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. May 22

    Why Diabetes Needs Early Diagnosis and Prevention

    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

    29 min
  2. May 1

    Diabetes, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance

    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

    26 min
  3. Mar 20

    Diabetes and Neuropathy: Understanding Nerve Damage and Its Prevention

    During the live phone-in programme “Hello Doctor” on Akashvani, Dr. Sunil Gupta explained that diabetes can affect many organs of the body when blood sugar remains uncontrolled for a long time. One of the most common complications is diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which nerves are gradually damaged due to prolonged high blood glucose levels. This complication usually develops over several years and most often begins in the nerves of the feet and hands. Dr. Sunil Gupta stated that common symptoms of neuropathy include burning sensation, tingling, numbness, reduced sensation, and pain in the feet. Many patients may not notice minor injuries or wounds because of decreased sensitivity. Sometimes, even slippers may slip off while walking without the person realizing it. Due to this loss of sensation, the condition is often referred to as a “high-risk foot” situation. He further explained that if nerve damage is combined with poor blood circulation (neuro-ischemic foot), wound healing becomes slow and difficult. In severe cases, untreated wounds may lead to serious complications such as infection or gangrene, making it at high risk for amputation. Dr. Sunil Gupta also highlighted that diabetes affects both small blood vessels (microvascular disease) and large blood vessels (macrovascular disease), which can impact important organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet. He emphasized that maintaining proper blood sugar control, regular medical check-ups, foot care, and early detection of complications are essential for preventing long-term damage and improving quality of life for people living with diabetes. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Swati Huddar Podcast: 27/02/2026 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

    26 min
  4. Feb 27

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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

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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.