Hello Diabetes

Dr. Sunil Gupta

A series of diabetes awareness programs covering the prevention and management of Diabetes in Hindi & Marathi with the multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed, leading diabetologist of India - Dr. Sunil Gupta.

  1. 6D AGO

    Lifestyle Changes, Obesity, and Diabetes: Causes, Risks, and Prevention

    Dr. Sunil Gupta provided detailed guidance on diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and lifestyle-related health risks. He explained that diabetes management must be individualised, with treatment goals varying according to age, duration of diabetes, and associated conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. Modern diabetes medications, he noted, not only help control blood sugar but also offer protective benefits for vital organs. Dr. Gupta highlighted that rising obesity, reduced physical activity, excessive screen time, and rapid lifestyle changes have made Indians especially vulnerable to diabetes. He explained the role of insulin resistance, visceral (abdominal) fat, and genetic factors, stressing that waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are more important risk markers than body weight alone. The discussion also covered fasting and post-meal blood sugar patterns, dawn phenomenon, Somogyi effect, and the importance of correct insulin dosing. Emphasising prevention, Dr. Gupta stated that prediabetes can be reversed through lifestyle modification, including regular exercise, weight control, and healthy eating, often without medication. He concluded by describing diabetes as a lifestyle condition rather than a disease, urging people to focus on early testing, sustained lifestyle discipline, and long-term awareness to prevent complications. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Purva Kulkarni Podcast: 28/11/2025 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur Episode: 105

    28 min
  2. FEB 20

    World Diabetes Day 2025: Emphasise Prevention, Awareness, and Lifestyle Management

    The session featured Dr. Sunil Gupta and Dr. Kavita Gupta, who provided detailed guidance on diabetes awareness, prevention, and long-term management. Dr. Sunil Gupta explained the historical significance of the discovery of insulin by Frederick Banting and highlighted how insulin transformed the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes. He stressed that type 2 diabetes is largely a lifestyle-related condition and warned that India is facing an epidemic, with nearly one in four adults (above 18 years age) are affected by diabetes or prediabetes, so called dysglycemia. He emphasised early screening, weight control, regular exercise, stress management, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol to prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, retinopathy, kidney failure, and limb amputations. Dr. Sunil Gupta also discussed the concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, stating that many diabetes-related complications are preventable through timely intervention and awareness. He explained the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and recent advances aimed at delaying the onset of Type 1 diabetes. Responding to audience queries, Dr. Kavita Gupta highlighted the importance of balanced nutrition in children and adolescents, regular meal timing, reduced screen time, and physical activity. She explained early warning signs of diabetes in children while answering one query she advised to stop using sugar, jaggery, or honey, as they all raise blood glucose levels. The programme concluded with a strong message that diabetes can be prevented and controlled through disciplined lifestyle choices, awareness, and community support. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta Anchor- Purva Kulkarni Podcast: 14/11/2025 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur Episode: 104

    28 min
  3. FEB 12

    Can Obesity and Diabetes Affect Pregnancy

    Dr. Sunil Gupta spoke in detail about the growing link between obesity, diabetes, pregnancy-related risks, and modern lifestyle habits. He explained that obesity—particularly abdominal or visceral fat—is a major driver of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and other metabolic complications. Dr. Gupta expressed that Indians are especially vulnerable due to a tendency toward central obesity even at lower body weight, making early screening through BMI and waist circumference measurements essential. Dr. Gupta highlighted that unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, and high consumption of fast food and sugary beverages are key contributors to the rising burden of diabetes among children, adolescents, and young adults. He stressed that gestational diabetes and poor glucose control during pregnancy significantly increase the lifetime risk of diabetes for both the mother and the child. Breastfeeding, regular physical activity, post-delivery weight management, and long-term follow-up were emphasized as important protective measures. Addressing common myths, Dr. Gupta clarified that diabetes is not caused by sugar alone but by sustained excess calorie intake, insulin resistance, and genetic predisposition. He also strongly warned against tobacco use in any form, stating that it accelerates diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, and limb-threatening gangrene. The session concluded with a clear preventive message—eat less, walk more, sleep well, and smile (to reduce stress) Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Bhavana Lokhande Podcast: 23/01/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur Episode: 103

    28 min
  4. JAN 30

    Cold Weather & Low Sugar: Hidden Dangers of Diabetes

    Extreme cold exposure can have a significant impact on people with diabetes, especially those with long-standing disease and pre-existing vasculopathy. Dr. Gupta explained that vasoconstriction and vascular damage in people with diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral gangrene. He advised avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, maintaining body warmth, and seeking immediate medical care if warning symptoms appear. A major portion of the discussion centered on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dr. Gupta noted that blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, while levels below 54 mg/dL can cause significant symptoms. He highlighted common causes, including long gaps between meals, prolonged action of insulin or certain oral medications like sulfonylureas, kidney dysfunction, and the use of some painkillers or antibiotics. The concept of hypoglycemia unawareness, caused by autonomic neuropathy, was explained as a dangerous condition in which warning symptoms may be absent. Dr. Rakesh Parikh (Jaipur) added that wide glucose fluctuations and long duration of diabetes increase the risk of autonomic dysfunction. He emphasized the role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices in identifying unnoticed low-sugar episodes and preventing serious complications. He also reinforced the need for regular screening of target organs—eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and cholesterol—especially in people with long-standing diabetes. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Rakesh Parikh (Jaipur) Anchor- Swati Huddar Podcast: 09/01/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

