir Sharma, Coordinator of the FFD Club in Delhi,  Payal Goldie, Dr Ashwani Kumar, Dr Meenakshi, Deepika Garg, Anur Jain, Dharmendra Narula, Vikrant Vohra, Deepika, and Priti.