Hello Diabetes

In this Podcast of Hello Doctor, Dr. Sunil Gupta explained that diabetes is often a silent disease, with many people remaining undiagnosed for years. He discussed the different types of diabetes, the warning signs, and the importance of early screening—starting from 30 years of age for individuals with a family history and 35 years for everyone else. He also highlighted that Indians are genetically more prone to diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease, making regular health check-ups, healthy eating, and physical activity essential for prevention. Dr. Gupta also answered listeners' questions on diabetic neuropathy, obesity, insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes prevention. He emphasized that good control of blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, regular monitoring, and timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications such as nerve damage, foot ulcers, heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. He stressed that lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of diabetes prevention and management. Concluding the programme, Dr. Gupta described the four pillars of diabetes care—healthy diet, regular exercise, medications, and glucose monitoring—while emphasizing that the most important foundation is diabetes education and patient empowerment. Acting as the “Table Top” of the four pillars. He encouraged greater awareness in schools, workplaces, and communities, reminding listeners that "Genes are the loaded guns; the environment pulls the trigger," making healthy lifestyle choices the key to preventing diabetes and living a healthier life. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Manjusha Ambulkar Podcast: 30/07/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

During the live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor”, organized by the Diabetes Care Foundation of India, Dr. Sunil Gupta highlighted the special challenges faced by people with diabetes during the monsoon season. He explained that sudden weather changes and infections can significantly worsen blood glucose control and increase the risk of hospitalization and complications. Dr. Gupta emphasized that diabetes management should go beyond controlling blood sugar and include prevention of infections through timely vaccination, regular health check-ups, and healthy lifestyle practices. He discussed the importance of influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and shingles vaccines for people with diabetes, particularly older adults. The programme also covered topics such as early diabetes screening, diabetic dyslipidemia, cholesterol management, exercise, stress, mental health, hypoglycemia, and family support. Dr. Gupta encouraged individuals to take ownership of their health through regular monitoring, annual screening, preventive care, and evidence-based treatment. The key message was that proactive management, vaccination, and awareness can help prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes for people living with diabetes. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Swati Huddar Podcast: 12/06/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

In this episode of Hello Doctor, Dr. Sunil Gupta and Dr. Kavita Gupta explained that diabetes is a lifelong metabolic condition that can affect every organ if left uncontrolled, but its complications are largely preventable with timely care. They emphasized the importance of annual diabetes screening from the age of 30 for individuals with a family history of diabetes and from 35 years onward for everyone else, as the disease often remains symptomless in its early stages. Dr. Sunil Gupta encouraged patients to take "ownership" of their diabetes by maintaining target HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, a healthy diet, regular exercise, frequent glucose monitoring, diabetes education, and a positive mindset. He also highlighted the Legacy Phenomenon, explaining that achieving good glucose control soon after diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. Dr. Kavita Gupta focused on the practical aspects of diabetes nutrition and lifestyle management. She explained that while intermittent fasting may benefit some individuals with prediabetes or obesity, it should only be practiced under medical supervision, particularly by those taking insulin or sulfonylureas, due to the risk of hypoglycemia. She emphasized portion control, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, proteins, nuts, and dairy, while limiting sugars, excess salt, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. She also discussed dietary modifications for people living with diabetes alongside hypertension or thyroid disorders. The programme further highlighted the importance of regular monitoring of blood glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, and lipid levels, while emphasizing the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco on metabolic health. The central message was that informed self-care, early screening, personalized nutrition, regular monitoring, and sustained healthy lifestyle habits are the keys to preventing diabetes-related complications and living a long, healthy life with diabetes. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta Anchor- Pranjali Baviskar Podcast: 22/05/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

During the live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor” organized by the Diabetes Care Foundation of India, Dr. Sunil Gupta and Dr. Shlok Gupta discussed the growing burden of diabetes and the importance of early detection. They highlighted that nearly one in four adults may have either diabetes or prediabetes, making regular screening essential. The experts emphasized that diabetes often remains undiagnosed for several years because many individuals do not experience symptoms in the early stages. It was advised that everyone above 35 years of age, and those with a family history of diabetes from 30 years onward, to undergo annual blood sugar testing. The discussion explained the role of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, and oral glucose tolerance tests in diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes. Special situations such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, anemia, and pregnancy, where HbA1c may not be reliable, were also discussed. Dr. Shlok Gupta explained that very high blood sugar levels can temporarily exhaust insulin-producing beta cells, and short-term insulin therapy may help restore their function. The experts stressed the importance of individualized treatment, avoiding self-medication, preserving beta-cell function, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using modern technologies such as Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for better diabetes management. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Shlok Gupta Podcast: 11/05/2026 Anchor- Pranjali Baviskar Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

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

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

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

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