    28 min
  5. JAN 23

    Diabetes Prevention should be our focus

    In this AIR-Vividhbharti live phone-in program, Dr. Sunil Gupta focused on the growing diabetes epidemic in India and emphasized the urgent need for early prevention and screening. He highlighted that diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed at a younger age due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, stress, and genetic predisposition. Dr. Gupta pointed out that diabetes often remains silent in its early stages and is frequently detected only after complications have developed. He advised regular screening after the age of 30–35 years, early recognition of warning symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and vision changes, along with strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to prevent long-term complications. He further clarified that diabetes “reversal” should be understood as remission, which can be achieved through sustained lifestyle modification, weight management, regular physical activity, and appropriate medical treatment. Dr. Kavita Gupta, a nutrition and lifestyle expert, addressed practical dietary strategies for diabetes prevention and control, particularly during festive and social occasions. She stressed that moderation, rather than deprivation, is the cornerstone of healthy eating. Dr. Kavita Gupta recommended beginning meals with fiber-rich foods such as salads and vegetables, followed by adequate protein intake then Carbohydrate to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Podcast- 26/12/2025 Anchor- Mrs. Kalyani Gokhale Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta

    27 min
  6. 12/31/2025

    Early Control of Blood Sugar, Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Is the Key to Prevent Diabetes Complications

    Dr. Sunil Gupta explained the complications of diabetes in simple and easily understandable language, highlighting the serious consequences of long-term uncontrolled blood sugar. He stated that persistent hyperglycaemia leads to microvascular complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, while major events like heart attack, stroke, and gangrene are associated with diseases of the large blood vessels. He described early symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including burning sensation, numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet, and urged patients not to ignore these warning signs. Dr. Gupta clearly emphasized that diabetes control cannot be achieved by medicines alone. He stressed the importance of regular monitoring of blood glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, and vitamin levels, along with avoiding wide fluctuations in blood sugar levels. He described insulin as the safest and most effective treatment for diabetes and cautioned that unnecessary delay in initiating insulin therapy can significantly increase the risk of complications. He also emphasized that before managing gangrene or planning surgery, strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with regular walking, quitting smoking and tobacco use, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, are extremely important to improve outcomes and prevent limb loss. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Mrs. Purva Kulkarni Podcast: 12/12/2025 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur     Episode:100

    29 min
  7. 12/31/2025

    Delaying Insulin Therapy Raises Risk of Diabetes Complications

    Dr. Sunil Gupta highlighted that insulin remains the most effective and life-saving treatment for diabetes, especially when oral medications fail. He explained that many people with Type 2 diabetes eventually require insulin, and delaying its initiation can lead to serious complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, heart disease and diabetic foot problems. Addressing common fears, he clarified that modern insulin pens are almost painless and newer insulin analogues closely mimic natural insulin action, significantly reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia, particularly at night. He stressed the importance of regular blood sugar monitoring, HbA1c testing and annual health check-ups after 30 years of age, noting that many individuals with diabetes may remain asymptomatic. He also drew attention to insulin-requiring diabetes in undernourished adults in India and the need for timely specialist referral. Kavita Gupta emphasized healthy dietary practices, explaining why whole fruits are better than fruit juices due to fiber and lower glycaemic index. She advised consuming low-GI foods and shared practical tips to prevent hypoglycaemia through timely meals and planned nutrition, especially for children, the elderly, and physically active individuals. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta Anchor- Mrs. Shraddha Bharadwaj Podcast: 10/05/2019 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur     Episode: 99

    28 min
  8. 12/31/2025

    November: A World Diabetes Awareness Month

    Dr. Sunil Gupta emphasized that World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14, marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin. Today, it is not limited to a single day but observed throughout November as a month of awareness activities. Among the elderly, diabetes often coexists with complications like high risk of hypoglycemia, associated neuropathy, and other health issues, making regular monitoring, proper medication, hydration, and adequate sleep is essential. Diabetic neuropathy, which causes tingling or numbness in the feet, results from nerve damage but can be reversible in the early stages through good sugar control, exercise and timely check-ups. While answering the query he advised that diabetes should not be hidden—informing friends or colleagues ensures timely help during a low-sugar episode. Insulin remains a lifeline for Type1 diabetes, and over time, many with Type 2 diabetes may also require it. Dr. Kavita Gupta highlighted that stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can raise blood sugar levels. Thus, making meditation, positive thinking, and balanced routines is vital. During festivals, healthier options such as fruit baskets or nuts can replace sweets. She added that people with prediabetes should begin focusing on diet, weight, and exercise now to help prevent a future diabetes epidemic. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta Anchor- Mrs. Kalyani Gokhale Podcast: 31/10/2025 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur     Episode: 98

    27 min

About

A series of diabetes awareness programs covering the prevention and management of Diabetes in Hindi & Marathi with the multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed, leading diabetologist of India - Dr. Sunil Gupta.