From silent risks to everyday habits: TOI Diabetes Medithon breaks down what it really takes to manage diabetes

Diabetes has swiftly become part of everyday life in India. It develops without warning and stays unnoticed for years. While medicines exist, gaps in awareness, lifestyle stress, and delayed care still make control difficult. The TOI Diabetes Medithon was created to bridge this gap by bringing trusted medical voices into simple, real conversations. Scheduled on January 16, the initiative focused on prevention, daily management, emotional support, and long-term health, not just treatment.The Medithon was designed to simplify complex medical advice without diluting facts. It addressed diabetes as a lifelong condition shaped by habits, family dynamics, and mental well-being. By placing endocrinologists from across India on one platform, the event aimed to replace fear and confusion with clarity. The sessions focused on what people live with every day, from food choices at home to myths that delay timely treatment.The opening session focused on the role of family and caregivers in diabetes care. Experts explained that diabetes management improves when families act as partners rather than controllers. Daily routines like meals, exercise, and medication become easier when support feels respectful. Emotional safety at home was highlighted as a strong factor in better outcomes. As Dr Arun Pandey clearly stated, “The idea is to empower the patient, not to pressure them.” Dr Saket Kant added that families should guide with care, not authority, saying they should never act like “police officers.”Another key session focused on risks and complications linked to uncontrolled diabetes. Doctors explained that diabetes can quietly damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and feet long before symptoms appear. Poor sugar control and delayed screening increase these risks, but the panel stressed that complications are not unavoidable. Dr M V Rama Mohan warned that many heart problems trace back to uncontrolled diabetes. Dr Lavanya Katakam highlighted how fluctuating sugar levels affect mood and energy, while Dr Haritha Galla reassured viewers that early screening and consistent control can prevent most complications.Misinformation remains one of the biggest barriers in diabetes management. This session addressed fears around insulin, food restrictions, sugar-free products, and alternative treatments. Doctors clarified that diabetes can exist without symptoms and is not caused by sugar alone. Dr Mathew John reminded viewers that how one feels is not a reliable marker of control. Dr Vishnu Vasudevan explained that genetics and metabolism matter more than sugar intake alone. Dr Parjeet Kaur reinforced that balance, not elimination, is key, noting that no food is completely forbidden when portions are managed well.The final discussions brought attention to holistic diabetes care. Doctors explained that sugar control depends on diet quality, regular movement, good sleep, and stress management working together. Crash diets and trends were discouraged in favour of sustainable habits. Dr Ambrish Mithal stressed that diabetes care includes managing blood pressure and cholesterol while protecting daily quality of life. Dr Sambit Das described nutrition, exercise, and a calm mind as the three pillars of care. Dr Nitin Kapoor summed it up by saying the best plan is the one people can follow long term.